In crochet, “inc” means “increase” , and it tells you to work more than one stitch into the same stitch or space to make your work wider or rounder.

Quick Scoop: What “inc” Means

  • In most beginner patterns, inc = put 2 stitches into 1 stitch (for example, “2 sc in same st” for a single crochet increase).
  • Patterns might say it different ways, like:
    • inc
    • 2 sc in next st
    • sc inc or sc, inc in round patterns.
  • The purpose is to add stitches so circles grow larger (like amigurumi heads, hats, coasters, etc.).

Think of it like “sharing a seat”: instead of one stitch sitting in one spot, two (or more) stitches squeeze into the same spot so the fabric fans out.

How You Actually Do an “inc”

Example with single crochet (sc):

  1. Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops – that’s 1 sc.
  1. Do another sc into that exact same stitch – now you’ve made an increase (inc).

You can also see:

  • Hdc inc – 2 half double crochets in the same stitch.
  • Dc inc – 2 double crochets in the same stitch.
  • Tr inc – 2 treble crochets in the same stitch.

Weird Variants (like “2 inc”, “3 inc”)

Some pattern writers use “2 inc”, “3 inc”, etc., in different ways, and this is where beginners get confused.

Two common meanings:

  • “2 inc” can mean 2 increases in a row : work an increase in the next stitch, then another increase in the following stitch (so you’re adding 2 stitches overall).
  • Or, in some patterns, “2 inc” is written to mean 2 stitches in the same stitch (i.e., a normal increase), and “3 inc” to mean 3 stitches in the same stitch – but this is less standard and very pattern‑dependent.

When in doubt:

  • Check notes at the top of the pattern (many designers explain their shorthand there).
  • Compare to the stitch count in parentheses at the end of the round/row to see how many stitches you’re supposed to end up with.

Mini Story: Your First Amigurumi Head

Imagine you’re making a tiny frog head:

  • Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring (6)
  • Round 2: inc in each stitch around (12) → you put 2 sc in each of the 6 stitches.
  • Round 3: (sc, inc) around (18) → 1 sc in one stitch, then 2 sc in the next, repeat.

Every time you see “inc,” you’re telling the circle to grow.

Quick FAQ

  • Is inc always 2 stitches in one?
    In most basic patterns, yes: it’s 2 of the same stitch in one place.
  • Can you have 3 or more stitches in one spot?
    Yes; patterns might write this out as “3 sc in next st” or use custom shorthand, but that’s designer‑specific.
  • Why do my pieces get wavy or ruffled when I inc?
    You might be increasing too often or in the wrong places, which forces the fabric to flare. Following the exact count helps keep it flat or nicely rounded.

TL;DR: In crochet, inc means “increase” – usually work two of the same stitch into one stitch to add stitches and shape your project.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.