How to Increase a Single Crochet
In crochet, increases and decreases add shape or dimension to a project. In most instances, an increase is accomplished by working two stitches into a single stitch, adding one more stitch to the current row than the row previous. In single crochet, a standard increase is always made by working two single crochets into one stitch. A crochet pattern abbreviates a single crochet increase as "sc inc." It's possible to make an increase anywhere in the row, from the first to the last stitch and anywhere in between.
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Instructions
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1
Use the pattern to determine which stitch receives the increase. Often, a pattern will say something like "inc in next st." That means you should increase -- make two single crochets into -- the stitch immediately following the stitch last worked.
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2
Insert the crochet hook under the two top loops of the stitch. The top loops often resemble a V.
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3
Bring the yarn over the hook from back to front. Pull the yarn through the two loops -- the V -- of the stitch by pulling the crochet hook toward you and out of the stitch. Notice that you now have two loops on the hook.
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4
Bring the yarn over the hook again from back to front, and pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook. This completes one single crochet. Notice you still have one loop on the hook.
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5
Repeat Steps 2 through 4 in the same stitch. Do not make the second single crochet in the next stitch. Make another single crochet in the same stitch as the previous single crochet so that there are two single crochets in one stitch. This completes the increase. You can now proceed with the next stitch, as instructed in the pattern.
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Tips & Warnings
In a single-crochet row, the turning chain doesn't count as a stitch, as it does in a double-crochet row. If you want to increase the first stitch in a single-crochet row, make two full single crochets in the first stitch.
You can work a single-crochet increase into a foundation chain by following these same instructions.
References
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