How To Crochet An Increase – Video Tutorial For Beginners
Learn how to add shape to your crochet projects! Whether crafting hats, amigurumi, or garments, understanding how to crochet an increase is fundamental. This article will tell you everything about this shaping technique.
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What is a crochet increase
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a doily or mug coaster, increasing is the key to all round-shaped projects. It’s a shaping technique that you use to expand the size of your crochet work. How is it so? By adding extra stitches.
A crochet increase involves making more than one stitch into the same stitch from the previous row. This method is simple but essential for shaping and expanding various crochet projects. A single crochet increase is the most basic form of increasing.
What is the purpose of increasing in crochet
In crochet, adding increases serves to expand the fabric. By increasing, you allow the fabric to grow evenly and maintain a smooth, flat appearance without pulling or puckering. That’s why you can’t do without it when making pieces like hats, circular blankets, or some garments.
Can I use a crochet increase in combination with other crochet stitches?
The cool thing about increases is that you can combine them with other crochet stitches. This flexibility makes it possible to create complex textures and shapes. Try combining increases with double crochets, half-double crochets, or even slip stitches.
Can I use a single crochet increase in any crochet project?
While you can use crochet increases in many ways, they will work best for specific types of crochet projects.
Shaped Items: increases are ideal for things that require shaping, such as hats, mittens, and amigurumi.
Expanding Projects: Use crochet increases anywhere you need to develop the size. For example, when making skirts or circular rugs. By doing so your pieces will grow even and maintain their form.
Limited Use: While you can technically use increases in any project, they are not always necessary. Items like straight scarves or rectangular blankets, where the width remains constant, usually don’t need any increasing.
How do I know when to use single crochet increase in my project?
Go for single crochet increases as given by your pattern. You will need them when expanding the circumference of round items or the width of triangular pieces. If you’re working without a pattern, you will know that your piece needs some increasing when it starts to pull or curl. This will indicate the need for more space.
How do I increase in single crochet
Learn how to increase in single crochet with a helpful video tutorial by Kate from Crochetpedia. It will allow you to see the technique in action.
What Are Some creative ways to Use crochet increase
Here are some clever ideas to use single crochet increases in your crochet projects.
Ruffled Edges: Increase along the edges of your project to create charming ruffles. They will add a playful touch to your dresses, skirts, or blouses.
Flared Sleeves: Add flair to garments like sweaters or cardigans by adding increases at the cuff. It will create a gentle flare, giving your sleeves a stylish and flattering silhouette.
Triangular Shawls: Craft an elegant accessory by starting with a small number of stitches at the center. Then you can progressively increase on each row. What you will get is a beautifully shaped shawl that drapes gracefully over the shoulders.
Textured Borders: Improve the visual appeal of blankets or scarves by adding a decorative border with single crochet increases.
Scalloped Edges: Add increases along the edge of your work to create a delicate scalloped border.
Explore these creative ideas and spice up your crochet projects with unique textures, shapes, and decorative elements.
common mistakes to avoid
There is nothing more frustrating than a mistake that can distort the shape of your project. Watch out for these six common mistakes made by beginners when increasing in single crochet.
- Not Counting Stitches – forgetting to count your stitches can lead to uneven increases or an incorrect total stitch count.
- Increasing Too Frequently – this can cause the fabric to ruffle or become wavy.
- Placing Increases Incorrectly – increases done in the wrong spots can lead to projects with a distorted shape.
- Using Incorrect Tension – too tight or too loose tension can make increases noticeable and disrupt the fabric’s integrity.
Keep these common mistakes in mind to achieve a more professional look for your crochet projects.
FAQ
What is the difference between a single crochet increase and a regular single crochet stitch?
Remember, a single crochet increase adds stitches to your work, while a regular single crochet does not.
What are some tips for achieving a smooth and even increase in single crochet?
Use stitch markers to denote where to add increases to keep the stitches evenly spaced. Also, try to work your increases into different stitches in each row. This helps avoid forming ridges or seams, which can disrupt the smoothness of your fabric.
Are there any special techniques for left-handed crocheters when increasing in single crochet?
Left-handed crocheters can follow the same instructions as right-handed crocheters but mirrored. This means that you should reverse any directional instructions. For instance, if a pattern says to increase at the end of a row, left-handers should consider increasing at the start.
Can I use a single crochet increase to create different shapes in my crochet project?
You can place crochet increases to create various shapes such as circles, triangles, or even complex figures like stars. Increasing in specific segments of your project allows you to manipulate the fabric into different dimensions and shapes.
Are there any alternative methods for increasing in single crochet?
Alternative methods include making a chain stitch at the spot where you need to add an increase. Then, crocheting into it on the next row. Another option is to use the “invisible increase”. This technique works well for amigurumi and make the increases less noticeable.
How do I read a crochet pattern that includes single crochet increases?
Reading a crochet pattern with increases involves looking for specific terms like “inc” for increase. You should also pay attention to instructions like “2 sc in next st”. It means to make two single crochet stitches into the next stitch. Patterns will guide you on where and when to make increases.
How do I fix a mistake when increasing in single crochet?
To fix a mistake made during increasing in single crochet, you can unravel your work back to the point of the error. Correct the increase and then continue crocheting as per the pattern or desired design.
How difficult is it to learn single crochet increase?
Generally, learning to increase in single crochet is easy. It’s one of the basic skills a crocheter should master early on. With practice, it becomes a natural part of the crochet process.
Can I use single crochet increase to create a seamless look in my crochet project?
To achieve a seamless look with single crochet increases make sure that you space them evenly. Another way is to go for techniques that make the increases less noticeable. Try using the invisible increase or working increases into the back loops only and see the difference.
