How to Increase Stitches in Crochet

Increase stitches to shape your crochet.

Crochet is a very adaptive craft. You can create triangles or circles, make ruffles or craft three-dimensional objects, all by increasing and decreasing stitches at certain points in the work. Crochet's versatility enables it to be crafted into articles of clothing, bouquets of flowers and even stuffed animals. Know where to increase in your crochet piece and you can create virtually any shape that you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Crochet hook

Instructions

1. Add one stitch at the end of the row and one stitch at the beginning of the row to increase a piece gradually. Simply make a crochet stitch in the same place that you made the stitch right before it. This method slowly makes the crocheted piece wider.

2. Add stitches at the ends of the row plus stitches at regular intervals, such as every 12 or 15 stitches, in the row to increase the work quicker. This results in a sharper angle, immediately wider rows and possible ruffling of the piece, depending on how many extra stitches you create.

3. Make two extra stitches in each base stitch to create a ruffled effect. Instead of making one stitch in every stitch below it in a row, make three. This creates a very ruffled, three-dimensional look that can be coiled to create carnations or added to the edge of garments.

4. Make stitches in a chain circle, then add two stitches for every base stitch to create a crocheted circle. Add a descending number of stitches for every additional row you add to the circle. Increase every other stitch in the second row, every third stitch in the third row and so on.

References

• Woolcrafting: Crochet Increase