Don’t feel helpless if you’re confused with complex crochet patterns filled with abbreviations.
Because you’re not alone, many crocheters find terms like “SC Inc” perplexing, making it hard to follow patterns and achieve the desired results. One of the difficult questions can be ‘What does SC Inc mean in crochet?
In this guide, we’ll simplify the term”SC Inc,” explain its importance, and show you how to use this technique to create beautifully shaped and finished pieces.
What Does “SC Inc” Stand For in Crochet?
In crochet, “SC Inc” stands for “Single Crochet Increase.” This technique involves making two single crochet stitches in the same stitch from the previous row.
It’s commonly used to add width to your project, making it ideal for shaping items like hats, amigurumi, and garments. Increasing stitches allows you to create curves and add dimension to your work. Mastering “SC Inc” is essential for advancing your crochet skills and tackling more complex patterns.
Understanding this abbreviation helps you follow instructions accurately and achieve the desired results in your crochet projects.
Understanding Single Crochet Increases in Patterns
When you read crochet patterns, you might see single crochet increases written in various ways, though they all mean the same thing.
- Sc Inc = Single Crochet Increase: This is the most commonly used abbreviation for a single increase.
- Inc = Crochet a stitch two times into one stitch (this could refer to single crochet, double crochet, or half double crochet stitch).
- Inc in next st = Work two stitches in the next stitch.
- Sc 2 X in next st = Single crochet twice in the next stitch.
- Sc 2 in the next st = Single Crochet Increase.
It’s important to carefully review crochet abbreviations in any pattern to understand when they indicate a “single crochet increase,” as they can be written in multiple ways.
Keep reading to learn more about using a single crochet increase (sc inc) in your crochet projects and patterns.
How to Increase in Single Crochet
Here are the steps to perform a single crochet increase:
- Begin with a Single Crochet Stitch: Start by inserting your hook into the stitch where you want to increase it. Your pattern usually indicates this.
- Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over (yo) and pull through the stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.
- Complete the First Single Crochet: Yarn over again and pull through both loops on your hook. You have now completed one single crochet (sc).
- Insert Hook Again into the Same Stitch: Without moving to the next stitch, insert your hook back into the same stitch where you made the first single crochet.
- Yarn Over and Pull Through Again: Yarn over and pull through the stitch, just as you did before. Your hook should now have two loops.
- Complete the Second Single Crochet: Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to complete the second single crochet in the same stitch.
To further enhance your crochet skills, check out our detailed guide on What Does ST Mean in Crochet?. This comprehensive article covers the basics of crochet stitches, how to count them, and their importance in creating beautiful and intricate patterns.
Where Can You Make Single Crochet Increases?
You can perform increased stitches in any location within a row. They can be positioned at the beginning of the row, at the end, or anywhere in between.
For instance, if you place all the increases on the right side, your piece will begin to angle to the right. Similarly, placing all the increases on the left side will cause your piece to slant to the left.
How to Properly Count and Place Crochet Increases
Accurate stitch counting is essential to maintain the intended shape of your crochet project.
To evenly distribute increases, determine the total number needed per round and divide by the number of stitches in the previous round. This calculation helps you space out your increases correctly.
For larger projects with wider spacing between increases, use stitch markers to indicate where each increase should be made. Move these markers up as you progress through each row or round, reducing the need to count stitches constantly.
Creating a Basic Crochet Circle
To create a basic crochet circle, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions | Stitch Count |
| 1 | Form a magic loop or chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a loop. | – |
| 2 | Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), make 6 single crochets (sc) into the loop, join to the first sc with a slip stitch. | 6 sc |
| 3 | Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), make 6 single crochet increases (sc inc) around the ring, join with a slip stitch. | 12 sc |
| 4 | Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (1 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring, join with a slip stitch. | 18 sc |
| 5 | Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (2 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring, join with a slip stitch. | 24 sc |
| 6 | Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (3 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring, join with a slip stitch. | 30 sc |
| 7 | Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), (4 sc, 1 sc inc) around the ring, join with a slip stitch. | 36 sc |
| 8+ | Continue increasing the stitch count by 6 in each round until the desired size is reached. | +6 sc per round |
Common Crochet Increase Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Crochet increases are vital for shaping projects, but they can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Miscounting Stitches:
- Mistake: Losing track of the stitch count can lead to uneven increases.
- Solution: Use stitch markers to keep track of where you need to increase. Count your stitches at the end of each row or round to ensure accuracy.
Placing Increases Incorrectly:
- Mistake: Incorrectly placing increases can distort the shape of your project.
- Solution: Follow your pattern carefully. If the pattern calls for evenly spaced increases, calculate the spacing before you begin and mark the increase points with stitch markers.
Inconsistent Tension:
- Mistake: Uneven tension can make increases look sloppy.
- Solution: Practice maintaining even tension throughout your work. If you notice your tension changing, take a break and resume when you can maintain consistency.
Skipping Rows or Rounds:
- Mistake: Forgetting an increase in the specified rows or rounds can affect the project’s shape and size.
- Solution: Keep track of your progress with a row counter or a written note. Regularly refer to your pattern to ensure you’re following the increase instructions correctly.
Overtightening the Yarn:
- Mistake: Pulling the yarn too tight when making increases can result in a stiff and uneven fabric.
- Solution: Relax your grip on the yarn and hook. Aim for a consistent, gentle tension to keep the fabric flexible and smooth.
FAQs
How to Increase Crochet Stitch at the End of Row?
To increase a crochet stitch at the end of a row, simply make two stitches in the last stitch of the row.
For example, if you are doing single crochet, insert your hook into the last stitch, yarn over, pull through, and complete the stitch. Then, insert the hook into the same stitch again, yarn over, pull through, and complete another stitch. This adds an extra stitch to the row.
How to Do An Invisible Decrease in Crochet?
Yarn over and insert your hook through the front loops of the next stitch. Pull up a loop so you have two loops on your hook.
Repeat this with the following stitch, entering only the front loops. Now, with three loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through all loops at once. Focusing on the front loops, this method reduces visible decrease marks, giving your projects a smooth and professional finish.
Wrapping Up
Now you know the answer to ‘What does SC inc mean in crochet?’
In crochet, “SC Inc” means single crochet increase, where you make two single crochet stitches in the same stitch. This technique is essential for shaping and adding width to hats, toys, and garments.
Understanding and mastering SC Inc helps you follow patterns accurately and achieve your creations’ desired shape and size. Practice this basic skill to enhance your crochet abilities and confidently create more complex designs.