Session 3: Shaping
Check out this cute little bum, created by strategically increasing and decreasing single crochet stitches. There are many ways to manipulate your stitch count, but it is best to make these changes as invisible as possible. The goal is to avoid gaps around the stitch presenting your poor dolls stuffing to the world!
The first stitch change that you will come across is the increase. To add a stitch to a row, you will need to place two single crochets (sc) in one stitch. Increasing will make your piece wider (ie. creating a rounded out shape for the bum)
The Invisible Increase:
(noted by 2sc in next)
1. The first single crochet will be made using the front loop only.
2. The second single crochet will made using both loops of the same stitch.
3. The completed increase is squished neatly in the space with no visible gaps.
Decreasing is the process of merging two stitches from one row into a single stitch in the next row. Decreasing pulls the shape of your doll in (ie. the curve of the lower back and the top of the foot).
Invisible Single Crochet Decrease:
(noted by sc2tog)
This decrease will feel very much like a regular sc. The only difference is that you insert your hook under two stitches instead of one.
1. Insert your hook under the front loop of the first stitch and under the front loop of the second stitch to be decreased (3 loops on your hook).
2. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, making sure to tighten up your working yarn! (two loops on your hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through the final two loops.
Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease:
noted as hdc2tog
This decrease will feel very much like a regular hdc. The only difference being that you insert your hook under two stitches instead of one.
1. Yarn over. Insert your hook under the front loop of the first stitch and under the front loop of the second stitch (four loops on your hook).
2. Yarn over, pull through the first two loops, tighten up your working yarn. ( three loops on your hook).
3. Yarn over, pull through the remaining three loops on your hook.
We will use these techniques right away when we get started on the feet of your doll. Any questions? Do you need anything clarified? Comment below or post in study group!
