Learn how to do the Single Crochet Decrease Stitch (aka sc dec) with this step-by-step tutorial. The single crochet decrease stitch is a variation of the basic single crochet stitch to decrease two single crochet stitches to one. This is one of the basic crochet stitches you need to know for shaping your crochet projects. You may also see this stitch sometimes referred to as the single crochet 2 together (SC2TOG) stitch as well.
This tutorial includes a photo tutorial with written instructions as well as a video tutorial so no matter how you prefer to learn, we’ll have you perfecting single crochet decrease / single crochet 2 together stitches in no time.
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Terms, Abbreviations and a Note About Crochet Patterns
This tutorial is written using US terms (US crochet terminology) however, if you’re more accustomed to the UK terms, here is a quick conversion for you:
| US Terms | UK Terms |
| CH = Chain | CH = Chain |
| SC = Single Crochet | DC = Double Crochet |
| SCDEC = Single Crochet Decrease | DCDEC = Double Crochet Decrease |
| SC2TOG = Single Crochet 2 (Stitches) Together | DC2TOG = Double Crochet 2 (Stitches) Together |
| SL ST = Slip Stitch | SL ST = Slip Stitch |
Note About Crochet Patterns: When you see the single crochet decrease used in crochet patterns, some designers prefer to list this stitch as a Single Crochet 2 Together (SC2TOG) rather than a Single Crochet Decrease (SCDEC). Both refer to the same stitch and are both done the same way.
Materials Needed:
To follow along with this tutorial, you’ll need the following materials:
- A Crochet Hook (whatever hook size works best with the yarn weight you’re using or whatever your pattern calls for – I’m using a 5.5mm Furls Crochet hook)
- Your crochet project, a crochet swatch or a crochet chain to work into.
In my example below, I’m working my single crochet decrease on a crochet swatch worked in turned rows however, this stitch can be used in a variety of different ways. This is a common stitch used for shaping crochet amigurumi toys but be sure to check out my suggestions for next steps at the end of the tutorial to learn how to improve this stitch for amigurumi projects.
Single Crochet Decrease Video Tutorial
Single Crochet Decrease Step-by-Step Picture Tutorial
Step 1: Insert your crochet hook under both loops of the first stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (2 loops on your hook).
Step 2: Insert your crochet hook under both loops of the next stitch. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (3 loops on your hook).
Step 3: Yarn over hook and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.
Your single crochet decrease stitch is now complete! When using this as a shaping stitch, your stitch count (the number of stitches in your row/round) will now decrease by 1.
What I’ve shown you today, is sometimes referred to as a regular decrease because there are different methods of doing this stitch that can change the appearance of decreasing stitches in your fabric. One of those ways is called the invisible single crochet decrease and it is commonly used in amigurumi projects.
When doing the invisible decrease (often abbreviated as inv dec), instead of working under both loops of the stitch, you’ll insert your hook under the front loop of the first stitch and then the front loop of the next stitch before doing your first yarn over.
Want to see it done? Check out my How to do the Invisible Decrease crochet tutorial!
Amigurumi Crochet Tip: You can substitute the invisible decrease in amigurumi projects where it says to do the regular single crochet decrease. As long as the right side of the crochet project is facing you. (Some designers won’t list this, assuming that you’ll already know you can do this).
Ready to Learn Other Crochet Increase and Crochet Decrease Techniques? Check out these other Tutorials:
- Single Crochet Three Together (SC3TOG)
- Half Double Crochet Decrease (HDCDEC or HDC2TOG)
- Double Crochet Decrease (DCDEC or DC2TOG)
- Single Crochet Increase
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