US inc · UK inc · beginner

Crochet Increase: step-by-step tutorial

A crochet increase adds stitches by working two or more stitches into the same stitch. The most common increase is two single crochet in one stitch, written as inc or 2 sc in next st. Increases shape circles, hats, triangles and the widening parts of amigurumi.

By the crochetpatterns.io editorial team · Reviewed September 13, 2026 · Editorial policy

US terms UK terms

How to crochet increase, step by step

Work 1 stitch into the next stitch as normal.
Insert the hook into the same stitch again.
Complete a second stitch — 2 stitches from 1, a gain of 1.
Mark the increase if the pattern requires even spacing.
Count the new total at the end of the round to confirm.

How do you increase in crochet?

To increase in crochet, work two stitches into one stitch of the previous row or round. Each increase adds one stitch to the count.

A flat circle in single crochet increases by 6 stitches per round: round 1 has 6 sc, round 2 has 12, round 3 has 18.

Flat single crochet circle increases
Round	Instructions	Stitch count
1	6 sc in magic ring	6
2	inc in each st	12
3	(sc, inc) around	18
4	(sc 2, inc) around	24
5	(sc 3, inc) around	30

Why does my crochet circle look like a hexagon?

A circle turns into a hexagon when increases are stacked directly above each other every round. Staggering the increase position each round keeps the edge round.

One common method is to place half the plain stitches before the first increase on alternate rounds.

What is an invisible increase in crochet?

An invisible increase works the first stitch into the front loop only and the second stitch into both loops of the same stitch. The result shows less of a gap.

Invisible increases are popular in amigurumi, where visible holes can show stuffing.