In crochet, “sc inc” stands for single crochet increase. It is a basic technique used in many projects, including amigurumi, baskets and circular items, to add stitches and shape the fabric.
When a pattern instructs to “sc inc,” it means that you should make two single crochet stitches into the same stitch from the previous row or round. This creates a gentle increase, making the piece wider or shaping it according to the design.
Abbreviations like sc inc are shorthand instructions that help streamline complex patterns and instructions, making written crochet directions more concise. This simplifies the process of reading crochet patterns, once the basic abbreviations are understood.
Key Takeaways
- Single crochet increase (sc inc) is a method used to add stitches in crochet.
- To perform a “sc inc” simply make two single crochet stitches into the same stitch from the previous row or round.
- Crochet abbreviations like sc inc keep patterns concise and are an essential component of written crochet patterns.
Understanding Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet patterns often use abbreviations to save space and simplify instructions. To follow a pattern, it’s crucial to understand these shorthand terms.
Common Abbreviations in Patterns
Crochet patterns are filled with abbreviations. Each represents a different action or stitch to be performed. Here are some common ones you might encounter:
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- sc: Single Crochet
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- tr: Treble Crochet
- rep: Repeat
- beg: Beginning
- ch-sp: Chain Space
- st: Stitch
- inc: Increase
When reading a pattern, it’s important to know these basics so that you can follow the instructions correctly. Well-written patterns will include a list of the terms used in the pattern and their definitions. They may also include an explanation for less usual stitches (e.g. bobbles or clusters).
US and UK Crochet Terms
You should be aware that US and UK crochet terms are not completely identical. While many terms like ch, sl st, and beg, are the same, the basic stitches differ. The following table shows the key differences.
| US Term | UK Term |
|---|---|
| Single crochet (sc) | Double crochet (dc) |
| Half double crochet (hdc) | Half treble crochet (htr) |
| Double crochet (dc) | Treble crochet (tr) |
| Treble crochet (tr) | Double treble crochet (dtr) |
Always check whether the pattern you are following is written in US or UK crochet terms to make sure you are working the correct stitches.
Basics of Single Crochet (sc)
Single crochet (sc) is a fundamental crochet stitch, forming the shortest and most compact of the basic stitches. It creates a dense and sturdy fabric suitable for a variety of projects. It serves well in crafting items such as washcloths, sweaters, and amigurumi. By mastering the single crochet, crocheters have a solid foundation from which they can learn additional stitch patterns and techniques.
To make a single crochet stitch, follow these steps:
- Insert your hook into the desired stitch or place in your work from the front to the back.
- Yarn over (wrap the yarn around the hook) and pull the yarn through your work so that you have two loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. This completes the single crochet stitch and leaves you with one loop on your hook.
Increasing with Single Crochet (sc inc)
In crochet, increasing is a fundamental technique used to shape your work, making it wider. This is typically done by working two (or more) stitches into the same stitch. When this is done with single crochet, it is known as a single crochet increase.
Single Crochet Increase (sc inc) Technique
To execute a single crochet increase, follow these steps:
- Insert the hook into the stitch where the increase needs to occur.
- Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull up a loop (two loops on the hook).
- Wrap the yarn over again, and pull through both loops. This completes one single crochet.
- Repeat steps 1-3 in the same stitch to form a second single crochet in the same stitch, thereby creating the increase.
Counting and Placing Increases
Accurate stitch count is crucial in maintaining the intended shape of the crochet piece. To distribute increases evenly, calculate the total number of increases needed per round and divide that by the number of stitches in the previous round. This will give you the spacing for your increases.
For larger projects, with greater spacings between increases, you could use stitch markers to mark where to make each increase. These can be moved upwards with each row or round. This can avoid the need to count whilst crocheting your stitches.
A Basic Crochet Circle
To make a basic crochet circle such as shown above, follow these steps:
Form a magic loop, or 4 ch joined with a sl st, to form a loop.
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), make 6 sc into the loop and join to the first sc with a sl st. [6 sc]
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), make 6 sc inc around the ring and join with a sl st. [12 sc]
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (1 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring and join with a sl st. [18 sc]
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (2 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring and join with a sl st. [24 sc]
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (3 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring and join with a sl st. [30 sc]
- Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (4 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring and join with a sl st. [36 sc]
Continue in this way, increasing the stitch count by 6 in each round until you have reached your desired size.
Advanced Crochet Techniques
As with any craft, once the basics of crochet have been mastered there are numerous tweaks, modifications and variations that can be made to enhance your creations. The same is true in the realm of crochet increases.
Working in Continuous Rounds
When crafting amigurumi or crochet toys, designers often work in continuous rounds rather than joining each round with a slip stitch.
This technique creates a spiral effect that is seamless and perfect for the smooth, rounded shapes characteristic of amigurumi. The edges of the work do not have a visible seam, giving the finished piece a cleaner look.
- Begin with a magic loop (also known as a magic ring) or chain stitches joined into a circle.
- Crochet your first round of stitches (e.g. 6 sc into the ring) but do not join the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip stitch.
- When you start the second round, simply make the first stitch of that round into the top of the first stich of the first round.
- It is very important to place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round so that you can keep track of where you are.
- Continue crocheting stitches, with appropriate sc inc stitches, into each round without joining, and moving the marker up as you go.
Avoiding and Correcting Mistakes
Crocheters, whether beginner or experienced, can sometimes misinterpret a stitch, leading to errors.
To prevent mistakes:
- Review the pattern instructions thoroughly before starting.
- Check stitches promptly after completing them to ensure they match the pattern.
- Use stitch markers to identify important sections and stopping points.
- Count regularly to ensure the correct number of stitches.
- Check whether the pattern is written in US or UK crochet terms (see above).
Correcting mistakes may involve:
- Undoing (frogging) the work back to the point before the mistake occurred.
- Re-working the questionable stitches carefully.
- Consulting the pattern to double-check what should have been done.
Frequently Asked Questions
This segment addresses common inquiries regarding single crochet increases and interpretations of related crochet pattern instructions.
How do you perform an increase with single crochet stitches in a pattern?
When a pattern calls for an increase in single crochet, it typically means to work two single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This effectively creates an extra stitch and widens the fabric.
What is the meaning of ‘2 sc inc’ in a crochet instruction?
The instruction ‘2 sc inc’ means you should make two single crochet increases consecutively. To execute this, you would crochet two single crochet stitches into one stitch and then immediately crochet another two single crochet stitches into the next stitch.
Can you explain the difference between ‘sc’ and ‘inc’ in crochet terminology?
‘Sc’ stands for single crochet, which is a basic crochet stitch. ‘Inc’ indicates an increase, which involves adding stitches to the work. In short, ‘sc’ is a stitch type while ‘inc’ refers to the action of increasing stitches.
How do I interpret ‘sc inc x3’ in the context of a crochet project?
The instruction ‘sc inc x3’ means you should make a single crochet increase three times. You will make two single crochets in one stitch, and repeat this whole process two more times for a total of three increases.
What should I do when a pattern instructs me to ‘sc inc x6’?
When a pattern instructs ‘sc inc x6’, you are expected to perform six single crochet increases. You would create two single crochets in six individual stitches, consecutively.
In crochet instructions, how is ‘1sc 1 inc’ typically executed?
‘1sc 1 inc’ in crochet instructions indicates that you first make one single crochet stitch in one stitch. Then, make an increase in the next stitch by crocheting two single crochet stitches. This sequence is often part of a set of repetitions to achieve a certain pattern.
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