The Increase-Decrease stitch is a fun variation on a simple sc, dc fabric. Scroll down for ideas on how to use this stitch, along with the step-by-step plain crochet stitch pattern.
No time right now? Pin this Increase-Decrease crochet blanket stitch pattern for later!
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What to make with the Increase-Decrease Crochet Stitch
The Increase-Decrease crochet stitch is a simple hearty pattern that can be used anywhere from the main stitch on a garment to blankets, accessories, and more. The linear design will give a discrete yet eye-catching look to any project.
It has the big advantage to be pretty on both sides.
Right side Wrong side
Crochet Stitch Bundle
This easy crochet stitch is part of the Spring Stitch CAL (crochet along). Join the fun and discover all-new crochet stitches here.
All stitch tutorials are available on our blogs but if you want a printable PDF version for easy recording and to take notes etc. You can grab the bundle with all 30 stitches here.
Sometimes it’s just easier to have a stitch dictionary on hand when you’re deciding on your next project rather than having to search online and remember where you saved that stitch you want to use.
Before You Start
Materials
- 5.5 mm / US I– 9 hook.
- Worsted weight yarn. I used WeCrochet Swish, it has an amazing stitch definition which really helps when learning new stitches.
- Tapestry needle to weave in the ends. I love this set as it has different eye sizes for different yarn thicknesses and it comes in a small tube which is very convenient so I don’t lose them.
Size
The pattern is written for a 15cm by 15cm / 6” by 6” square.
Stitch Multiple
The pattern doesn’t need a stitch multiple.
Gauge
The gauge for this pattern is 20 st by 15.5 rows in stitch pattern for a 10 cm by 10 cm square (4” by 4”). Confused on how to make or measure gauge? Check out my detailed post all about crochet gauge.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses US notations.
- st = stitch
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- yo = yarn over
- dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
Notes
Work instructions between [ ] the indicated number of times or until the end of the row.
The final number of stitches is indicated at the end of the row between < >.
The turning ch 1, ch 2, ch 3 don’t count as a stitch throughout the pattern except if mentioned otherwise.
Stitches above a ch-1 space are worked in the ch-1 space.
The pattern is written in crochet shorthand. For example:
- “sc 1” means to single crochet in the next stitch,
- “sc 2” means to single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches,
- and “2 sc” means to single crochet twice in the next st.
All pictures show left-handed crochet. All stitches are symmetrical and can be worked by both right- and left-handed crocheters.
Tips and Tricks
To avoid having too many ends to weave in, weave in your ends while you work by working the first few stitches of a row over the yarn end of the previous row.
The Increase-Decrease Plain Crochet Stitch Pattern
With your 5.5mm / US I- 9 hook, ch 20 + 1,
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from the hook, sc across, turn.Row 2: Ch 2, dc, [yo, insert hook in previous st used, pull up a loop, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, insert hook in current st, yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through all 3 loops on the hook] until end of the row, turn.
Note: This stitch is the same as a dc2tog but using the same st as the previous st used and the next available st.Row 3: Ch 1, sc across, turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you reach 15 cm / 6″ finishing on a Row 3.
Blocking
When you’re done with the crocheting part, make sure to weave in all the ends.
To make your stitch pattern even prettier and help straighten your edges block your project lightly.
Don’t skip this step as it can make a huge difference. Read my detailed tutorial on why block, how-to, and all my tips and tricks if you need help.
