Easy Crochet: How to Increase in C2C & Make the Perfect Triangle!

If you've ever felt hesitant about starting Corner-to-Corner (C2C) crochet, especially when it comes to increasing and creating shapes like triangles, you're in the right place. Today, I'll walk you through every step of making a C2C triangle, sharing simple tips that will make this technique approachable, even for beginners.

You'll learn how to work increases, use stitch markers effectively, and finish with professional-looking edges. You'll also discover which materials work best, how to troubleshoot common problems, and where to find additional resources, patterns, and video tutorials for both left- and right-handed crocheters. Let’s build your confidence and expand your crochet toolkit with this easy crochet method!

Understanding the C2C Triangle Project

The focus of this project is to create a triangle using the C2C (Corner-to-Corner) crochet technique, a method that builds your fabric diagonally, starting from one tip and expanding outward. Mastering C2C increases isn’t just about this one project—it opens up a world of easy crochet possibilities, from blankets and shawls to intricate motifs and creative shapes.

If you’re new to C2C or have found it intimidating in the past, don’t worry—this tutorial was made for you. I’ll walk you through, stitch by stitch, so there’s no confusion or frustration along the way. To make the tutorial even more user-friendly, there are separate left-handed and right-handed video options. You can find the right-handed C2C triangle video tutorial and the left-handed C2C triangle tutorial on YouTube.

For added convenience, make use of YouTube’s accessibility features—activate subtitles if you need them, select your preferred language or dialect, and adjust the playback speed to go at your own pace.

Materials Needed for Your C2C Triangle

Using the right materials can make learning C2C so much easier. Here’s what you’ll need for this easy crochet triangle:

• Worsted Weight (size 4) Acrylic Yarn: Scraps in your favorite colors work great.
• 6 mm Crochet Hook: Or any hook that complements your yarn choice.
• Stitch Markers: Essential for keeping your rows aligned and marking the end of each row. For reliable options, see recommended stitch markers on Amazon.
• Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends at the finish.

Leave a long tail when you start, so you’ll have enough yarn to sew in neatly later. Any yarn and corresponding hook size will work, so use what you have on hand for a stress-free start.

Preparing Yourself: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Many crocheters get anxious about C2C, wrestling with how to begin, where to put the stitches, or how to keep edges straight. You’re not alone. With this tutorial, every step is broken down, so you’ll never feel lost.

Give yourself time to learn—pause, rewind, and play the sections as many times as you need. The key is patience. If a step feels tricky, slow down, watch closely, and try again. With practice, the structure of rows and blocks will become second nature. The rows build up like little steps, so you’ll soon see a staircase of blocks forming your triangle.

If you’re eager to explore even more strategies for successful C2C projects, check out my Guide to Corner to Corner Crochet for extra tips.

What is a C2C Block?

In C2C crochet, a block is your main building unit. Each one consists of a chain three and three double crochet stitches. These blocks stack together, row by row, looking like tiny bricks placed into a neat little staircase.

The triangle starts at the very tip (one block) and grows, increasing by one block in each new row. The magic of C2C is in how these blocks join—each time, you slip stitch into the space of the previous row, creating a strong, tidy connection. Stitch markers help keep track of where you are, especially as you add more rows. Place a marker in the chain three space of your last block after each row so you can easily spot where to join next.

For a clear visual aid, consider adding a diagram to your workspace showing the staircase-like progression of C2C blocks and how they form your triangle.

Step 1: Making Your Slip Knot and Starting Chain

Here’s how I start every C2C triangle:

1. Make a slip knot, leaving a tail long enough to weave in neatly later.
2. Place your slip knot on your hook.
3. Chain six.
4. As you chain, pinch the third chain—that’s your key anchor spot for the stitches to come.

It helps to count your chains aloud and pause at the third as your pinch point for easier access. This careful setup sets the stage for strong, tidy first blocks.

Step 2: Creating Row 1 – The First Block

Now let’s begin our very first block:

• Work a double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook. The easiest way is to look for the “bottom loop” of that fourth chain (underneath two loops across the top of your hook).
• Add a double crochet into the next chain, then one more into the final chain (total of three double crochets).

At this point, your first block is complete! It will look like a small rectangle. Don’t forget to place a stitch marker in the chain three space of this block—it’ll guide your joining of future rows.

Step 3: Starting Row 2 – Building the Second Block

Each time you start a new row while increasing, repeat this process:

• Chain six.
• Pinch the third chain—this marks where you’ll create your first double crochet.
• Work a double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook, then one into each of the next two chains.
• Hold the just-finished block below your hook, then flip up your previous row to “hug” the new block.
• Slip stitch into the space with the stitch marker to join the blocks neatly.

After joining, chain three for height and work three double crochets into the chain space of your joined staircase. Place your stitch marker in the chain three space of this new last block.

Here’s a quick step-by-step list for Row 2:

• Chain six, double crochet three times
• Flip the previous block up, slip stitch to join
• Chain three, work three double crochets
• Move stitch marker to the end

Step 4: Row 3 – Increasing to Three Blocks

For row three, here’s the routine:

• Start with a chain six, double crochet three times as above.
• Lay your work flat, then flip up the “staircase” of connected blocks.
• Slip stitch into the space where the stitch marker sits on your work.
• Remove the marker, chain three for height, and fill the space with three double crochets.
• Move to the next chain space (the next “step” in your staircase), slip stitch to connect, chain three up, and work three double crochets to form the next block.

Tip: By row three, the staircase pattern starts becoming more obvious. Each row will now have the same number of blocks as the row number, forming a clear diagonal.

At the end, don’t forget to move your stitch marker to the chain three space of the new last block.

A table to track progress:

Step 5: Row 4 – Working Four Blocks

Keep up the same rhythm:

• Chain six to start and build your first block.
• Lay your latest block near your hook, then flip up your completed staircase.
• Slip stitch to join, remove your stitch marker.
• Chain three to get height, then three double crochets into the joining space.
• Continue up the staircase, joining each new block with a slip stitch, chaining three, and working three double crochets until you’ve built four blocks across the row.

Tips for keeping your work flat and tidy:

• Don’t rush flipping your staircase; gentle movements avoid snagging.
• Always connect blocks in the chain three space for a uniform edge.
• Move your stitch marker to the chain three space of the newest, last block.

Tip Box: To keep blocks flat and avoid snags, smooth your work regularly and keep an eye on your tension—neither too tight nor too loose.

Step 6: Row 5 – Five Blocks and Building Momentum

Now you’ll really start to see your triangle take shape. Make sure your number of blocks matches your row number for neat edges.

• Start with chain six and build your first block as before.
• Join it to your staircase with a slip stitch.
• Work your way up, always entering the chain spaces, not the tops of stitches, with slip stitches and chains three to gain height.
• Three double crochets complete each block.

Key reminders:

• At the end of every row, count your blocks. For Row 5, you should have five.
• Always add the last block at the end—don’t skip, or your triangle will angle in odd ways.
• Use your stitch marker to save your stopping spot.

Encouraging note: With each row, the process speeds up. Once used to the flip and join, C2C becomes a truly easy crochet method for versatile projects.

Step 7: Row 6 – Six Blocks and Getting Comfortable

Let’s grow the triangle even further:

• Chain six and build the initial block.
• After you finish, lay it next to your hook, flip your staircase, and slip stitch into the marked space.
• Chain three for height and fill in with three double crochets.
• Work up each chain space, slip stitching, chaining, and working three double crochets until you finish all six blocks.

The more you practice, the quicker you’ll spot each chain space and the neater your triangle will look. If you’re a visual learner, draw a flow diagram or use colored stitch markers to help sequence your steps.

Step 8: Row 7 – Seven Blocks and Confident Stitching

For row seven:

• Chain six to begin, double crochet into the correct chains, and lay down the new block.
• Flip up the growing staircase, slip stitch to connect, and repeat: chain three, three double crochets.
• Continue this process across, joining each block to the next “step” of your staircase.
• Keep an eye on the sides—always finish with a block in the last space so your triangle edges stay straight.

Checklist for Row 7:

• Did you chain six and make your starting block?
• Did you join it to the marked staircase?
• Did you build and join each block up the row?
• Did you finish off with the last block in the edge space?
• Did you move your stitch marker to the new ending block?

Finish your row and count your blocks. For row 7, there should be seven blocks, one for each row.

Connecting Blocks: The Slip Stitch Staircase Technique

Slip stitches do more than just hold your triangle together—they create that trademark C2C “staircase,” both sturdy and neat. Instead of joining in the top of a stitch, you insert your hook directly into the chain three space of the previous row’s block, then slip stitch to anchor your new block.

This approach is both visual and structural. Your staircase guides you naturally up the rows and helps you spot where to connect each time. Always work into chain spaces, not stitch tops, for fast, smooth progress.

Diagram suggestion: Add a closeup showing how the hook enters the chain space, highlighting the placement and effect of each slip stitch join.

Stitch Marker Use and Importance

Stitch markers are more than handy—they’re essential for clean, consistent C2C work.

• Always mark the chain three space of the last block in each row.
• Move the marker up every time you begin a new row.
• Remove before joining, then add back to the new last chain three space.
• Use sturdy markers that won’t tangle or snag your yarn.

Stitch Marker Tips:

• Use different colors for different projects or areas.
• Choose locking markers for easy removal and repositioning.
• Store them nearby so you’re never caught without one.

Troubleshooting Common C2C Problems

Crooked Edges

Problem: Block counts don’t match row numbers, or triangle edges look wavy. Solution: Check that you finish every row with a block in the last chain space.

Missed Slip Stitch

Problem: Lost track of where to join, blocks appear unconnected. Solution: Use your stitch marker religiously and always join in the chain three space, not randomly along the side.

Uneven Triangle

Problem: One side grows faster than the other. Solution: Always chain six and build your starting block at the beginning, then count blocks at the finish.

If confusion strikes, don’t hesitate to watch the relevant section of the tutorial again or pause and rework from a few rows back. Repetition builds skill.

For a super-detailed step-by-step written version, visit my tutorial on How to Increase in C2C Crochet.

Customizing Your Triangle: Yarn and Hook Choices

Scrap yarn is perfect for this project because you can play with colors, mix textures, and not worry about waste. Using a size 4 (worsted weight) acrylic is the default for most easy crochet projects, but you can choose cotton or blends to suit your needs.

Adjusting hook size lets you experiment with drape and density. Want a tighter fabric? Use a smaller hook. Prefer a softer, looser triangle? Go larger. If you’re curious about more fun crochet projects and ideas for all skills, don’t hesitate to explore other options.

Advanced C2C Techniques Preview

Once you’re comfortable with making increases and building your triangle, you’ll naturally want to learn about decreasing, turning your triangle into a square, or even adding color and pattern changes.

For a deeper dive, watch the Ultimate C2C Masterclass video for right-handed crocheters or the Masterclass for left-handed crocheters. In those sessions, I cover rectangles, stripes, and all sorts of advanced moves, setting you up for more ambitious C2C crochet adventures.

Written Patterns and Resources

If you’d like to follow along at your own pace, every video tutorial I make comes with written patterns in plain English. No need to decode tricky abbreviations!

Downloadable cheat sheets and easy pattern bundles also help when you want a resource you can glance at offline. Beginners benefit the most by combining these tools with hands-on practice and video walk-throughs.

For more beautiful and creative projects, see my Corner to Corner Project Guide.

Video Accessibility Features

If you’re watching on YouTube, don’t forget:

• Tap the gear icon to select your preferred language or dialect.
• Enable subtitles for extra clarity.
• Adjust speed—slow me down or speed me up so you never miss a detail.
• Left- and right-handed tutorials are always available so every crocheter can see the best view.

Make the experience fit your learning style and comfort level.

How to End Your Triangle Project

Here’s how to finish up once your triangle reaches the right size:

1. After placing the last double crochet in your last block, chain one.
2. Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail for weaving in.
3. Pull your hook up and the yarn through to create a tidy knot.
4. Use your yarn needle to sew in the tail, hiding it within your stitches.

Always check your triangle’s edges before finishing to confirm they’re even and straight. Finishing steps like these make your project look polished and professional.

Next Steps After Making Your Triangle

If you’re ready to take your C2C triangle further, the next challenge is turning it into a square—an essential move for many C2C patterns. You can find my next tutorial on decreasing to form a square and get tips for adding stripes, borders, or more complex designs. Check out the Beautiful Border Crochet for C2C Shawl for graceful finishing touches.

You can always return to this guide, rewatch the tutorial, and experiment with new colors, textures, and yarn weights. I encourage you to share your work, ask questions, and stay connected through the Secret Yarnery community.

Left Handed?

Conclusion

Making an easy crochet C2C triangle can unlock a new sense of confidence and skill in your crochet journey. Whether you’re hoping to craft eye-catching afghans or just want a quick and relaxing project, understanding how to work increases in C2C is an essential part of your toolkit. The secret is patience, practice, and following each step, one block at a time.

With every new row, you’ll see how simple it is to let the pattern grow beneath your fingertips. Remember, the number of blocks always matches the row number, giving you a straightforward way to check your progress and keep your triangle tidy. Don’t be afraid to replay video sections, refer to the written materials, or experiment with different yarns for texture and color play.

If you’re searching for more inspiration or want to expand your project collection, browse the Complete Pattern Collection at Secret Yarnery for ideas that range from simple scarves to advanced blanks. When you’re ready to add elegant finishing touches or want that perfect border, check out the Step-by-Step C2C Shawl Border guide.

Keep yarn, hook, and stitch markers close by, and remember that every great project starts with a single stitch. Stay Hooked!

FAQs

1. What is C2C crochet and why is it popular?

C2C (Corner-to-Corner) crochet is a way of building fabric diagonally, starting from one corner and working toward the opposite. It is loved for its speed, simple repeating steps, and the ability to make shapes and images using color changes.

2. Do I need special yarn or hooks for C2C triangles?

No. Any yarn can work, but worsted weight acrylic yarn and a 6 mm hook are ideal for beginners. This combination is easy to manage and shows stitches clearly.

3. How do I know if I’m increasing correctly?

Count your blocks after each row. The number of blocks should match the row number (e.g., row 5 = 5 blocks). Using a stitch marker in each last block helps track progress.

4. My edges are wavy or crooked. What’s causing this?

Common reasons are missing the last block, skipping slip stitches, or joining in the wrong place. Always join in the chain three space and count blocks at the end of each row.

5. Can I use this method to make other shapes, like squares or rectangles?

Yes! The triangle is only the beginning. Once you master increasing, you can learn to decrease to form squares or extend rows for rectangles and other shapes.

6. How do I add a border to my finished triangle?

Complete your triangle, then work single crochet stitches evenly around the edges. For decorative borders, try shell, picot, or scallop patterns.

7. Are there resources for left-handed crocheters?

Yes! The guide and video tutorials provide both right- and left-handed versions. Look for the links in the materials section above.

8. What do I do if I lose my stitch marker?

Use a safety pin or a scrap piece of contrasting yarn as a temporary marker until you find or replace your main marker.

9. Can beginners learn C2C, or is it advanced?

C2C is beginner-friendly, especially with step-by-step tutorials. Take your time to practice increases and the slip stitch join, and it will get easier.

Christa Patel is the creator behind Secret Yarnery, known for making crochet easy, fun, and accessible for everyone. With over a decade of experience, Christa specializes in beginner-friendly tutorials and practical patterns that build skills one step at a time. Her clear teaching style has helped thousands of crocheters grow their confidence, from simple shapes to advanced projects.

Christa’s passion is helping others enjoy crochet, offering both left- and right-handed instructions, video tutorials, and friendly support through her YouTube channel and community. She loves experimenting with color and texture, always encouraging crafters to use what they have and enjoy the creative process.

Connect with Christa and join the Secret Yarnery community for more tips, patterns, and crochet inspiration. Stay hooked!