How to Increase in Crochet (and Space Increases Evenly)
An increase is two stitches worked into one stitch. How to increase in single, half double and double crochet, at the ends of rows and in rounds, plus the simple formula for spacing any number of increases evenly.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 15 minutes
You'll need
- Hook and yarn
- Stitch markers
In this post
To increase in crochet, work two stitches into the same stitch. Patterns write it as "inc" or "2 sc in next st". Each increase adds one stitch. In rows, increases at the ends make the piece wider; in rounds, a fixed number per round keeps a circle flat (6 for single crochet). To spread increases evenly, divide the number of stitches by the number of increases.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
How to increase
- Work one stitch as normal into the next stitch.
- Work a second stitch into the same stitch — the same V you just used.
- Move on to the next stitch. The row now has one more stitch.
- Several in one stitch: "3 sc in next st" (common at corners) adds two stitches.
Spacing increases evenly
To add X stitches evenly over a row of N stitches: work N ÷ X stitches per repeat, the last of which is the increase.
| Row has | Add | Repeat | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 6 | (3 sc, inc) × 6 | 30 |
| 40 | 8 | (4 sc, inc) × 8 | 48 |
| 50 | 10 | (4 hdc, inc) × 10 | 60 |
| 30 | 4 | (6 sc, inc) × 4, 2 sc | 34 (leftover stitches at the end) |
In the table, "(3 sc, inc)" means 3 sc in the next 3 stitches, then 2 sc in the fourth: 4 stitches used, 5 made.
Where increases are used
- Circles and hats: see flat circle formula.
- Triangles and shawls: one increase at each end of each row — how to crochet a triangle.
- Amigurumi: balls and heads — amigurumi guide.
- Ovals: increases only at the ends — how to crochet an oval.
The opposite move: how to decrease.
Common questions
What does inc mean in crochet?
Increase: work two stitches into the same stitch, adding one stitch to the count.
How do I increase at the start of a row?
Work two stitches into the first stitch after the turning chain. For an increase at the end, work two into the last stitch.
Why are my increases making holes?
Tall stitches leave small gaps when doubled up. Use a smaller hook or increase in single crochet rows instead.
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