Lesson: How to Decrease (dec) in Double Crochet (dc2tog)
Learn how to decrease your double crochet stitches to taper your work!
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To "decrease" means to reduce the number of stitches in your row, so that your project can taper or decrease in size. To decrease in double crochet (dc2tog), you essentially connect half of a double crochet stitch with a full double crochet stitch next to it, leaving you with two double crochet stitches that come to a peak with one open stitch on top. If you know how to double crochet, you will find it easy to decrease your double crochet stitches!
Try this technique in our Granny Square Headband Pattern!
step one
Yarn over to begin, just like in double crochet.
step two
Insert your hook into the next open stitch.
step three
Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on your hook.
step four
Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will have two loops left on your hook.
step five
Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
step six
Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have four loops on your hook.
step seven
Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will now have three loops left on your hook.
step eight
Yarn over and pull through all three loops, leaving you with one loop on your hook. (See next photo)
step nine
And that's a decrease in double crochet! The result will be what looks like two double crochet stitches with one open stitch space above them.
Apply your new-found skill to create awesome things! Here’s a round-up of project inspiration.
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