Introduction
短针2针并1针 is the most fundamental and commonly used decrease technique in crochet. Its purpose is to combine two adjacent stitches into one, thereby reducing the total stitch count and achieving effects like narrowing and shaping.
In English patterns, this stitch is typically abbreviated as sc2tog (Single Crochet 2 Together) or dec (decrease). In chart diagrams, it's often represented by an inverted V-shape or a single crochet symbol with a diagonal slash.
Decreasing is one of the core techniques in crochet. Mastering it allows you to create various shaped projects:
- Narrowing: Such as the top of hats, bottom of bags
- Shaping: Such as doll heads, armholes of garments
- Decoration: Creating openwork pattern effects
Tools Needed
Before you begin practicing, prepare the following tools:
- Crochet hook: Beginners are recommended to use a 3.0mm or 3.5mm hook
- Yarn: Choose medium-weight cotton or wool yarn in a bright color for easy stitch visibility
- Scissors: For cutting yarn
Practice Tip
We recommend mastering the basic before learning decrease techniques. Practicing decreases on rows of single crochet that you've already made will help you better understand the stitch structure.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Step 1
Insert hook into the first chain, yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert hook into the next chain the same way, yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have three loops on your hook.
2Step 2
Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook at once as shown by the arrow. This is the key step that merges two stitches into one.
3Step 3
Single crochet 2 together is complete. Two stitches have become one, creating a decrease of one stitch. You can see the edge of the fabric slants inward by one stitch.
How Decreasing Works
Understanding the principle of decreasing helps you better master this technique:
- Normal single crochet: Each completed stitch maintains the fabric width
- Decrease operation: Two stitches are combined into one, reducing the fabric width by one stitch
- Visual effect: The decrease creates a slight slant, with adjacent stitches gathering toward the center
Tips
Maintain Even Tension
When decreasing, it's easy to crochet too tightly, causing the edge to dip. We recommend slightly loosening your tension when pulling through all three loops, keeping the decreased stitch at the same tightness as the surrounding stitches.
Decrease Placement
The placement of decreases affects the shape of your work. Symmetrical decreases (such as one at each end of every row) create even slanted edges; concentrated decreases (such as multiple consecutive decreases) create a more pronounced gathering effect.
Invisible Decrease
If you want your decreases to be more invisible, try the "invisible decrease" technique: pick up only the front loop of each stitch instead of the whole stitch, making the decrease less noticeable.
Common Mistakes
What if the decrease is too tight?
This is the most common problem. When decreasing, you need to pull through three loops at once, and many people unconsciously pull the yarn too tight. Solution: After yarning over but before pulling through, slightly loosen the loops to ensure all three are the same size, then pull through slowly and steadily.
What if stitches slant after decreasing?
Adjacent stitches may slant toward the decrease after decreasing. Solution: Check that you've inserted your hook in the correct position, making sure it goes fully into the center of the stitch, not the edge. Also, maintain even tension on the stitch following the decrease.
What if I keep miscounting stitches?
Decreases reduce the stitch count, making it easy to miscount. We recommend counting all stitches from the beginning after completing each row. If a pattern says "decrease 2 stitches per row," it means you need to do 2 "2 together" operations.
Related Stitches
After mastering single crochet 2 together, you can continue learning these related stitches:
- : The foundation stitch, essential for decrease operations
- : A stronger decrease effect, reducing two stitches at once
- : Decrease technique for double crochet stitches
Practice Suggestions
Beginners should practice in the following order:
- First, chain a foundation row (about 15-20 stitches)
- Crochet 3-4 rows of normal single crochet to familiarize yourself with stitch structure
- On a new row, do one decrease at each end
- Repeat until the decrease operation becomes smooth and natural
- Try decreasing in the middle of the row to experience different placement effects
Decreasing is a key technique for crochet shaping. Mastering it allows you to crochet hats, dolls, garments, and various projects that require narrowing. Keep practicing and enjoy the craft!