How to Increase in Crochet: All Stitch Types Explained

Increasing is how crochet fabric grows. It's the technique that turns a flat circle into a hat crown, a narrow sleeve into a wide shoulder, and a simple rectangle into a shaped garment piece. An increase is simply working more than one stitch into the same stitch or space — usually two stitches where there would normally be one. That's the entire concept. But where you place those increases, how many you make, and how you execute them across different stitch types determines whether your fabric lies flat, curves smoothly, or ruffles unexpectedly.

Beginners often think of increases as something that happens only at the edges of rows. In reality, increases happen throughout fabric — at edges, yes, but also spaced evenly across rounds, clustered at specific points for shaping, and hidden within pattern repeats. This guide covers how to increase in every basic stitch, the difference between edge increases and spaced increases, and how to read increase instructions in patterns so you never accidentally add or lose stitches.

What an Increase Actually Is

An increase is exactly what it sounds like: you're increasing the total number of stitches in your row or round. You do this by placing two (or occasionally more) complete stitches into a single stitch from the previous row or round. Where there was one stitch below, there are now two stitches above. That additional stitch makes the fabric wider at that point.

In pattern shorthand, an increase is typically written as something like "2 sc in next st" (work two single crochet into the next stitch) or "inc" (increase — which by default means two single crochet in the next stitch when working in single crochet). The abbreviation varies by designer, but the concept is universal: two stitches into one.

Increases are not mistakes. When you accidentally work two stitches into one stitch because you lost count or misread your fabric, that's an accidental increase and it makes your stitch count wrong. When a pattern tells you to increase, it's intentional — the designer has calculated exactly how many stitches you need at each point to achieve the desired shape. Following increase instructions accurately is what makes your project match the pattern's dimensions.

How to Increase in Single Crochet

Single crochet increase is the most common increase and the one you'll encounter first as a beginner. It's worked exactly like a regular single crochet, but twice in the same stitch.

Step-by-step:

1. Identify the stitch where the increase should go. The pattern will tell you — "inc in next st" or "2 sc in next st."
2. Insert your hook into that stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop. You have two loops on your hook. Yarn over, pull through both loops. One single crochet is complete.
3. Insert your hook into the same stitch again. Yarn over, pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through both loops. Second single crochet is complete.
4. You now have two single crochet stitches sitting in the same stitch from the previous row.

The two stitches should look identical to each other and identical to the single crochet stitches around them. Don't make the second stitch tighter or looser than the first. Consistent tension within the increase keeps the fabric smooth.

How to count an increase: An increase counts as two stitches in your stitch count. If a pattern says "sc in next 3 sts, inc" and you repeat that sequence around, each repeat uses 4 stitches from the previous round (3 regular + 1 that receives the increase) and produces 5 stitches in the current round (3 regular + 2 from the increase). Your stitch count increases by 1 per increase worked.

How to Increase in Half Double Crochet

Half double crochet increases follow the same principle: work two half double crochet stitches into the same stitch.

Step-by-step:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into the designated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Three loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through all three loops. First half double crochet complete.
2. Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Three loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through all three loops. Second half double crochet complete.

Half double crochet increases are slightly bulkier than single crochet increases because the stitch itself is taller. In fabric with many half double crochet increases clustered together, you may see a slight bump or ridge. This is normal and usually disappears with blocking.

How to Increase in Double Crochet

Double crochet increases are used extensively in hat crowns, circular shawls, and garment shaping.

Step-by-step:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into the designated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Three loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops. Two loops remain. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. First double crochet complete.
2. Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop. Three loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops. Two loops remain. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops. Second double crochet complete.

Double crochet increases can create small gaps between the two stitches because the stitches are tall and the shared base is relatively narrow. This is more noticeable with loose tension or slick yarn. To minimize gapping, keep your tension consistent and don't pull the first stitch of the increase away from the second.

How to Increase at the Edges of Rows

In flat projects worked in rows, increases at the edges shape the fabric — making it wider for sleeves, A-line garments, or decorative flares.

At the beginning of a row:

1. Chain your turning chain as normal.
2. Work the first stitch of the row into the first stitch (or skip it if the turning chain counts — follow your pattern).
3. To increase, work an extra stitch into that same first stitch. You now have two stitches occupying the first stitch position.
4. Continue across the row as normal.

At the end of a row:

1. Work across the row normally until you reach the last stitch.
2. Work the required stitch into the last stitch as usual.
3. Work a second stitch into that same last stitch. You've increased by one at the edge.
4. You can also work multiple increases into the last stitch if the pattern calls for it.

Edge increases create a stepped or flared edge depending on how many rows you increase. Consistent increases on every row create a gradual slant. Increases on every other row create a more gradual flare. The pattern will specify the increase frequency.

Spaced Increases in Rounds: The Mathematics of Flat Circles

When working in rounds, increases must be spaced evenly to keep the fabric flat. This is the mathematical foundation of circular crochet. Understanding the logic helps you follow patterns and spot errors.

The basic rule for flat circles in single crochet: Increase by 6 stitches per round. Round 1 has 6 stitches. Round 2 has 12 (increase in every stitch). Round 3 has 18 (increase every other stitch). Round 4 has 24 (increase every third stitch). The spacing between increases grows by one stitch each round.

How this looks in a pattern:

• Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring. (6 sts)
• Round 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
• Round 3: (Sc in next st, inc) × 6. (18 sts)
• Round 4: (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) × 6. (24 sts)
• Round 5: (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) × 6. (30 sts)

The number in parentheses tells you the repeat sequence. "Sc in next 3 sts, inc" means work one single crochet in each of the next three stitches, then work an increase (two single crochet) in the fourth stitch. Repeat that five-stitch pattern six times around.

Why spacing matters: If increases are clustered together rather than spaced evenly, the fabric will ruffle at the increase points and be tight between them. Even spacing distributes the added stitches smoothly around the circle.

For other stitch types: The increase rate changes. Half double crochet flat circles typically increase by 8 stitches per round. Double crochet flat circles typically increase by 12 stitches per round. The taller the stitch, the more increases needed per round to keep the circle flat. Follow your pattern's specific numbers.

The Invisible Increase for Amigurumi

Standard increases in single crochet create a small gap between the two stitches because both stitches share the same base. In amigurumi, where stitches are worked tightly and examined closely, these tiny gaps can be visible. The invisible increase technique minimizes this.

How to work an invisible increase in single crochet:

1. Insert your hook into the front loop only of the designated stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop. Two loops on hook.
2. Instead of completing the stitch, insert your hook into both loops of the same stitch. Yarn over, pull up a loop. Three loops on hook.
3. Yarn over, pull through all three loops.

This technique creates an increase where the two stitches appear to blend together rather than sitting as distinct neighbors with a gap. It's optional — standard increases work fine for most amigurumi — but it produces a cleaner surface on toys that will be closely examined.

How to Read Increase Instructions in Patterns

Patterns use several formats to describe increases. Recognizing them all prevents confusion when you switch between designers.

Common increase notations:

• "2 sc in next st" — work two single crochet into the next stitch.
• "Inc" or "inc" — increase (work two of the current stitch type into the next stitch).
• "(Sc in next 4 sts, inc) × 6" — repeat the sequence inside the parentheses six times.
• "*Sc in next 4 sts, inc; rep from * around" — same as above, using asterisks instead of parentheses.
• "[Sc 4, inc] 6 times" — same concept, brackets format.

After an increase round, the pattern will give the new stitch count in parentheses: "(30 sts)." Always check that your actual count matches this number. If you're off, you missed an increase or worked an extra one.

Common Increase Mistakes and How to Fix Them

"My circle is ruffling (edges wavy)."

Too many increases per round. You may be accidentally adding increases where they don't belong, or the pattern's increase spacing doesn't match your tension. Count your stitches against the pattern. If your count is correct but the circle still ruffles, your tension may be looser than the designer's — try a smaller hook.

"My circle is cupping (edges curling up like a bowl)."

Too few increases per round. You're missing increases, or your tension is tighter than the designer's. Count your stitches. If the count is low, you've missed increases. If the count is correct and the circle still cups, try a larger hook.

"I can't tell where to place my increases."

Use stitch markers. Place a marker in the first stitch after each increase. On the next round, when the pattern says to work a certain number of stitches before the next increase, the markers from the previous round show you where the increases were — which helps you space the new increases evenly between them.

For projects that use increases extensively, the free crochet circle pattern provides excellent practice with evenly spaced increases. The free crochet patterns for beginners collection includes circular projects that reinforce increase skills.