A double crochet decrease (dcdec) is a technique that is used to join two double crochet stitches together to make one double crochet stitch. The term double crochet two together (dc2tog) is also used to describe this same technique. Both terms, double crochet decrease and double crochet two together, mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. When working a double crochet decrease, two double crochets are joined together, hence double crochet two together. Joining two double crochets together decreases down to one double crochet stitch, hence double crochet decrease. This tutorial demonstrates step-by-step instructions on how to double crochet decrease.
Supplemental Tutorials:
- Beginner Crochet: How to Make a Slipknot
- Beginner Crochet: How to Crochet a Chain (ch)
- Beginner Crochet: How to Double Crochet (dc)
Terms used:
- working yarn: the strand of yarn coming from the skein(ball)
- yarn over (yo): wrapping the yarn over the crochet hook
- turning chain: is used to begin a row/round of crochet by ‘lifting up’ the work. Each stitch requires its own number of chains to start off with, which is determined by the height of the stitch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Tutorial Sections:
- How to Double Crochet Decrease (dcdec)
- Video Tutorial
1. How to Double Crochet Decrease (dcdec)
This tutorial is being demonstrated after the completion of two rows of six double crochet and a turning chain of three.
- Yarn over.
2. Insert the hook into a stitch.
3. Hook the working yarn.
4. Pull the working yarn through the stitch. Three loops will remain on the hook.
5. Yarn over.
6. Pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook. Two loops will remain on the hook.
7. Yarn over.
8. Insert the hook into the next stitch.
9. Hook the working yarn.
10. Pull the working yarn through the stitch. Four loops will remain on the hook.
11. Yarn over.
12. Pull the working yarn through the first two loops on the hook. Three loops will remain on the hook.
13. Yarn over.
14. Pull the working yarn through all three loops on the hook. One loop will remain on the hook.
This completes a double crochet decrease.
This image shows a total of three double crochet decreases completed. The row started with six double crochets and was reduced down to three double crochets. Each double crochet decrease reduced from two stitches down to one. There were three decreases made, resulting in three stitches removed. 6-3=3, three stitches remain.
StephieGCrafts 