Introduction
短针3针并1针 is one of the important decreasing techniques in crochet. By combining 3 adjacent single crochet stitches into 1 stitch, it reduces the stitch count by 2. This is a foundational skill for creating various shapes and patterns.
In English, this technique is called Decrease or Dec. In diagrams, it's usually represented by a "^" shape symbol or stitches marked with numbers. The abbreviation for single crochet 3 together is sc3tog or sc dec over 3 sts, meaning "combine 3 single crochet stitches into 1".
Main uses of decreases:
- Shaping: Creating slanted edges, closures, and curved shapes
- Reducing area: Making the work contract from outside to inside
- Creating patterns: Making decorative designs through varied decrease placements
The principle of single crochet 3 together is: combining 3 adjacent single crochet stitches through incomplete methods, ultimately merging them into 1 stitch at once. This transforms 3 stitch positions into 1, reducing the stitch count by 2.
Materials Needed
Before practicing, prepare these tools:
- Crochet hook: Beginners should use a 3.0mm or 3.5mm hook
- Yarn: Choose medium-weight cotton or wool yarn in a bright color to easily see the stitches
- Scissors: For cutting the yarn
Practice Suggestions
When first learning decreases, use thicker yarn and a larger hook for clearer, more visible stitches. Once comfortable, switch to standard-weight materials.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Step 1
Insert the hook into the chain stitch, yarn over and pull through. Following the arrow, insert the hook into the next chain stitch, yarn over and pull through. At this point, you have two incomplete loops on the hook.
2Step 2
Following the arrow, insert the hook into the next chain stitch and pull through. At this point, you have three incomplete loops on the hook, forming three incomplete single crochet stitches.
3Step 3
Yarn over, then following the arrow, pull through all four loops at once (the three incomplete stitch loops plus the new yarn over). This is the key step for the decrease, requiring you to pull the hook through all loops on the hook at once.
4Step 4
You have completed single crochet 3 together. You can see that the original three stitch positions have become one, resulting in an overall decrease of 2 stitches.
Tips
Finding the Adjacent Three Stitches
The key to decreasing is ensuring all three single crochet stitches are adjacent. Pay attention to position when inserting the hook-don't skip the middle stitch. If the three stitches aren't adjacent, it will affect the shape and stitch count of your work.
Keeping Loops Relaxed
During the process of inserting into three consecutive stitches, the loops on the hook will increase. Pay attention to keeping each loop relaxed to avoid loops that are too tight, making it difficult to pull through all at once at the end.
Counting to Confirm
After completing the decrease, count at that position: from the bottom of the original three stitch positions, you should see only one complete single crochet top (one V shape). This indicates a successful decrease.
Common Mistakes
The loops are too tight when pulling through all at once. What should I do?
This is the most common problem for beginners. Solution: When inserting into each stitch, appropriately relax the loops-don't pull too tight. Also, you can practice with a slightly larger hook, then switch back to normal size once proficient.
The work is deformed after decreasing. What should I do?
Decreasing creates a slightly raised point, which is normal. If the deformation is obvious, it may be due to incorrect decrease position or uneven tension. Solution: Ensure all three stitches are adjacent and maintain even tension when pulling through.
I forgot which stitch I decreased at. What should I do?
In complex patterns, decrease positions can be confusing. Solution: Use stitch markers to mark decrease positions, or write down notes after completing each row. Developing a counting habit is also important.
Recognizing Decrease Symbols
In patterns, single crochet 3 together is usually represented in several ways:
- Text notation: sc3tog, sc dec over 3 sts, dec 2 sts
- Diagram symbols: Three stitch bases converging into one top point, forming a "^" shape
- Illustration method: Converging lines showing three stitches merging into one
Related Stitches
After mastering single crochet 3 together, you can continue learning:
- : The foundation stitch for decreases-you need to master single crochet first
- Single Crochet 2 Together: Combining 2 adjacent stitches into 1, achieving a decrease of 1 stitch
Practice Suggestions
Beginners should practice in this order:
- Basic practice: First chain a row as foundation, then try a decrease every few stitches
- Pattern practice: Practice the pattern "sc3tog, skip 3, sc3tog, skip 3"
- Application practice: Try simple closing projects like the top of hats or the closing sections of amigurumi
Decreasing is a core skill for crochet shaping-once you master single crochet 3 together, you can create more interesting 3D projects!