A single crochet increase is a basic crochet technique that allows you to add stitches and expand your project.
To make one, work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch instead of placing one stitch in each space. This adds one stitch to your total count and helps shape flat circles, hats, bags, baskets, and amigurumi toys.
Although the technique is simple, knowing exactly where to insert your hook for the second stitch is important.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a standard single crochet increase, try an invisible increase for stuffed toys, understand common pattern abbreviations, and space increases evenly to create smooth, round shapes.
When I first practiced single crochet increases, I found it easier to work with light-colored yarn because I could see the original stitch openings more clearly.
Note: All instructions in this guide use US crochet terminology.
- What Is a Single Crochet Increase?
- What Does sc inc Mean in a Crochet Pattern?
- How to Make a Standard Single Crochet Increase
- How to Make an Invisible Single Crochet Increase
- How to Space Single Crochet Increases in a Round
- Common Single Crochet Increase Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is a Single Crochet Increase?
A single crochet increase (abbreviated as sc inc) is a technique in which you work two single crochet stitches into the same base stitch. Instead of using two separate foundation stitches, both new stitches share one original stitch.
This technique increases your total stitch count by one. For example, if you start with 10 stitches and make one increase, you finish with 11 stitches.
Single crochet increases are commonly used to:
- Expand flat crochet circles and coaster patterns.
- Shape the crowns of hats and the edges of baskets.
- Create rounded sections of amigurumi toys.
- Add width to crochet rows and other shaped projects.
- Build curved edges and three-dimensional crochet pieces.
What Does sc inc Mean in a Crochet Pattern?
The abbreviation sc inc tells you to work two single crochet stitches into the next stitch. You may also encounter several alternative notations that describe the same action.
| Pattern notation | Meaning |
|---|---|
sc inc | Work two single crochets into one stitch. |
inc | Make an increase using the stitch specified in the pattern. |
2 sc in next st | Work two single crochets into the next stitch. |
sc2 in 1 | Work two single crochets into one stitch. |
sc 2 X in next st | Work two single crochets into the next stitch. |
For example, consider this instruction:
*sc 2, inc; rep from * around (24)
It means:
- Work one single crochet into each of the next two stitches.
- Work two single crochet stitches into the following stitch.
- Repeat this sequence around the entire round.
- You should finish with 24 stitches.
The number in parentheses indicates the expected stitch count at the end of the round.
US vs. UK Crochet Terminology
Before following an international crochet pattern, check whether it uses US or UK terminology. The names of basic stitches differ between the two systems.
| US terminology | UK terminology |
|---|---|
| Single crochet (sc) | Double crochet (dc) |
| Single crochet increase (sc inc) | Double crochet increase (dc inc) |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Half treble crochet (htr) |
| Double crochet (dc) | Treble crochet (tr) |
A US single crochet increase is physically the same as a UK double crochet increase. Both instructions require you to work two stitches into the same base stitch.
How to Make a Standard Single Crochet Increase
You don’t need special tools to make a single crochet increase. If you already know how to make a basic single crochet stitch, you can learn this technique with a little practice.
Materials You Need
Gather the following supplies:
- Medium-weight yarn, such as worsted-weight acrylic or cotton.
- A crochet hook that matches your yarn, typically around 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm for the suggested practice setup.
- Scissors.
- A locking stitch marker, if you’re working in rounds.
Smooth, light-colored yarn is especially helpful for beginners because it makes individual stitches and foundation holes easier to see.
Step-by-Step Single Crochet Increase Tutorial
Follow these four steps to complete a standard single crochet increase.
Step 1: Insert Your Hook Into the Next Stitch
Locate the stitch where your pattern calls for an increase. Look for the two top loops that form a small V shape. Insert your hook underneath both loops, from front to back.
Step 2: Make the First Single Crochet
Yarn over and pull the yarn through the stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over again and pull through both loops. Your first single crochet is complete.
Step 3: Insert Your Hook Into the Same Stitch Again
This is the most important part of the increase.
Look at the base of the single crochet you just made. Reinsert your hook into the exact same foundation hole where the first stitch was worked.
Do not move to the next stitch. Both single crochets must share the same base stitch.
Step 4: Complete the Second Single Crochet
Yarn over and pull up a loop through the same foundation hole. You will have two loops on your hook.
Yarn over once more and pull through both loops.
You have now completed one single crochet increase.
When you look at your work, you should see two separate stitch tops emerging from one original stitch.
How to Find the Same Base Hole for the Second Stitch
Beginners sometimes struggle to identify the correct opening after completing the first single crochet. This is especially common when working with dark, fuzzy, or tightly crocheted yarn.
Try the tugging method:
- Hold your crochet fabric securely near the working area.
- Keep your hook and active loop in position.
- Gently wiggle or pull the working loop upward.
- Watch the openings around the stitch base.
- Identify the hole that moves or changes size as you tug.
I found that gently lifting the working loop helped me spot the original foundation hole, especially when my stitches were worked tightly.
The opening that responds to the movement is the foundation hole you used for the first stitch. Insert your hook into that same opening to complete the increase.
How to Make an Invisible Single Crochet Increase
A standard increase is suitable for many crochet projects, but it can leave small gaps in tightly worked fabric. These gaps may become noticeable when you stuff an amigurumi toy with fiberfill.
An invisible single crochet increase is an alternative technique that helps create a neater, tighter appearance.
Standard vs. Invisible Single Crochet Increase
The main difference is how you insert your hook into the first stitch.
| Feature | Standard increase | Invisible increase |
|---|---|---|
| First stitch | Both top loops | Back loop only |
| Second stitch | Both top loops | Both top loops |
| Appearance | More visible stitch pair | Less noticeable increase |
| Best for | Flat crochet and general shaping | Amigurumi and stuffed toys |
Step-by-Step Invisible Increase
Step 1: Work Into the Back Loop Only
Find the next stitch and identify its two top loops. Insert your hook under the back loop only (BLO), which is the loop farther away from you.
Complete one regular single crochet in that loop.
Step 2: Work Into Both Loops of the Same Stitch
Without moving to the next foundation stitch, insert your hook underneath both the front and back loops of the same stitch.
Complete another single crochet.
Step 3: Check Your Increase
Look at the finished stitch pair. The two stitches should sit closer together, creating a less noticeable increase than the standard method.
This technique can help reduce gaps through which stuffing might otherwise become visible. However, consistent tension and an appropriately tight stitch pattern are also important for keeping amigurumi fabric closed.
When I compared standard and invisible increases on a small amigurumi sample, I noticed that the invisible method made the increase points less noticeable.
How to Space Single Crochet Increases in a Round
When crocheting in the round, increases must be distributed evenly to create a balanced shape. If you place them too close together, your fabric may become wavy. If you don’t add enough stitches, the fabric may curl or form a bowl.
A common approach for flat single crochet circles is to begin with six stitches in a magic ring and add six increases in each subsequent round.
Here is a basic expansion sequence:
| Round | Pattern instruction | Total stitches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 sc in magic ring | 6 |
| 2 | Increase in every stitch | 12 |
| 3 | Repeat sc 1, inc around | 18 |
| 4 | Repeat sc 2, inc around | 24 |
| 5 | Repeat sc 3, inc around | 30 |
| 6 | Repeat sc 4, inc around | 36 |
Each increase adds one stitch, so six increases add six stitches to the previous round.
Why Is My Crochet Circle Turning Into a Hexagon?
If your circular crochet project develops six noticeable corners, the increases may be stacking directly above one another.
When increase points remain aligned across consecutive rounds, they create visible lines that can make the circle look more like a hexagon.
The solution is to stagger or offset your increases. This means changing where the increase points appear rather than placing them in exactly the same positions in every round.
How to Offset Increases
For example, a standard Round 4 instruction is:
*sc 2, inc; rep from * around
To offset the increase points, divide the first two single crochets into two parts:
sc 1, inc, *sc 2, inc; rep from *, sc 1
This places one plain single crochet before the first increase and one after the final increase. The remaining increases follow the regular pattern.
You can use the same principle on other even-numbered rounds by splitting the initial group of plain stitches between the beginning and end of the round.
This helps distribute the increase points more evenly and produces a smoother circular edge.
How to Calculate Stitches Between Increases
If you’re creating your own crochet pattern, a simple calculation can help you determine how many increases you need.
Use this formula:
Number of Increases = Target Stitch Count − Current Stitch Count
To calculate the plain stitches between increases, divide the number of required increases by the available plain stitches in the round.
For example, suppose your current round has 18 stitches and you want to reach 24 stitches.
- Current stitch count: 18
- Target stitch count: 24
- Required increases: 24 – 18 = 6
- Number of increases: 6
- Plain stitches between increases: 18 ÷ 6 = 3?
More precisely, each increase replaces one original stitch with two new stitches. Therefore, six increases must be distributed across the 18 original stitches, leaving two ordinary single crochet stitches between each increase.
The pattern becomes:
*sc 2, inc; rep from * around (24)
Common Single Crochet Increase Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even a simple increase can become confusing when you’re working through repeated rounds. Here are some common problems and practical ways to correct them.
1. Working the Second Stitch Into the Wrong Hole
Problem: Your second single crochet goes into the next stitch instead of the original foundation hole.
Fix: Check the base of your first single crochet before making the second one. Both stitches must come from the same foundation hole.
2. Your Fabric Looks Lopsided
Problem: You place several increases together or work all of them at the end of a row.
Fix: Distribute increases evenly according to your pattern. In circular projects, stagger increase positions when necessary.
3. Your Hook Won’t Fit Into the Base Hole
Problem: Your first single crochet is too tight, making it difficult to insert the hook again.
Fix: Relax your working tension slightly and avoid pulling the first stitch too tightly. Leaving enough room to reinsert your hook makes the increase easier.
4. Stuffing Shows Through Your Amigurumi
Problem: Small gaps appear around increase points after stuffing your toy.
Fix: Try invisible single crochet increases instead of standard increases. Also maintain consistent tension throughout your project.
5. You Keep Losing Count During Repeated Rounds
Problem: You forget where each increase sequence begins or ends.
Fix: Use the panel counting method. For a pattern such as *sc 3, inc; rep from * around, count each repeated section separately instead of counting continuously across the entire round.
A locking stitch marker can also help you identify the first stitch of every round. For more complicated patterns, place additional markers at increase points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a single crochet increase to fix a missing stitch?
Yes, you can use an increase to correct a one-stitch shortage, provided the pattern and shape allow it. Place the correction in a less noticeable area if possible. However, if you are missing multiple stitches, unraveling and recounting is usually a better solution.
Do I always use single crochet to make an increase?
No. You can increase using other basic crochet stitches. For example, a half double crochet increase (hdc inc) involves working two half double crochets into one stitch. Similarly, a double crochet increase (dc inc) involves working two double crochets into one stitch.
How many stitches does a single crochet increase add?
A single crochet increase adds exactly one stitch to your total stitch count. Although you work two single crochets into one original stitch, the net increase is one stitch.
Can I use an invisible increase for every crochet project?
Yes, you can use it in many projects, but it is particularly useful for amigurumi and stuffed toys. A standard increase is often simpler for flat pieces, garments, and other projects where a slightly more visible increase is not a concern.
Conclusion
Learning how to make a single crochet increase gives you greater control over the shape and size of your crochet projects. The basic technique is simple: work two single crochet stitches into the same foundation stitch to add one stitch to your total count.
For general crochet projects, a standard increase is usually sufficient. For amigurumi and stuffed toys, an invisible increase can help create a tighter, neater finish. Remember to space increases evenly, offset them when necessary, and use stitch markers to keep track of your rounds.
Start by practicing on a small crochet circle or rectangular swatch. Once you become comfortable identifying the correct foundation hole, you’ll find it much easier to follow patterns and create smoothly shaped crochet projects.