Decrease loops when crocheting. How to decrease loops when crocheting How to decrease loops when crocheting

Reducing stitches is used to reduce the size of the fabric. Today we will look at options for decreasing loops in a beret, in a circle, in an openwork pattern, amigurumi and single crochet. At the end of the article, video materials will be provided that will clearly show all these methods.

Decrease crochet loops in an openwork pattern

There are two options for decreasing loops.

  1. Knit 2 columns in one row, through the same number of them and through the rows of the pattern. We direct the hook to the bottom row in one loop, pick up the thread, pull it through the loop and leave it undone. We go to the next loop, pick up the thread and pull it through. We knit three loops together.
  2. We knit in the bottom row through one loop. When decreasing at the beginning of the row, we knit them in single crochet columns and then make a pattern. At the end of the row, we do not knit as many columns of the pattern as we reduced in the first rows.

Decrease stitches in a circle

  1. We pull the thread through the initial loop, pull the thread through it and as a result, two loops are knitted.
  2. Hook in the initial loops, then grab the thread and carefully pull it through three loops, in the end one decrease is knitted.


Decrease loops. Single crochet

Decrease one single crochet (2 SC)

  1. We make a chain of air loops, knit one row of STBN, one air. loop and knitting turn.
  2. We knit three SC for the indentation, to reduce the loops. In the next loop we pull out the thread. There are two loops left.
  3. In the next loop we pull out the thread. There are 3 loops left.
  4. We select the thread and pull it through 3 loops on the hook. Two STBNs are knitted together. One reduction has been made.

Decrease two single crochets (3 SC)

  1. We make a chain of air. loops and perform one row of STBN, perform one air loop and turn the work.
  2. In the next loop we pull the thread, two loops remain, and in the second loop we pull the thread. Three loops remain.
  3. In the third loop we pull out the thread. Four loops remain.

We pick it up and pull it through all the knitted loops. The decrease of two columns is ready. Three SCs are knitted together.


We knit a beret. Decreasing stitches in knitting a beret

Start work from the top of the head, this is most convenient.

  1. We make a ring of thread and tie it with eleven STBN. Pull the thread and tighten the ring.
  2. We connect everything with a column and close the ring.
  3. The third - from three air. lifting loops, two columns with one in all loops of the previous row.

At the end of all rows there is a connecting loop in a circle.

  1. In the third row there are three air. loops, * one column with one crochet in the next loop of the previous row.
  2. Two columns with one crochet in the next buttonhole of the previous link, that is, two columns with one crochet in one base. *Repetition from * to *.

At the end of all circular rows, all buttonholes are connecting.

  1. In the fourth row there are again three chain stitches, * a single double crochet in the next buttonhole of the previous link, one double crochet in the next buttonhole of the previous link, two double crochets in the next buttonhole of the previous link, that is, two double crochets in one yarn over into one base. * Repeat from * to *.

At the end of each row in a circle there is a connecting loop. Next, knitting continues to the desired size. Then we knit three rows with single crochet stitches without increasing.

  1. We decrease and divide all the stitches by fourteen. Approximately each part has eleven loops. We knit * nine double crochets, two double crochets next to each other * repeat from * to *. Next it is knitted according to the pattern. We knit four links using this method.
  2. At the last stage of work, we knit an elastic band from relief columns with one crochet - * one column with a crochet, located in front of the work, one column with a crochet, located behind the knitting *.

Decrease crochet stitches in amigurumi (toys)

To decrease loops in amigurumi, place the hook into the loop of the previous row, pick up the thread, pull it through the loop and, without knitting, leave it on the hook. Next, they begin to guide the hook into the next loop of the previous row, again pick up the thread and pull it through the loop. There are three loops on the hook.

We pick up the thread and pull it through all three loops on the hook at once. Thus, the number of loops in the row is reduced by one loop.

Decreasing stitches is used in knitting work according to size or shape, as well as for modeling fabric. The loops are also reduced to make various patterns or decorative elements in knitting. This action is simply necessary for any type of drawing.

These are the basic knitting skills that we described above. If you study them, you can easily knit various products, as well as funny toys.

Video on the topic of the article

We don't always crochet rectangular pieces - most often we have to crochet curved contours, especially when creating garments. Armholes, necklines, sleeves - everywhere we require lines of complex shapes.

Moreover, sometimes we need to crochet a voluminous product - for example, slippers, a hat, a toy, etc., where knitting in the round is used. In all these cases, we use techniques of adding and decreasing loops, achieving expansion or contraction of the knitting fabric.

Let's look at these techniques using the example of double crochet, which is used in crochet literature when a column of lifting loops at the beginning of a row is considered the 1st column of this row.

How to add crochet loops

Adding one stitch at the beginning of a row


Adding one stitch at the end of a row

Having knitted a double crochet into the last stitch of the row, in the same loop We knit another double crochet.

Adding one column in the middle of the row

Similar to the previous cases, in the right place we knit 2 stitches in one loop of the previous row. The loop is shown with a yellow circle.

To add loops within a row, do not knit more than 3 stitches from one base loop.

If in each row we add 1 double crochet at the beginning and at the end of the row, we will get the picture uniform extensions of crochet fabric.

Therefore, depending on the effect you want to get, you can choose one or another reduction method.

Designation of decreasing loops in diagrams looks like this (using the example of double crochets).

Let's summarize today's lesson. We have studied in detail how to correctly crochet increases and decreases when knitting in rows - along the edges and in the middle of the row. We saw what this looks like in crochet patterns. The techniques considered are valid for single crochets, and for stitches with 2 and 3 crochets.

Note that this method can be used when you need to add or subtract 1 or 2 columns at the same time.

If it is necessary to reduce or increase the knitting fabric by a larger number of loops, then apply, which we will study in the following lessons.

In the meantime, I advise you to practice well using the step-by-step instructions received today. You will succeed! Good luck!

Today we will learn about decreasing loops using a crochet hook, exploring methods and various applications of this technique.

Crocheting is a relatively young art. This technique was first mentioned in 1824 in a Dutch magazine.

At first, crochet hooks had a very primitive shape - a roughly curved needle with a cork handle. When the fashion for crocheting began to gain momentum among the nobility, hooks began to be made of silver, ivory or steel. Such tools were decorative in nature and drew more attention to the hands than to the work.

In the mid-19th century, Irish workers saved themselves from starvation by making custom lace. Ireland is considered the birthplace of crocheted lace.

Today this technique is becoming more popular year by year, the patterns are becoming more complex, and the work is original.

Every great job starts with the basics. We will need decreases and increases in loops when creating items of clothing (in sweaters and dresses), headdresses (in berets and hats), and toys (amigurumi are the most popular crocheted toys). Now we will learn how to decrease loops using examples with photo and video materials.

Let's look at the main ways to decrease stitches with crochet

Almost every crocheted project requires decreasing stitches. They are useful when creating necklines, cutouts, armholes and in openwork patterns.

There are several ways to decrease stitches. The choice depends on the product and knitting style.

In our text we will use the following abbreviations:

  • lifting air loop - v.p.p.
  • air loop - v.p.
  • connecting post - conn. Art.
  • single crochet - st. b/n
  • half double crochet - half double crochet. s/n.
  • double crochet - st. s/n.
  • double crochet stitch - st. s2,3,4/n.
Single decreases.

A very simple and most common method. To do this, you need to knit two loops into one. Decrements can be made in this way at the beginning, at the end and in the middle of knitting.

Now let’s practice the decreases described above. We will knit a sample of fabric that needs to be reduced by 3 loops. Let's start by decreasing the stitches at the beginning of the row:

  • we knit a chain of 18 chain stitches;
  • insert the hook into the fourth loop, knit st. s/n. We also do the same with each loop according to art. s/n;
  • we start decreasing from the second row, at the end we knit two vpp;
  • turn the knitting over and knit st. s/n. The decrease at the beginning of the row is ready.
  • we tie five tbsp. s/n;
  • in place of the decrease we knit two tbsp. s/n. together, then yarn over and return the hook to the loop of the previous row;
  • we hook the thread and create a new loop;
  • take the thread and knit two loops. After this, you should get an unknitted st. s/n;
  • Yarn over one more time and pull out a new loop from the next one;
  • we catch the thread and knit two loops;
  • we catch the thread and knit the last three loops in one move. As a result, we ended up with 2 unknitted stitches. s/n with a single top.

The decrease at the end of the row is done in the same way as in the middle. An example of using this method of reduction is shown in the photo below.

Smooth multiple decreases.

We work with the end and beginning of the row. Loops knitted in this way alternate from low to high stitches.

Let's look at the decreases using an example:

  • dial 30 vp;
  • We finish each row with one ch.p.p., turn the fabric over and knit one connecting stitch.
  • two tbsp. b/n;
  • two half-centuries b/n;
  • seventeen st. s/n;
  • to reduce the height of the row we knit two half stitches. s/n;
  • two tbsp. b/n;
  • We knit a half-stitch through the last loop. b/n;
  • 1 ch.p.p. and turn the work over.
  • We calculate the number of raised columns, based on their number we knit the connection. Art. (there are six of them);
  • By analogy with the second row, we slowly increase the height of the row. We knit two stitches. b/n;
  • 2 half tbsp. s/n, remaining art. s/n. We lower by analogy the third row.
Sharp multiple decreases.

We work with the end and beginning of the row. The diagram is shown below.

Let's look at the decreases at the beginning of the row:

  • dial 30 vp;
  • knit st. s/n from 4 loops. We also do the same with each loop according to art. s/n;
  • We finish each row with one ch.p.p., turn the fabric over and knit one connecting stitch. (one more than the shortened columns, there are four of them). So we made three decreases.

Let's look at the decreases at the end of the row:

  • three v.p.p;
  • one tbsp. s/n;
  • We knit st. to the end of the row. s/n. (without knitting the amount by which we need to reduce the fabric).

An example of using this method of reduction is shown in the photo below.

Decrease all around.

To decrease loops in a circle, you need to insert the hook into the outermost loop and pull the thread through. There should now be two loops on the hook. Then we repeat the first step - insert the hook into the loop and pull the thread through. As a result, there will be three loops on the hook. To complete one decrease, you need to pull the thread through all three loops.

Video materials on the topic of the article

After reading the description of different ways to decrease loops using a crochet hook, we suggest you consolidate and expand your knowledge by watching video tutorials on crocheting.

Today we will learn about decreasing loops using a crochet hook, exploring methods and various applications of this technique.

Crocheting is a relatively young art. This technique was first mentioned in 1824 in a Dutch magazine.

At first, crochet hooks had a very primitive shape - a roughly curved needle with a cork handle. When the fashion for crocheting began to gain momentum among the nobility, hooks began to be made of silver, ivory or steel. Such tools were decorative in nature and drew more attention to the hands than to the work.

In the mid-19th century, Irish workers saved themselves from starvation by making custom lace. Ireland is considered the birthplace of crocheted lace.

Today this technique is becoming more popular year by year, the patterns are becoming more complex, and the work is original.

Every great job starts with the basics. We will need decreases and increases in loops when creating items of clothing (in sweaters and dresses), headdresses (in berets and hats), and toys (amigurumi are the most popular crocheted toys). Now we will learn how to decrease loops using examples with photo and video materials.

Let's look at the main ways to decrease stitches with crochet

Almost every crocheted project requires decreasing stitches. They are useful when creating necklines, cutouts, armholes and in openwork patterns.

There are several ways to decrease stitches. The choice depends on the product and knitting style.

In our text we will use the following abbreviations:

  • lifting air loop - v.p.p.
  • air loop - v.p.
  • connecting post - conn. Art.
  • single crochet - st. b/n
  • half double crochet - half double crochet. s/n.
  • double crochet - st. s/n.
  • double crochet stitch - st. s2,3,4/n.
Single decreases.

A very simple and most common method. To do this, you need to knit two loops into one. Decrements can be made in this way at the beginning, at the end and in the middle of knitting.

Now let’s practice the decreases described above. We will knit a sample of fabric that needs to be reduced by 3 loops. Let's start by decreasing the stitches at the beginning of the row:

  • we knit a chain of 18 chain stitches;
  • insert the hook into the fourth loop, knit st. s/n. We also do the same with each loop according to art. s/n;
  • we start decreasing from the second row, at the end we knit two vpp;
  • turn the knitting over and knit st. s/n. The decrease at the beginning of the row is ready.
  • we tie five tbsp. s/n;
  • in place of the decrease we knit two tbsp. s/n. together, then yarn over and return the hook to the loop of the previous row;
  • we hook the thread and create a new loop;
  • take the thread and knit two loops. After this, you should get an unknitted st. s/n;
  • Yarn over one more time and pull out a new loop from the next one;
  • we catch the thread and knit two loops;
  • we catch the thread and knit the last three loops in one move. As a result, we ended up with 2 unknitted stitches. s/n with a single top.

The decrease at the end of the row is done in the same way as in the middle. An example of using this method of reduction is shown in the photo below.

Smooth multiple decreases.

We work with the end and beginning of the row. Loops knitted in this way alternate from low to high stitches.

Let's look at the decreases using an example:

  • dial 30 vp;
  • We finish each row with one ch.p.p., turn the fabric over and knit one connecting stitch.
  • two tbsp. b/n;
  • two half-centuries b/n;
  • seventeen st. s/n;
  • to reduce the height of the row we knit two half stitches. s/n;
  • two tbsp. b/n;
  • We knit a half-stitch through the last loop. b/n;
  • 1 ch.p.p. and turn the work over.
  • We calculate the number of raised columns, based on their number we knit the connection. Art. (there are six of them);
  • By analogy with the second row, we slowly increase the height of the row. We knit two stitches. b/n;
  • 2 half tbsp. s/n, remaining art. s/n. We lower by analogy the third row.
Sharp multiple decreases.

We work with the end and beginning of the row. The diagram is shown below.

Let's look at the decreases at the beginning of the row:

  • dial 30 vp;
  • knit st. s/n from 4 loops. We also do the same with each loop according to art. s/n;
  • We finish each row with one ch.p.p., turn the fabric over and knit one connecting stitch. (one more than the shortened columns, there are four of them). So we made three decreases.

Let's look at the decreases at the end of the row:

  • three v.p.p;
  • one tbsp. s/n;
  • We knit st. to the end of the row. s/n. (without knitting the amount by which we need to reduce the fabric).

An example of using this method of reduction is shown in the photo below.

Decrease all around.

To decrease loops in a circle, you need to insert the hook into the outermost loop and pull the thread through. There should now be two loops on the hook. Then we repeat the first step - insert the hook into the loop and pull the thread through. As a result, there will be three loops on the hook. To complete one decrease, you need to pull the thread through all three loops.

Video materials on the topic of the article

After reading the description of different ways to decrease loops using a crochet hook, we suggest you consolidate and expand your knowledge by watching video tutorials on crocheting.

How to decrease loops with crochet?

Agree, crocheted things look very beautiful. And if the craftswoman also makes the loops evenly, knits the pattern, combines colors, and beautifully trims the edges, then the product can generally be compared to a masterpiece of handicraft. Every fashionista wants to learn how to knit like this, especially since there will only be one such item. You can crochet a beautiful thing using only two types of loops - air, and double crochet and single crochet. Even rows of columns look classically even, ideal for vests, cardigans, ponchos and boleros. In order to knit such a thing, make a pattern from thick paper and start knitting strictly according to it. To knit various irregularities in a pattern - armholes, necklines, etc., you need to know how to decrease stitches with crochet.

The easiest way

The easiest way to decrease crochet stitches is to knit two stitches into one. Let's try. Knit ten chain stitches and knit a couple of rows with double crochets. Now at the beginning of the row we thread the hook into the first loop of the warp and pull out the loop. Then we don’t knit it, but slightly move it on the hook, immediately pick up the second warp loop and pull it out, now we knit these two resulting loops into one. It turned out that we had two loops, but we ended up with one.

Scheme for decreasing loops in the product

Let's look at how to decrease stitches correctly if you have a knitted piece and you need to make even cuts towards the middle. You need to decrease one loop at a time from the edges and one in the middle. If the fabric is quite wide, then in the middle you need to decrease not just one, but, for example, every fifth loop. If you need to decrease the loops sharply, according to the pattern of the part, then decrease from 2 to 4 loops along the edges, every third in the middle, and so on for 3-4 rows. It is not recommended to use this method if you are knitting a part of the product that will be in a visible place, because the loops do not look very straight. Only an experienced knitter can reduce the number of stitches in this way. By the way, you can decrease loops using this pattern not only by knitting 2 stitches and connecting them together. You can also knit a stitch not in each loop, but in the next one. You will get a small hole between the posts. If this technique is used through three loops to a fourth, at equal intervals, then it will become a beautiful decorative element.

Scheme with half columns

This method will allow you to complete your crochet work most beautifully. You can understand how to decrease stitches when you need to very sharply make a rounded edge if you study half-stitch knitting. This loop is very simple, you can quickly find a picture of how to do it on the Internet. So, let's assume that you have an edge of 20 loops and you need to bind them off in 2 rows. We knit 6 loops with a half-stitch, 8 loops with a double stitch and another 6 loops again with a half-stitch. Then we turn the product over, do not add any loops to the height, immediately knit 8 half-stitch loops, 6 single crochets, and again 8 half-stitches. Your edge is now rounded.

Stepped edge pattern

This method of decreasing crochet loops is used more to form a decorative edge. The pattern looks like steps. And it is done very simply. Knit 10 stitches with double crochets. Then knit 2 loops with a half-stitch, the rest with high double crochets, do not knit the last two at all. Turn the product, again make two half-stitches, the remaining loops with double crochets. So, gradually you knit all the steps until you have the last 2 loops left, secure the thread.

If you still don't understand how to decrease stitches, the video at the top of the article will probably help you.