Crocheting two stitches together is an essential technique that helps shape your crochet projects by creating decreases. Whether you're working on amigurumi, garments, or decorative pieces, mastering this skill allows you to create smooth, tapered edges and defined shaping in your work. This tutorial will walk you through four different techniques of crocheting two stitches together: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. Let’s get started!

What Does It Mean to Crochet Two Stitches Together?

When you crochet two stitches together, you are effectively turning two stitches into one, reducing the total stitch count in a row or round. This technique is commonly used in shaping projects, such as decreasing for hat crowns, shaping sleeves, or creating intricate textures in lace and amigurumi patterns.

Why Use This Technique?

Crocheting two stitches together is useful for:

  • Shaping garments and accessories like sweaters, gloves, and hats.
  • Creating smooth, structured decreases in patterns such as amigurumi.
  • Adding texture to stitch patterns, including lace and ribbing designs.
  • Forming sharp corners or slanted edges in decorative projects.

Materials You’ll Need

To get started, you’ll need the following:

  • A crochet hook (use the size recommended for your yarn) - I will be using a 3.75mm (F hook) for the tutorial 
  • Yarn of your choice - I am using hobbii friends cotton 8/6
  • A foundation row of stitches or a small crocheted square. Alternatively, you can use whatever project you may be working on. 

Single Crochet Two Together: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need a refresher on the single crochet stitch, I recommend following this tutorial prior to attempting to crochet two of these stitches together: How to Do A Single Crochet. 

1. Begin with Regular Stitches

For the purposes of comparison, I recommend crocheting some “normal” stitches before crocheting two together, as this is usually what occurs in a pattern. I have attached my yarn to a small crocheted square and crocheted four single crochet stitches. 

2. Insert the Hook into the First Stitch

Start by inserting your hook into the next stitch as if you were going to make a normal stitch.

3. Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop

Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should now have two loops on your hook.

4. Repeat in Next Stitch

Without completing the first stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a second loop. You should now have three loops on your hook.

5. Yarn Over and Pull Through All Loops

Yarn over one last time and pull through all three loops on your hook. You have now successfully crocheted two single crochet stitches together into one!

6. Continue Across the Row

Repeat the process as needed according to your pattern. For the tutorial, I have added a chain 1 after each completed decrease stitch to increase spacing, which is a great technique to use in borders. I use this technique in the border of my daisy curtain ties pattern.

Half Double Crochet Two Together: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need a refresher on the half double crochet stitch, I recommend following this tutorial prior to attempting to crochet two of these stitches together: How to Do A Half Double Crochet. 

1. Begin with Regular Stitches

For the purposes of comparison, I recommend crocheting some “normal” stitches before crocheting two together, as this is usually what occurs in a pattern. I have attached my yarn to a small crocheted square and crocheted four half double crochet stitches. 

2. Yarn Over, Insert Hook and Pull Up a Loop

Start by yarning over and inserting your hook into the next stitch as if you were going to make a normal stitch. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should now have three loops on your hook.

3. Repeat in Next Stitch

Without completing the first stitch, repeat the process from step 2 in your next stitch. You should now have five loops on your hook. Make sure to keep your tension even. 

4. Yarn Over and Pull Through All Loops

Yarn over one last time and pull through all five loops on your hook. You have now successfully crocheted two half double crochet stitches together into one!

5. Continue Across the Row

Repeat the process as needed according to your pattern. For the tutorial, I have added a chain 1 after each completed decrease stitch to increase spacing, which is a great technique to use in borders. I use this technique to decrease in the corners of the border in my celestial cat cardigan and diamond stitch cat sweater patterns!

Double Crochet Two Together: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need a refresher on the double crochet stitch, I recommend following this tutorial prior to attempting to crochet two of these stitches together: How to Do A Double Crochet. 

1. Begin with Regular Stitches

For the purposes of comparison, I recommend crocheting some “normal” stitches before crocheting two together, as this is usually what occurs in a pattern. I have attached my yarn to a small crocheted square and crocheted four double crochet stitches. 

2. Yarn Over, Insert Hook and Pull Up a Loop

Start by yarning over and inserting your hook into the next stitch as if you were going to make a normal stitch. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should now have three loops on your hook.

3. Yarn Over and Pull Through

Yarn over and pull through the first two stitches on your hook as if you are doing a double crochet. There will now be two stitches on your hook. 

4. Repeat in Next Stitch

Without completing the first stitch, repeat the process from step 2 and 3 in your next stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. Make sure to keep your tension even.

 

5. Yarn Over and Pull Through All Loops

Yarn over one last time and pull through all three loops on your hook. You have now successfully crocheted two double crochet stitches together into one!

6. Continue Across the Row

Repeat the process as needed according to your pattern. For the tutorial, I have added a chain 1 after each completed decrease stitch to increase spacing, which is a great technique to use in borders. 

Treble Crochet Two Together: Step-by-Step Instructions

If you need a refresher on the treble crochet stitch, I recommend following this tutorial prior to attempting to crochet two of these stitches together: How to Do A Treble Crochet. 

1. Begin with Regular Stitches

For the purposes of comparison, I recommend crocheting some “normal” stitches before crocheting two together, as this is usually what occurs in a pattern. I have attached my yarn to a small crocheted square and crocheted four treble crochet stitches. 

2. Yarn Over Twice, Insert Hook and Pull Up a Loop

Start by yarning over twice and inserting your hook into the next stitch as if you were going to make a normal stitch. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should now have four loops on your hook.

3. Yarn Over and Pull Through, Twice

Yarn over and pull through the first two stitches on your hook, then yarn over and pull through the next two stitches. There will now be two stitches on your hook. 

4. Repeat in Next Stitch

Without completing the first stitch, repeat the process from step 2 and 3 in your next stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. Make sure to keep your tension even.

 

5. Yarn Over and Pull Through All Loops

Yarn over one last time and pull through all three loops on your hook. You have now successfully crocheted two treble crochet stitches together into one!

6. Continue Across the Row

Repeat the process as needed according to your pattern. For the tutorial, I have added a chain 1 after each completed decrease stitch to increase spacing, which is a great technique to use in borders. I use this technique as the sun rays in my sunshine curtain ties and celestial cat cardigan patterns!

Tips for Neat Decreases

To keep your crochet decreases looking clean and even, follow these expert tips:

  • Maintain consistent tension: Loose decreases can create gaps, while tight ones may pucker the fabric.
  • Use stitch markers: If decreasing at specific points, mark the decrease spots to ensure alignment.
  • Smooth out edges: If your fabric looks uneven, try blocking your piece after finishing.
  • Avoid holes in amigurumi: Pull stitches tightly when working decreases in stuffed projects to keep them firm.

How to Use Decreases in Crochet Projects

Once you’ve mastered crocheting two stitches together, try using it in these projects:

  • Shaping Amigurumi: Essential for forming rounded shapes like heads, arms, and legs.
  • Tapering Hat Crowns: Decreases create smooth shaping in hats and beanies.
  • Creating Sleeves & Shaping Garments: Helps form structured armholes and fitted designs.
  • Decorative Lace Patterns: Many lace motifs require carefully placed decreases for intricate designs.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

  • Gaps Between Stitches: Try working decreases more tightly or adjusting your tension.
  • Uneven Stitch Alignment: Use stitch markers to place decreases symmetrically.
  • Too Many or Too Few Stitches: Always count your stitches at the end of each row or round to stay on track.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to crochet two stitches together is an essential skill for shaping and refining your crochet projects. Whether you're decreasing for amigurumi, garments, or decorative textures, this technique helps add structure and smooth transitions to your work. With a little practice, you’ll be able to incorporate decreases seamlessly into your designs!

What’s next?

Looking for more crochet tips and tutorials? Follow the quick links below for other beginner stitches or head straight to the full techniques page of my website!

How to Crochet a Magic Circle

How to Crochet a Cluster Stitch

How to Do a Stacked Single Crochet

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