Alternative Double Dc Decrease

When working in double crochet (dc), have you ever wanted a sleeker, less bulky alternative to the standard double crochet 3 together (dc3tog)? Create a sharper angle and less bulk with this alternative, double dc decrease!

Alternative Double Dc Decrease

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Updated for 2024!

This tutorial got a makeover in February 2024, with new pictures and formatting, and a new video.

Standard Double Crochet 3 Together (Dc3tog)

The standard dc3tog decreases 2 stitches at once in double crochet. It is worked into 3 stitches, and turns them into 1 stitch, resulting in 2 stitches decreased.

Standard double crochet 3 together

The dc3tog is essentially a 3-double-crochet cluster. It’s a nicely centered stitch that has enough bulk to fill in the space on both sides. This is the perfect stitch for decreasing in the middle of a row without leaving any gaps.

Alternative Double DC Decrease

The dc3tog doesn’t work quite as well when you’re trying to create a smooth angled edge. That extra bulk on the side makes it a more rounded stitch which can leave a somewhat bumpy edge. Instead, try this slanted, alternative double dc decrease.

Alternative, Slanted Dc Decrease

This stitch leans backwards, away from the direction of work. That means if you are crocheting right-handed, it will lean to the right, and if you are crocheting left-handed, it will lean to the left.

How to Work the Alternative Double Dc Decrease

This decrease is worked over 3 stitches. Yarn over and draw up a loop in the first stitch (3 loops on hook). Then, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook. (2 loops remaining on hook)

Yarn over and draw up a loop in each of the next 2 stitches. (5 loops on hook)

5 loops on hook

[Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook] twice. (3 loops remaining on hook)

Yo and draw through 2 twice

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.

Finished alt decrease

When to use this decrease

This alternative, slanting decrease is great whenever you want a sharply angled edge. I used it in my Rainbow Ripple Wrap Dress pattern, to make smoother lines across the front.

Rainbow Ripple Wrap Dress - A free crochet pattern on StitchesNScraps.com

It’s also useful for lace designs where you want to create a defined shape. If you need mirrored decreases that look the same on both edges of your work, or if you’re working in the middle of a row and don’t want to leave a gap, use the standard dc3tog decrease instead.

Leaning the other way

There is unfortunately no great alternative double dc decrease (that I know of) that leans in the other direction. To decrease at the beginning of a row, I typically start with a chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), skip the first stitch, then work a standard double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) in the next 2 stitches.

Ch 2 and dc2tog

This looks similar, but not quite the same as either decrease. I use this decrease at the start of the row regardless of whether I am using dc3tog or the alternative double dc decrease elsewhere in the row.

Comparing decreases

In the image below, you will see the 3 types of decreases referenced in this post. From right to left:

  1. Chain 2, skip first stitch, double crochet 2 together
  2. Alternative double dc decrease
  3. Same as #1
  4. Traditional double crochet 3 together.
Comparing double dc decreases

The alternative decrease is more sharply angled and less bulky than the traditional decrease.

Alternative Double Dc Decrease Video Tutorial

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Alternative Double Dc Decrease

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