understanding an increase stitch

Understanding the Increase Stitch in Crochet

Hello, welcome fellow crochet enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into one of the fundamental techniques in the crochet world – the increase stitch. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced crocheter brushing up on the basics, this guide will walk you through the steps to master the increase stitch. Let's get started!

What is an Increase Stitch?

An increase stitch is simply the process of adding more stitches into your work to make it wider. This technique is essential for creating shapes, such as circles, ovals, and other patterns that require expansion. By increasing the number of stitches, you can give your crochet projects the desired shape and size.

Why Use an Increase Stitch?

Increases are used in various crochet projects, such as:

• Making flat shapes like circles and squares.

• Shaping garments and accessories.

• Creating amigurumi (crocheted stuffed toys).

• Expanding patterns to achieve specific dimensions.

How to Make an Increase Stitch

An increase stitch in crochet is often abbreviated as "inc" in patterns. It involves working two or more stitches into the same stitch from the previous row or round. Here, we'll focus on the most common type – the single crochet increase. Today, we are going to work on increasing the magic ring.

Round 1 of the Magic Ring

• Start with a magic ring.

• Work 6 single crochets into the magic ring. (Total stitches: 6)

Round 2 of the Magic Ring

Work 2 single crochets into each stitch around. This is called an increase stitch.

Steps for Round 2:

1. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the first stitch from Round 1.

2. Yarn Over: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 2 loops on your hook.

3. Complete Single Crochet: Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook. You have now completed 1 single crochet in the first stitch.

4. Repeat in Same Stitch: Insert your hook into the same stitch again, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, and pull through both loops. You have now completed a second single crochet in the same stitch. This completes the increase stitch.

5. Move to Next Stitch: Insert your hook into the next stitch and repeat the process of making 2 single crochets in that stitch.

6. Continue Around: Continue to work 2 single crochets in each stitch around until you reach the end of the round.

By the end of Round 2, you will have 12 stitches in total because you worked 2 single crochets into each of the 6 stitches from Round 1.

Round 3 of the Magic Ring

In Round 3, we will continue increasing the stitches to expand the circle further. This round will involve alternating between single crochets and increase stitches.

Steps for Round 3:

1. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the first stitch of Round 2.

2. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch.

3. Increase: In the next stitch, work 2 single crochets (this is your increase stitch).

4. Repeat Sequence: Continue the sequence around – 1 single crochet in the next stitch, 2 single crochets in the following stitch.

   • Insert hook into the next stitch and make 1 single crochet.

   • Insert hook into the next stitch and make 2 single crochets.

5. Continue Around: Repeat the sequence 1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in each stitch around until you reach the end of the round.

Round 4 of the Magic Ring

In Round 4, we will continue the pattern of increasing stitches to further expand the circle. This round will involve two single crochets followed by an increase stitch.

Steps for Round 4:

1. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the first stitch of Round 3.

2. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch.

3. Single Crochet: Work 1 single crochet in the next stitch.

4. Increase: In the next stitch, work 2 single crochets (this is your increase stitch).

5. Repeat Sequence: Continue the sequence around – 1 single crochet in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in the following stitch, 2 single crochets in the next stitch (increase).

   • Insert hook into the next stitch and make 1 single crochet.

   • Insert hook into the next stitch and make 1 single crochet.

   • Insert hook into the next stitch and make 2 single crochets.

6. Continue Around: Repeat the sequence 1 single crochet, 1 single crochet, 2 single crochets in each stitch around until you reach the end of the round.

Mastering the increase stitch is a vital skill for any crochet enthusiast. It allows you to shape your projects beautifully and accurately.

Happy crocheting!
-de B