A= Chain3 (ch3), B= ch-1 of Foundation Double Crochet (Fdc), C= yarn over, draw through two loops, D= complete double crochet (dc), E= 3Fdc, F= ch7, dc in 4th ch for larger increase, H= Fdc, I= large decrease of 5 slip stitches (5sl st), 5dc, do not work last 5dc. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

H

ello my crafty friends. I am Maurita the Crochet Lady. Even though I learned to crochet in 1996, I still enjoy learning more. The newest happens to be a different way to decrease. A little internet search labeled it “Invisible Decrease” (inv dec). It has inspired me to share increases and decreases with you. I am including tons of information so every level of crocheter can learn.

Traditional increases are all done in one stitch and decreases use the next two stitches. In special cases, the stitch being used will be listed, if increase or decrease, plus any special directions. For example, a special double crochet invisible decrease could be written: using 2nd and 4th sts, inv dc dec.

Larger increases, for example, worked evenly on each side of a row: The first side would have a chain added as if starting a new project (worked in rows), then “chainless foundation” stitches would be made on the other side. If working in double crochet (dc), let’s say you need to increase five stitches on each side of Row2. After the last dc of Row1, chain 7 (ch7), turn work. Skip first three chains, work 4dc, then work entire row of dc except last stitch. The last stitch will be worked as a “chainless foundation” double crochet (Fdc), then work 5Fdc.

To crochet a Fdc for the first row of a crochet piece, *ch3, yarn over (yo), insert hook under two strands of 1st ch, ch1, then complete dc (yo, draw through 2loops, yo, draw through last 2loops)*. The next Fdc is worked into the “ch-1” of the last Fdc. For my example above, you would not need the “ch-3” part between *and * because there is already crochet to work into.

J= dc increase (dc inc), K= start of dc decrease (dc dec), L= dc dec, M=started 5stitch dc dec, N= 5st dc dec, O= (5dc inc), P= front view “creature nose,” Q= lower view. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

Opposite to the large increase example of 5dc, decreasing would be 6 slip stitches first side (sl st= insert hook in work, draw loop through), ch2= 1st dc, 4dc, then do not work last 5dc.

One more fun thing to do can make a creature’s nose. The first step is to make larger increases, then the next step would be decreases opposite to the increases. Example: (5dc inc) on current Row/Round, on next Row/Round line up dec above old inc to work (5st dc dec).

I hope you enjoyed increases and decreases with me and will join me again next time.

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Pattern: Ball -work in dc *OR* single crochet (sc)

R= Ring 12dc, S= Rnd2: 24dc, T= 4Rnds even, U= 12dc dec, V= small ball. (Photo provided by Maurita Way)

Sc= insert hook, yo, draw up loop, yo, draw through 2loops.

Note: 1st ch2= beg dc *OR* 1st ch1= beg sc

Ring: ch4, sl st

Rnd1: ch2, 11dc in ring, join with sl st.

Rnd2: ch2, dc same st, 11dc inc, join

Rnd3-6: ch2, dc even (24dc total), join.

Stuff: Fiberfill– alone *OR* lined with pantyhose

Rnd7: ch1 (ignore) 12dc dec, join.

Rnd8: ch1 (ignore) 6dc dec, join.

Fasten off- cut yarn approx. 6 inches away from work, draw yarn tail though loop on hook.

Sew yarn tail to close hole and hide tail within stitches.