In crochet, decreasing stitches is essential for shaping your projects—whether you’re working on a hat, amigurumi, or garment. One common decrease method is the dc2tog crochet stitch, short for “double crochet two together.” This stitch is simple to learn and a must-know for anyone looking to advance their crochet skills.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- What the dc2tog crochet stitch is
- How to do it (step-by-step)
- When and why you use it
- Common applications
- Tips for success
What is the dc2tog Crochet Stitch?
dc2tog stands for “double crochet two together.” It’s a way to turn two double crochet stitches into one, effectively decreasing the stitch count in your row or round.
It’s commonly used in:
- Shaping garments and accessories
- Creating angles in patterns
- Forming decreases in patterns like hats, sleeves, or necklines
- Design effects, such as waves or chevrons
By working the dc2tog crochet stitch, you reduce the number of stitches while keeping a consistent texture and flow in the fabric.
How to Work the dc2tog Crochet Stitch
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Yarn Over
- Begin the way you normally would for a double crochet—yarn over (YO).
2. Insert into the First Stitch
- Insert your hook into the first stitch, YO, and pull up a loop (you now have 3 loops on your hook).
3. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops
- YO again and pull through the first two loops (you now have 2 loops remaining on your hook).
4. Yarn Over, Insert into the Next Stitch
- YO, then insert your hook into the next stitch, YO, and pull up a loop (you now have 4 loops on your hook).
5. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops Again
- YO and pull through the first two loops (you now have 3 loops left on the hook).
6. Yarn Over and Pull Through All Three Loops
- YO once more and pull through all three remaining loops.
You’ve just completed one dc2tog stitch! It counts as one stitch in your stitch count, even though you worked into two stitches.
Visualizing dc2tog in a Pattern
Let’s say your row has 20 stitches, and the pattern asks you to decrease by 2 stitches. You would do two dc2tog stitches in the row, and end up with 18 stitches total.
It’s especially useful in rows where you need gradual tapering or sculpted shapes.
When to Use dc2tog
The dc2tog crochet stitch is commonly used in these scenarios:
- Decreasing at the edges of a row to shape a garment (like the shoulders of a sweater)
- Forming domed shapes, like beanies or hats
- Shaping amigurumi projects or rounded figures
- Creating ripple or chevron patterns in blankets and scarves
- Tapering sleeves or pant legs
You’ll also see dc2tog combined with other decreases (like sc2tog or hdc2tog) in multi-stitch patterns.
Tips for Working with dc2tog Crochet
- Watch your tension: Keep your stitches loose enough to easily work into the next stitch, but not so loose that the shape looks sloppy.
- Use stitch markers when working decreases at specific points in a round.
- Count your stitches carefully to make sure you’re not accidentally skipping stitches or decreasing too many.
- Practice: Try a swatch of 10 dc stitches and do a dc2tog in the middle to see how the fabric changes.
dc2tog vs Other Decreases
Here’s how dc2tog compares to other common decrease stitches:
| Stitch | Use Case | Final Height |
| sc2tog | Single crochet decrease | Shortest |
| hdc2tog | Half double crochet decrease | Medium height |
| dc2tog | Double crochet decrease | Taller/More open |
| tr2tog | Treble crochet decrease | Tallest/Most open |
Each stitch creates a similar effect (reducing the count), but they differ in height and fabric openness. Choose based on your pattern and desired outcome.
Conclusion
The dc2tog crochet stitch is a fundamental technique that allows you to add shaping and structure to your crochet projects. Whether you’re working on a wearable item, a decorative piece, or a textured blanket, mastering dc2tog opens the door to more advanced designs.
Take some time to practice this stitch and experiment with it in simple swatches. It won’t take long before you’re using dc2tog with confidence in everything from sweaters to scarves.
Need help spotting dc2tog in a pattern or want to practice with a small project? I’d be happy to suggest one!