How to Make the Double Crochet Decrease Stitch

Crochet Decrease Stitch  by Janice Jones   |Updated 01-24-2024

Most beginner crocheters will encounter the need to decrease a stitch when they are making a crochet pattern.  But what exactly does it mean to decrease a stitch?

Most patterns that call for a double crochet decrease stitch will expect you to understand what to do.  Whether you need to decrease while working in double crochet, or in single or half double, the method it basically the same.

What is a Double Crochet Decrease Stitch

A double crochet decrease stitch, abbreviated DC2tog in the US, and in the UK, you would see it written as TR2tog because a double crochet in US terms is the same as a treble crochet stitch in UK terms.

This is a stitch commonly used for shaping. It is made by joining two stitches together, therefore decreasing to one stitch. Follow 

What Does the Symbol Look Like for the Double Decrease Crochet Stitch?

Why Learn the Double Crochet Decrease Stitch

You must master the double crochet decrease stitch if you create a project that requires any shaping, such as any clothing (pullovers, cardigans, shawls, dog sweaters) or if you make stuffed toys (amigurumi).

It’s also a valuable skill to learn as a stepping stone towards becoming an advanced crocheter. It is one step beyond the basic crochet skills and more intricate designs.

In essence, learning the double crochet decrease stitch greatly enhances one's crochet skill set, providing versatility and command of the craft.

How to Make the Double Decrease Crochet Stitch

This is an easy beginner technique.

1. Start by making a double crochet stitch as usual:  Yarn over, and insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. You have three loops on your hook.  Yarn over and pull through two loops.
3. This is where it differs:  Insert your hook into the next stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull up a loop.  (Four loops on the hook).
5. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
6. Yarn over and pull through the remaining 3 loops.

You now have two double crochet stitches that are now reduced to one stitch.  

How to Make the Double Decrease Crochet Stitch at the Beginning or End of the Row

DC2tog at the Beginning of the Row

To create a double crochet decrease at the beginning of the row, begin the double crochet decrease in the same stitch that you would normally place it.  This would be the second stitch from the hook.

• Yarn over, and insert your hook into the first stitch.
• You have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
• Insert your hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop. (Four loops on the hook).
• Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
• Yarn over and pull through the remaining 3 loops.

Continue across the row making double crochet stitches as directed by your pattern.

DC2tog at the End of the Row

Work across the row until you have two remaining double crochet stitches.  Normally this would be the last double crochet stitch and the top of the chain 3 that you created at the end of the previous row.

• Yarn over, and insert your hook into the first of the last two stitches.
• You have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
• Insert your hook into the top of the chain 3 from previous row.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop. (Four loops on the hook).
  Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.
• Yarn over and pull through the remaining 3 loops.

Double Crochet Decrease Stitch

Here is a phot of what the double crochet decrease stitch looks like when you make decreases at both the beginning and the end of the row.

Double Crochet Decrease Stitch
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About the Author

Hi, I'm Janice, the voice behind this site.  

I learned to knit and crochet at a very young age but didn’t get serious until obtaining this site in 2021.  Since then, I haven’t stopped creating and learning and now I’m a certified knitting and crocheting instructor through the Craft Yarn Council. 

I’m retired and live with my husband and nine Shih Tzu dogs.  My three adult children help in various roles.  You might see Beth modeling some of my creations.  Aaron is my technical advisor and Nick tackles accounting. Read more about me.

References and Further Reading

• Crochet Guild of America. (2012). Guidelines For Crochet and Knitting. CGOA: Zanesville, OH.

Inspiration for Beginning Crocheters

"The more you crochet, the more you realize the links between crochet and life. Each stitch builds on the one before, just like each day in life builds on the experiences of the past."

- Carol Ventura, a tapestry crochet expert and author

If you found this Double Crochet Decrease Stitch Tutorial Helpful, you might want to check out these too.

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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