How to Decrease Stitches in Crochet
After learning how to single crochet and increase, the next step is understanding how to decrease stitches.
Decreasing helps you shape your crochet piece, whether you’re closing a circle, forming curves, or giving your project a polished finish.
Step 1: Find the Front Loop
To start a decrease, locate the front loop of the stitch on the left side.
You’ll be working only in these front loops for this technique.
Step 2: Insert the Hook into the First Stitch
Slip your hook into the front loop of that stitch. This connects the hook to the first stitch that you’ll be merging.
Step 3: Insert into the Next Stitch
Now, move to the next stitch and insert your hook through the front loop again.
You should have both loops — from the first and second stitch — sitting on your hook.
Step 4: Check Your Hook
At this point, you’ll see three loops on your hook:
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One from the working yarn
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One from the first stitch
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One from the second stitch
Step 5: Yarn Over and Pull Through the First Two Loops
Wrap your yarn around the hook from back to front (yarn over) and pull it through the first two loops on the hook.
Step 6: Yarn Over and Pull Through the Remaining Two Loops
Yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops.
You’ve just combined two stitches into one — that’s your decrease stitch! 🎉
💡 Tip: Decreasing reduces the total number of stitches, which helps shape your crochet projects, whether you’re making plushies, coasters, or pillows.
Pro Tips: 🍑
✨ Always work decreases with a consistent tension for smooth shaping.
✨ For neat, invisible results, make sure you’re only grabbing the front loops.
✨ Use a stitch marker if you’re decreasing in rounds — it keeps track of your progress.
✨ Practicing with soft, chunky yarn (like the kind in Dabline’s kits) makes it easier to see each loop and learn faster.
What’s Next?
You now know how to shape and sculpt your crochet like a pro!
Next, we’ll cover how to close your piece and finish your project cleanly, so every creation looks beautiful from start to end.
👉 [Read Next: How to Finish and Secure Your Crochet Project →]
