Inc in crochet means increase. It is an instruction used in crochet patterns to tell you to add extra stitches in a row or round, making your project wider or larger.
If you are new to crochet or following your first written pattern, abbreviations like inc can feel confusing at first. You may be happily crocheting along when you suddenly see “inc” in the instructions and wonder what it actually means or how to do it.
Fortunately, inc is one of the most important and beginner friendly crochet terms to learn. Once you understand it, reading patterns becomes much easier and more enjoyable. In this guide, you will learn exactly what inc means in crochet, why it is used, how to work it correctly, and how it compares to other common crochet terms.
What Does Inc Mean in Crochet?
In crochet, inc is short for increase.
An increase means adding stitches to your work by making more than one stitch in the same stitch or space from the previous row or round.
In simple terms, inc makes your crochet project grow wider or bigger.
Why Increases Matter in Crochet
Crochet patterns rely on increases to shape a project properly. Without increases, most items would stay flat, narrow, or tube shaped.
Increases are used to:
- Make circles and ovals
- Shape hats and sleeves
- Create curves in amigurumi
- Add fullness to garments
- Adjust size and fit
Because of this, inc is a core concept in crochet, especially in projects worked in the round.
How an Increase Works
Although patterns often write “inc” as a single instruction, the action itself involves making two stitches into one stitch.
For example:
- Single crochet increase means two single crochets in the same stitch
- Double crochet increase means two double crochets in the same stitch
The type of stitch depends on the pattern.
Common Ways Inc Appears in Patterns
Crochet designers use inc in a few different formats. Understanding these variations will help you read patterns confidently.
Written Out
Some patterns explain the increase fully.
Example:
- 2 sc in next stitch
This means the same thing as an increase.
Abbreviated
Other patterns use shorthand.
Example:
- Inc in next stitch
This is simply telling you to increase once.
With Stitch Counts
Often, inc appears with numbers.
Example:
- Inc around (12)
This means you increase in every stitch around, resulting in 12 stitches total.
Example of Inc in a Crochet Pattern
Here is a simple example from a beginner friendly pattern worked in the round.
Pattern Example
| Round | Instruction | Stitch Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 sc in magic ring | 6 |
| 2 | Inc in each stitch | 12 |
| 3 | 1 sc, inc repeat around | 18 |
In round two, inc in each stitch means you place two single crochets in every stitch from the previous round.
How to Do an Increase Step by Step
Let’s walk through a basic single crochet increase.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop
- Yarn over and pull through both loops
- Without moving to the next stitch, insert your hook into the same stitch again
- Yarn over and pull up a loop
- Yarn over and pull through both loops
You have now completed an increase.
Inc in Amigurumi Crochet
If you crochet amigurumi, you will see inc very often.
Amigurumi relies heavily on increases and decreases to shape toys and figures smoothly.
Common amigurumi instruction:
- 3 sc, inc repeat around
This creates gentle shaping instead of sharp edges.
Because amigurumi is usually worked in continuous rounds, counting stitches after each round is especially important.
Inc vs Dec in Crochet
Another abbreviation you will often see next to inc is dec.
Comparison Table
| Term | Meaning | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Inc | Increase | Makes work wider |
| Dec | Decrease | Makes work narrower |
Together, increases and decreases control the shape of your crochet project.
Different Types of Increases
Although inc usually means two stitches in one stitch, some patterns specify different increases.
Examples include:
- Three stitches in one stitch
- Multiple increases in the same round
- Paired increases spaced evenly
Always read the pattern notes to see how the designer defines inc.
Common Mistakes When Using Inc
Even experienced crocheters can make mistakes with increases.
Missing the Second Stitch
Sometimes crocheters forget to place the second stitch in the same space. This results in the wrong stitch count.
Increasing in the Wrong Place
If you increase in the wrong stitch, the shape of your project can become uneven.
Not Counting Stitches
Counting after each row or round helps catch mistakes early.
Tips for Working Increases Neatly
To keep your increases looking clean:
- Use stitch markers to track increase points
- Count stitches regularly
- Keep tension even
- Follow the pattern spacing carefully
These habits make a big difference, especially in detailed projects.
Alternate Meanings of Inc
Outside of crochet, inc can mean different things.
Common alternate meanings include:
- Incorporated in business names
- Increase in general instructions
- Inclusion in informal writing
However, in crochet patterns, inc almost always means increase.
Polite and Professional Crochet Terminology
If you are writing patterns, teaching crochet, or posting instructions online, you may choose to write out the term for clarity.
Professional alternatives include:
- Increase
- Make two stitches in the same stitch
- Work an increase
These options are especially helpful for beginner friendly patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does inc stand for in crochet?
Inc stands for increase.
2. How many stitches is an inc?
Usually two stitches worked into the same stitch, unless the pattern says otherwise.
3. Is inc the same for all crochet stitches?
The concept is the same, but the stitch type changes based on the pattern.
4. Why does my stitch count increase?
Because an inc adds extra stitches to shape the project.
5. Is inc used only in round projects?
No. It is used in both rows and rounds.
6. What happens if I skip an inc?
Your project may become too small or lose its intended shape.
7. How do I know where to place inc?
The pattern will tell you exactly where increases go.
8. Do all patterns use inc?
Not all patterns, but most shaping patterns include increases.
Conclusion
So, what does inc mean in crochet? It means increase, an instruction that tells you to add stitches so your project grows in size or shape.
To recap:
- Inc stands for increase
- It usually means two stitches in one stitch
- It is essential for shaping crochet projects
- It is common in garments, circles, and amigurumi
- Careful counting helps avoid mistakes
Once you understand inc, crochet patterns become clearer and much easier to follow.
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