Are you a crocheter looking to create more than just rectangles, spheres, and squares? Then this post on how to shape crochet pieces is for you!

In preparation for next week's project reveal, I want to show you how to shape a flat crochet piece using increases and decreases.

If you've ever made a sweater or something that required you to add stitches at the end of a row then you probably know where I'm going with this. And, if you're like me and this is your first time, stick around for details on shaping pieces.

How To Shape Crochet Pieces

Without giving too much away the photo above is of the mystery project I’m working on and if you'll notice, there are increases and decreases at the end of each row. You can also use foundationless single crochet but in this tutorial I’m using chains to add stitches.

When I first started this project, my first thought was to simply add the necessary chains at the end of the row, work my way back and add chains at the end of the row. But you can imagine that the piece would not be even - picture a cross, only one half is higher than the other.

Here’s how to add stitches to the end of a row:

Start your project as you would and when you come to the end of a row make the number of chains needed.

Work your way across the next row but stop a few stitches from the end and remove the hook, careful to pull enough yarn so your piece doesn't come undone.

Insert the hook into the last stitch and join new yarn to add the necessary number of chains.

Remove the hook and cut the yarn making a slip knot to secure the added chains.

Insert the hook back into the working loop and crochet to the end of the row and on to your newly created chains.

After a few increases, this is what the piece would look like:

Here’s how to make decreases:

Finish the row as you would and instead of making a chain and working your way back, cut the yarn.

Remove the hook and join the yarn in the space where you want the new row to start.

Continue to work across the row but remember to stop before the end.

In this example, I need to have a decrease of 2 stitches at both ends of the row so I will begin my row 2 stitches in and I will end my row with 2 stitches remaining.

And that's how you shape crochet pieces with by adding chains and working short row.

Check back soon for the project that will put your newly found knowledge to use!

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This pattern is for personal use only. The pattern and its photos may not be reproduced, distributed or resold, translated, published, altered, shared or posted in any way over the internet or offline.

You may sell finished items made from this pattern as long as it is handmade by you, not mass produced, giving the credit to Pops de Milk / Patricia Castillo as the designer. If you have any questions, you can email me at patricia@popsdemilk.com