When do you use "dec" and when do you use "sc2tog"? Can they be used interchangeably? Let's discuss.
If you've come this far, you're most likely familiar with crocheting in the round and why you need to decrease the stitch count of your round. But which method is best for your project?
"Dec"
The abbreviated term "dec" on a crochet pattern refers to an invisible decrease. This is a unique stitch that combines 2 single crochet stitches to reduce the count by 1. It is performed by inserting the hook into the Front Loop Only (FLO) of the next 2 stitches and performing a single crochet stitch to combine them. This is the preferred decrease method when making amigurumi or 3D shapes because it is virtually indistinguishable from the other stitches when viewed from the front, or outside, of your work. From the back or inside of the work, it is very visible. But who cares? Once you add stuffing and close up your shape, no one will see it!
"sc2tog"
The abbreviated term "sc2tog" on a crochet pattern refers to a method where you single crochet 2 stitches together. The hook is inserted into one stitch, yarn over (YO) and pull through, then before completing the single crochet stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch, YO and pull through. With 3 loops on the hook, YO and pull through all 3 to finish the stitch. This stitch is visible from both sides of the work, there's really no way around that. But the back of the sc2tog stitch does not pop out as much as the dec. Making it preferable when crocheting in rows, or working on a piece where both sides will be visible.
Variations
With both decrease methods, you can decrease by more than 2 stitches. For example, "sc3tog" combines 3 stitches in the same way as sc2tog combines 2 stitches. And, you can "3dec" to combine 3 stitches in the same way as dec combines 2 stitches.
Additionally, both decrease methods can be used interchangeably with other stitches. For double crochet, simply make a double crochet decrease - "dc dec", or double crochet 2 together - "dc2tog". Abbreviations may vary slightly depending on the pattern, but in general, it will be easy to identify these techniques and their variations even if they are called out by a different abbreviation. I've been crocheting for 30 years and read hundreds of crochet patterns and I have not yet seen an unrecognizable abbreviation for these two methods.
If you're unfamiliar with these stitches or want more practice, check out this video.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions. Check out my other posts for more information and my YouTube channel for helpful video tutorials!
Happy crafting!
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