Crochet Class 16: Easy How-To Increase Your Stitches!

Ever wondered how to make your crochet projects wider or create fun shapes? The secret lies in the increase stitch! It's a simple technique that can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your crochet. This guide is based on Christa's Crochet Class 16 from The Secret Yarnery YouTube channel and will walk you through how to increase in both double crochet and single crochet. Grab your hook and yarn, and let's get started!

If you're new to crochet, you're in for a treat. Christa from The Secret Yarnery is a fantastic teacher, especially for beginners. Her YouTube channel is packed with easy-to-follow tutorials, and she has a knack for explaining things in a way that just clicks. Her friendly teaching style makes learning crochet fun and approachable. You can find her channel here: The Secret Yarnery YouTube channel.

So, what exactly is a crochet increase? Simply put, it's a way to add stitches to a row or round of your crochet project. Think of it like magic – you're taking one stitch and turning it into two!

Why is this important? Well, increases allow you to shape your crochet. Want to make a hat that gets wider towards the bottom? Use increases. Need to crochet a flat circle? Increases are your best friend. Shaping garments, creating amigurumi (stuffed animals), and making shawls all rely on the power of the increase stitch. It's a fundamental technique that will let you bring your creative visions to life.

Before we dive into the how-to, let's gather our supplies. You won't need much!

• Yarn: Any yarn will do, but I recommend using a smooth, light-colored yarn for practicing. It'll be easier to see your stitches. Different yarn weights will give you different results, so feel free to experiment!
• Crochet hook: Choose a hook size that's appropriate for your yarn. The yarn label will usually have a recommendation.
• Scissors: For snipping yarn.
• Tapestry needle: This is for weaving in those pesky ends when you're finished.
• Stitch markers: These are optional, but they can be super helpful, especially when you're just starting out. They help you mark important stitches, like the ones where you're increasing.

If you're looking to stock up on supplies, here are some crochet must-haves available on Amazon: Crochet Hooks, Scissors, Sharp Tip Needles, Blunt Tip Needles, Stitch Markers, Tape Measure, WIP Baskets. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Crochet patterns are often written using abbreviations to save space. Here are some common ones you'll encounter when dealing with increases:

• inc - increase
• dc - double crochet
• sc - single crochet
• st - stitch
• rep - repeat

Knowing these abbreviations is key to understanding and following crochet patterns. Don't let them intimidate you! Think of them as a shorthand that makes patterns easier to read once you get the hang of it.

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Christa demonstrates the increase stitch using double crochet, so we'll start there.

1. Start your row as normal: Crochet your row as you usually would, until you reach the stitch where you want to make the increase.
2. Identify the stitch: Find the exact stitch where you want to create the increase.
3. Work two double crochet stitches: Now, here's the magic: work two double crochet stitches into that same stitch. That's right, both stitches go into the same space from the row below.
4. Continue crocheting: After you've made your increase, just keep crocheting as normal for the rest of the row.

The key thing to remember is that you're putting two stitches into one. That's what creates the increase and makes your project wider.

(A GIF or image would be inserted here showing the double crochet increase stitch being worked.)

The single crochet increase is very similar to the double crochet increase. The principle is exactly the same: you're putting two stitches into one.

1. Identify the stitch: Find the stitch where you want to make the increase.
2. Work two single crochet stitches: Work two single crochet stitches into that same stitch.
3. Continue crocheting: Continue crocheting as normal for the rest of the row.

See? It's just like the double crochet increase, but with single crochet stitches.

(A GIF or image would be inserted here showing the single crochet increase stitch being worked.)

So, how do you know when to increase? That's where your pattern comes in. The pattern will tell you exactly how often to increase and where to place your increases.

Here are some examples of instructions you might see:

• "Inc in next st": This means you should increase in the very next stitch.
• "Sc 1, inc in next st, rep around": This means you should single crochet in one stitch, then increase in the next stitch, and repeat that sequence all the way around.
• "Inc in every st": This means you should increase in every single stitch.

Spacing out your increases evenly is really important for creating a smooth, gradual increase. If you increase in the same spot every row, you'll end up with a pointy or bumpy shape.

Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning, so don't worry if you mess up a few times. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Forgetting to put two stitches in the same stitch: This is the most common mistake! Always double-check that you're putting both stitches of the increase into the same stitch from the previous row.
• Increasing too frequently or not frequently enough: Make sure you're following the pattern instructions carefully. Increasing too often will make your project too wide, while not increasing enough will make it too small.
• Not spacing increases evenly: This can create a bumpy or uneven shape. Try to space your increases as evenly as possible.

Here are a few tips for avoiding these mistakes:

• Use stitch markers to mark your increase stitches. This can help you keep track of where you need to increase on the next row.
• Read and follow the pattern instructions carefully.
• Count your stitches regularly to make sure you're on track.

Gauge is basically a measurement of how many stitches and rows you get per inch (or centimeter) of your crochet fabric. It's important for all crochet projects, but it's especially important when you're using increases.

If your gauge is off, your increases might not be in the right place, which can lead to a project that's the wrong size or shape. For example, if your gauge is too small (meaning you have more stitches per inch than the pattern calls for), your increases will be closer together, and your project will end up smaller and steeper than intended.

Here are some tips for maintaining consistent tension and stitch size when increasing:

• Practice makes perfect: The more you practice, the more consistent your stitches will become. Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect.
• Use consistent yarn and hook size: Stick to the same yarn and hook size throughout your project. Switching yarn or hook sizes mid-project can affect your gauge and make your increases look uneven.
• Pay attention to your tension: Try to maintain a consistent tension on your yarn. If you're pulling too tight or too loose, your stitches will be uneven.
• Take breaks: If you're feeling tense, take a break to relax your hands. Crocheting with tense hands can lead to inconsistent stitches.

Now that you know how to increase, you can use it to make all sorts of fun projects! Here are just a few ideas:

• Hats: Increases are used to shape the crown of a hat.
• Amigurumi (stuffed animals): Increases are essential for creating the rounded shapes of amigurumi.
• Circles and squares: Increases are used to create flat circles and squares.
• Shawls and scarves: Increases can be used to create triangular shawls or to add width to a scarf.
• Garments (sweaters, cardigans): Increases are used to shape the body and sleeves of garments.

For some simple crochet projects for newbies, check out this article on Easy Crochet Projects for Beginners: Start Today!.

Krista does a great job of demonstrating the double crochet increase in the video. She starts by doing one double crochet into each stitch, then shows how to do two stitches into the same stitch down below. Watch her do this in the video for a refresher.

Krista also shows how to do a single crochet increase. She does one single crochet and then goes back into the same stitch to do another single crochet. You can watch this being done in the video to see a single crochet increase up close.

I can't stress this enough: your pattern is your guide! The frequency and placement of increases are determined by the pattern, so it's crucial to read and understand the instructions carefully. Deviating from the pattern can result in a project that's the wrong size or shape, and nobody wants that!

You can absolutely do an increase in every stitch if the pattern calls for it. This would effectively double the number of stitches in your row. A row of increases like this creates a very dramatic increase and is used in specific shaping techniques.

Understanding how increases affect your stitch count is super helpful for keeping your project on track. Let's say you start with 10 stitches and the pattern tells you to increase in every stitch. That means you'll end up with 20 stitches after that row! Knowing this helps you anticipate the changes in your project's size and shape.

Once you've mastered the basic increase stitch, you might want to explore some more advanced techniques. These techniques create smoother, less noticeable increases.

• Invisible Increase (for amigurumi): This technique is commonly used in amigurumi to avoid creating little bumps where you increase.
• Balanced Increase: This involves working an increase over two stitches instead of one, which can create a more even increase.

These techniques are a bit more advanced, but they're worth learning if you want to take your crochet skills to the next level.

Want to connect with other crocheters and share your projects? The Secret Yarnery has a fantastic online community!

• Subscribe to the YouTube channel for more tutorials and inspiration.
• Join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secretyarnerycrochetcommunity/
• Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretyarnery/

The community is a great place to ask questions, share your projects, and get inspired by other crocheters.

This lesson is Crochet Class 16, but there are many more classes available! You can find the playlist for all the classes in the description box: https://bit.ly/3rIhlQL. I highly recommend checking out the other classes to expand your crochet knowledge.

Take a look at the video where Christa does a double crochet increase. She clearly shows how to do one double crochet in the same stitch.

You can also view in the video where Krista does two single crochets in the same stitch to see an example of her doing a single crochet increase.

Ready to put your new increase skills to the test? Here are a few simple practice projects you can try:

• A simple circle coaster
• A small amigurumi ball
• A basic beanie hat

Christa also has a crochet planner that can help you organize and plan your crochet projects. You can find it in A4 size here: https://bit.ly/3NVRsaE and in letter size here: https://bit.ly/35Q8aXF. A planner like this can be a great way to keep track of your projects, yarn stash, and more.

The Secret Yarnery has a ton of great tutorials. Here are some popular ones:

• Drunken Granny Blanket: https://youtu.be/mGqpNufvjr4
• The Sober Granny Baby Blanket: https://youtu.be/nKOL0jhQdLI
• The Speedy Granny Ruth Bedspread: https://youtu.be/M81RItCM5LE
• Gingham C2C Blanket: https://youtu.be/mL_zZrgFD_Y
• Huge Crochet Ball: https://youtu.be/lwd3H_I8vfY

These are all great tutorials to learn different crochet techniques.

Here are some popular playlists that have additional tutorials:

• Secret Stitches CAL 2021: https://bit.ly/35dCdrL
• Shopping Hauls & Unboxings: https://bit.ly/341gMcV
• Easy Crochet Blankets: https://bit.ly/3IiXFKa
• Live Chats: https://bit.ly/3KBZwfc
• Crochet Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3qSfo5q
• Easy Crochet Tutorials: https://bit.ly/3nKbk5e

These playlists are a great source for learning new skills and getting inspiration.

The Secret Yarnery also has some cool merch available! Check out the store here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNkcP7KsCSlkcQ8pAkDKRQ/store.

Here's a list of crochet must-haves available on Amazon:

• Crochet Hooks: https://amzn.to/2p5etkC
• Scissors: https://amzn.to/3EC1CHy
• Sharp Tip Needles: https://amzn.to/3Rdq2ja
• Blunt Tip Needles: https://amzn.to/2MRffKP
• Stitch Markers: https://amzn.to/3GdGCYg
• Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/3JviyD8
• WIP Baskets: https://amzn.to/3tQK9te

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Join The Secret Yarnery Family. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNkcP7KsCSlkcQ8pAkDKRQ/join

Learning to increase in crochet takes practice, so be patient with yourself. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll get there! Remember, the crochet community is always there to support you, so don't be afraid to ask questions or share your struggles.

So, what are you planning to crochet with your new increase skills? I'd love to hear about it! Share your projects on social media and don't forget to tag The Secret Yarnery. Leave a comment below and let me know what you're working on! You can also find inspiration for Quick crochet projects for beginners.

The increase stitch is a fundamental crochet technique that opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you're making hats, amigurumi, or garments, understanding how to increase is essential. Thanks for following along, and happy crocheting!