Double Crochet Decrease

Double crochet is a popular stitch used for all sorts of projects. If a project needs to be shaped, like a crocheted hat or sweater, then increases or decreases typically need to be used in order for the item to fit properly. The double crochet decrease is a simple decrease that takes two stitches and turns into a single stitch. In this video, Jen Lucas demonstrates how to work a double crochet decrease, also known as a double crochet two together (dc2tog).

To begin, Jen reviews how to work a double crochet. She then works a double crochet decrease by following these steps:

1. Yarn over hook.
2. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, and pull through a loop (3 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through two loops (2 loops remain on hook).
4. Yarn over hook.
5. Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull through a loop (4 loops on hook).
6. Yarn over and pull through two loops (3 loops remain on hook).
7. Yarn over and pull through all three loops (1 loop remains on hook, double crochet decrease is complete).

Jen works another double crochet and then works another double crochet decrease. She notes that to work this decrease, you work the double crochet and stop before the last step. You then start working into the next stitch, stopping before the last step. Finally, yarn over and draw through the three loops to complete the decrease.

There are different ways the double crochet decrease may be abbreviated in your pattern. It is commonly abbreviated as dc2tog (double crochet two together). It may also be seen as dc dec (double crochet decrease). It’s important to always check the pattern abbreviations or special stitches section so you know when the stitch needs to be worked.

This video uses US crochet terminology.