If you’ve been working through the C2C crochet series and have a triangle in your hands right now…You’re right where you should be .But now comes the part where everything starts to click. In this lesson, we’re learning the C2C crochet decrease. This is the step that transforms your growing triangle into a square.

And once you understand this, the entire technique finally makes sense.

What is C2C Crochet Decrease?

In C2C crochet, a decrease simply means you stop adding new blocks(bumps) and begin shaping your project inward.

Up until now, you’ve been increasing:

• Adding one new block at the beginning of each row
• Watching your triangle grow wider

Now, instead of adding a new block, you’ll:

• Slip stitch across the top of the previous row
• Join into the next block
• Continue building across

That’s it. No complicated stitches. No tricky math. Just a small change in how you start each row.

Why C2C Crochet Decrease Is Important-This is Where It Clicks

The decrease is what gives your project its final shape. Without it, your triangle would just keep growing. When you begin using the C2C crochet decrease, your project starts to:

• Stop expanding outward
• Maintain its width
• Gradually shrink back down

This is how a triangle becomes a square. It’s also how you create rectangles, blankets, and more advanced shapes. This is the stage where many crocheters have their “aha” moment.

Because suddenly you see:

• How the beginning and ending connect
• How increasing and decreasing work together
• How the overall shape is formed

What once looked complicated now feels logical. And that’s a really powerful shift.

How To Do a C2C Crochet Decrease

When you’re ready to decrease, the biggest change happens at the start of the row. Instead of chaining to create a new block, you will:

1. Turn your work
2. Slip stitch across the top of the previous blocks
3. Slip stitch into the next chain space
4. Begin your next block as usual

From there, you continue working across the row just like before. You’ll know when you get to the last block because the “bump” will rise above the flat part of your work. This is where the final slip stitch goes before you turn your work. That’s the entire decrease.

Before doing this lesson, be sure you have done Part 1-C2C Crochet for Beginners and Part 2-C2C Crochet Increase. Please find them below or sign up for the complete C2C Confidence Series, which will include 5 emails and 5 blog posts to learn beginning C2C. Once you have completed Part 1 and 2, return here to find the decreasing lesson below.

C2C Crochet Decrease-Day 3

If you haven’t done so already, do the first two lessons from above, which will leave you with triangle with 5 blocks(bumps). Your goal today is simple:

Start decreasing until you finish with the last block and your square is complete. You’ve already done the hard part by building your triangle. Now you’re just guiding it back down. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Abbreviations Used US Terms

ch = chain

ch 3-sp = chain 3 space

dc = double crochet

sl st = slip stitch

This is a continuation from Day 2 where you finished Step 6-the 5th block (bump) of your triangle.

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JUMP TO VIDEO

Step 7 {Decrease}:

Now we’ve reached the desired height/width of our square, we now need to decrease so we have one less “bump” each time.

DO NOT chain 6 as you had been doing before. Turn your work.  

Sl st in the first 3 dc{This will be what I call the “flat”-this makes it easy to tell the difference between the where it is turning into a square and where you still have “bumps” to get rid of},

Sl st in the ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in the ch-3 sp,

Sl st in the next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in the ch-3 sp,

Sl st in the next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in the ch-3 sp,

Sl st in the next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in the ch-3 sp,

You now have one “bump” left, sl st in the last ch-3 sp {4 bumps made} turn your work

Step 8 {Decrease}:

Sl st in the first 3 dc {flat made}

Sl st in ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 sp,

Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 sp,

Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 sp,

Now you see you have the 3 bumps you need because you’re decreasing one each time and you can see the final “bump” sticking above the flat section,

Sl st in the final ch-3 sp, turn your work

Step 9 {Decrease}:

Sl in in the first 3 dc {flat made},

Sl st in ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 sp,

Sl st in next ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 sp,

Now you see you have the 2 bumps you need because you’re decreasing one each time and you can see the final “bump” sticking above the flat section,

Sl st in the final ch-3 sp, turn your work

Step 10 {Final Decrease-Square Made}

Sl in in the first 3 dc {flat made},

Sl st in ch-3 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in ch-3 sp,

Final “bump” made-this is also your last corner of your square,

Sl st in the final ch-3 sp,

Fasten off. Weave in your ends.

You’ll notice my square pictured looks a little wonky. Why? Because I’m learning, just like you. With more practice our squares will become more straight and even.

Your triangle shape has now turned into a square. Watch the complete 4 step video below.

C2C Decrease Video

Take a Moment to Celebrate

You finished that final row and hold your square in your hand…Pause for a second.

You learned how to increase and decrease in C2C crochet. That’s the entire foundation of the technique. What once felt confusing is now something you can actually do.

AND THAT’S WORTH CELEBRATING!

Coming Next: Adding Color Without the Chaos

Now that you understand shaping, the next series is where things really get fun. We’ll be adding color-the technique behind those beautiful graphic blankets, patterns, and designs.

And don’t worry…We’re going to keep it simple.

You’re did something new, and you did it well. One block (bump) at a time.

Thanks so much for visiting and your continued support! Come again real soon.

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