What is an increase in crochet?

A crochet increase adds stitches so the fabric becomes wider. In amigurumi patterns, inc most often means work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch. One stitch from the previous round therefore becomes two stitches in the new round, increasing the total by one. Always check the pattern’s abbreviation key because taller-stitch increases may be written differently.

How to make a single crochet increase

Work the first single crochet normally, then return to the same stitch for the second one.

  • Insert the hook under the loops of the next stitch.
  • Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  • Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete one single crochet.
  • Insert the hook into that same stitch again.
  • Complete a second single crochet. You have made one increase.

How to read increases in a pattern

The instruction (sc, inc) × 6 means work one single crochet in the next stitch, then two single crochets in the following stitch, and repeat that pair six times. If the previous round had 12 stitches, this instruction adds six and finishes with 18. A final number in parentheses usually shows the expected stitch count, but confirm the notation in the pattern notes.

Count the new stitch total

Each single crochet increase adds exactly one stitch. Add the number of increases to the previous round total before you begin. This quick calculation gives you a checkpoint: six increases added to 18 stitches should produce 24. If the count differs, find the missed or extra stitch before working the next round.

Space increases for smooth shaping

A designer spaces increases to control the shape. Evenly distributed increases can create a flat circle or rounded form, while repeated increases in one area create more local shaping. Do not move an increase simply to make the round look symmetrical unless the pattern says placement is flexible; later features or assembly may depend on its position.

Common increase mistakes

The most common error is placing the second single crochet in the next stitch instead of the same one. Another is accidentally working three stitches into one place. Use a marker for the first stitch, pause after each repeat, and count after shaping rounds. If a circle forms sharp corners, the increases may be stacking directly above one another; follow any staggered placement supplied by the designer.

  • Identify both top loops before inserting the hook.
  • Count increases as stitch pairs, not as one finished stitch.
  • Keep the two stitches similar in tension to their neighbours.
  • Pair this technique with the invisible decrease when learning amigurumi shaping.