Like adding brushstrokes to a canvas, increasing stitches in crochet allows you to broaden your design, create intricate patterns, shape garments, and even conjure whimsical creatures. It is the secret sauce that turns a flat circle into a cozy hat or a simple scarf into an eye-catching shawl.
Just how do you increase stitches in crochet invisibly and evenly without creating unsightly bumps in your garment? Get ready to unlock the possibilities and master the art of increasing stitches perfectly and evenly. With your crochet hook and a sprinkle of single-ended crochet magic, you'll soon be shaping projects that will leave a trail of admiration wherever they go.
How to increase your crochet stitches invisibly?
Step 1: First, identify the spaces in your current row or round where you want to add a stitch.
Step 2: Insert your crochet hook into the selected stitch, just as you would for a regular stitch, and crochet your stitch.
Step 3: Instead of moving to the next stitch, yarn over again and work a second stitch next to the first one. By working two stitches into the same stitch, you have increased the stitch count in your row or round by one.
Of course, you can also crochet more than two stitches into a single stitch. This creates a more vigorous expansion of the fabric. Your project automatically becomes wider when you work more than two increases in a single stitch. This can even be desired in specific patterns, such as creating ruffles or wide sleeves.
How to distribute your crochet increases evenly?
Whether you're working on a perfectly fitting hat, sculpting amigurumi legs, or creating fairy sleeves for a dress - that's where the magic happens. First, be clear about the shape you want to achieve. No matter what your vision is, that's where the math comes into play to adjust a knitting pattern.
Imagine you want to increase your fabric by a whopping 100%! To achieve this, simply work two stitches into every stitch, and watch your project grow. But maybe you're looking for a more subtle increase of 50%. In that case, crochet two stitches into every other stitch, allowing your creation to take on a delightful shape without going into overdrive. The possibilities are endless whether you want to work on seed stitch knitting or any other. You can experiment with different increase percentages to suit your unique project. The key is to evenly space those increases, ensuring a polished and professional finish.
Next, you decide on the number of increases you want to make. For example, you want to make 4 increases evenly spaced across a row of 20. Calculate the number of stitches between each increase by dividing the total number of stitches by the number of increases you want to make. 20 stitches divided by 4 evenly distributed increases means you add a stitch after every five regular stitches. It is recommended to mark the increased spaces with a lockable marker to avoid having to recount in every row or round (this also works for the crochet colour change technique).
How to increase your crochet stitches for a flat circle?
Flat circles are not only useful as a base for summer hats, but they also make great potholders or serve as a base for crocheted bags and baskets.
An even distribution of stitches is critical for a flat, round base. Start by determining the number of increases per round. For single crochet stitches, doubling the number of stitches in each round is common.
For example, if you start with 6 stitches in the first round, you would increase to 12 stitches in the second round, 24 stitches in the third round, and so on. The increases and intervals may vary for double crochet patterns, as double crochet stitches have a larger circumference.
Begin the round with a specific number of regular stitches, depending on your pattern. For example, start by making 4 chain stitches, then join with 1 slip stitch into the first chain stitch to create a ring.
Round 1: Chain 1 and crochet 6 single crochet stitches around the chain ring.
Round 2: Work 2 single crochet stitches in each crochet stitch, resulting in 12 single crochet stitches.
Round 3: Work 2 single crochet stitches in the first crochet stitch, followed by 1 single crochet stitch in the next stitch. Repeat increasing every other stitch until the end of the round, resulting in 18 single crochet stitches.
Round 4: Craft 2 single crochet stitches in the first single crochet stitch, then 1 single crochet stitch in each of the next 2. Repeat until the end of the round. Your round now should have 24 single crochet stitches.
Now continue working like round 3: increase by 6 stitches in each round, with one more stitch between the increases in each round until you have a stitch count 54.
By incorporating these advanced techniques into your crochet repertoire, you'll develop a keen eye for even increases and take your creations to a new level. The key is practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from each project. So gather your crochet hook and some yarn, and embark on a journey filled with endless creative possibilities. Happy crocheting!
