If you’ve ever seen a pattern with the abbreviation “dec”, but didn’t know what it was for, then this is the post for you. ” dec” in crochet patterns stands for decrease. I clarify crochet because there is one for knitting as well. As far as I know there is no separate Uk term for this useful stitch. (if you know differently, let me know in the comments.)
I make a fair amount of crochet projects and one stitch I couldn’t live without is the invisible decrease, but the normal decrease is extremely useful as well. I did a post on How To Make An Invisible Crochet Decrease And Increase last year and I thought I’d do a tutorial on how to make a normal crochet decrease.
Supplies
- Worsted weight yarn
- I’m using Just Yarn Worsted in blue
- A G+/4.5mm hook*
*I used a larger hook size so you could see the stitches more clearly. You would want to use a smaller hook for an amigurumi project.
Abbreviations
US terms
- St = stitch
- Sc = Single crochet
Crochet Decrease
Put your hook under the loops of the next two sts you want to decrease in, then yarn over and pull your loop through both of the sts, next you will complete your sc as normal. That’s it!
This is useful for when you want your work to look the same on both sides.
Something to remember
This is a tutorial for the regular decrease. But, if you are interested in the invisible decrease then make sure you go to my tutorial on that, right here: How To Make An Invisible Crochet Decrease And Increase
The down side to this crochet decrease is that you may end up with this odd gap in your work if you don’t adjust your tension. I personally prefer the invisible version of the decrease for amigurumi patterns. But do what you prefer!
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