How to DC2tog Crochet (Double Crochet Decrease Tutorial)

The dc2tog crochet stitch is a simple crochet decrease that joins two double crochet stitches into one. This reduces the stitch count and helps shape crochet fabric for garments, hats, amigurumi, blankets, and many other crochet projects. This beginner tutorial will show you exactly how to double crochet two together step-by-step, including where to insert your hook and how to avoid common decrease mistakes.

What Is DC2tog in Crochet?

DC2tog stands for “double crochet two together.” It is a crochet decrease stitch made by partially completing two double crochet stitches and joining them together at the top. Double crochet two together is used to decrease double crochet stitches and to shape garments. As well as being a great way to decrease, it is quick and easy for beginners learning how to crochet! Of course, it does need to be used when working with double crochet stitches.

How to Double Crochet Two Together (Step by Step)

While learning and practicing dc2tog, you can use any type of yarn with a crochet hook size suitable for that yarn. It is probably wise to use a smooth yarn so that you can see how the double crochet stitches group together neatly. Of course, if using this stitch to decrease a crochet project you are already working on, it goes without saying that you will just continue with that yarn and hook.

Just a quick reminder about which stitch is a double crochet. It is probably one of the most commonly used basic stitches in crochet, and certainly one of the stitches you need to learn right at the beginning of your journey into crochet. It is about twice as tall as a single crochet stitch.

Here is a brief reminder of how to work DC:

1. YO, insert hook.
2. YO, and pull through the stitch (3 loops on hook).
3. YO again, draw yarn through the first 2 loops on the hook (2 loops on hook).
4. YO once more and draw hook through last 2 loops on hook (1 loop left on hook). This is your first double crochet stitch.

1. Begin the First Incomplete Double Crochet

Here is how to do a double crochet 2 together (double crochet decrease):

• Crochet normally until you reach the part where you need to decrease.
• Wrap yarn over the hook from back to front.

• Insert the hook into the next stitch in the row below.
• Yarn over again. Pull hook back through the stitch (3 loops left on hook).

• Yarn over. Pull hook back through first 2 loops only (2 loops on hook).

2. Begin the Second Incomplete Double Crochet

So far, this is exactly the same as working a normal double crochet. But now, before you complete that DC, we will start with the next stitch.

❤️BEGINNER TIP: Keep your tension relaxed while working dc2tog stitches. Tight tension can make it difficult to pull through the final loops cleanly.

• Yarn over. Insert hook into the next stitch on the row below.

• Yarn over. Pull hook back through the stitch (4 loops on hook).

• Yarn over. Pull loop back through the first 2 loops only (3 loops on hook).

3. Pull Through Remaining Loops

• Yarn over. Pull the loop back through the last 3 loops on the hook (1 loop on the hook).

Phew, that was a lot of yarn overs! But now your double crochet two together is complete. You should be able to see the 2 stitches combined into one. Here is how it looks once the rest of the row is completed.

How To DC2 Tog On Top Of A Starting Chain

You will still follow the steps above, but instead of inserting your hook into DC stitches below, you will insert the hook into the next ch st, and the ch st following that. It is, however, fairly unusual to need to decrease immediately after working the foundation chain.

DC2tog vs Cluster Stitch

Although dc2tog and cluster stitches are made by joining partially completed stitches at the top, they are usually used for different purposes in crochet patterns.

DC2tog	Cluster Stitch
Used mainly for decreasing	Used mainly for texture
Joins 2 stitches together	Can join multiple stitches
Reduces stitch count	Often decorative
Creates shaping	Creates textured fabric

DC2tog Troubleshooting

Here are some common dc2tog problems and how to fix them.

Problem	Cause	Solution
Bulky decrease	Loose tension	Pull stitches evenly
Tight decrease	Tight tension	Relax grip slightly
Gaps between stitches	Skipped stitches	Check stitch placement
Uneven decreases	Inconsistent loops	Pull loops to equal height
Difficulty pulling through loops	Tight stitches	Use a larger hook

Double Crochet Two Together (dc2tog) FAQs

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In Conclusion

Most modern patterns will be specific about when to do a dc2tog crochet decrease. However, many people enjoy the retro look of vintage patterns or are using patterns from their mom’s or their gran’s pattern stash. Those old patterns are often maddeningly vague and may not specify the decrease method! In this case, you can also use the double crochet two together technique. 

I hope that this tutorial will have cleared up some of the puzzling matters surrounding decreasing in crochet. Your garment, (or hat, or toy, or whatever you are making) will look all the better and more professional for having neat decreases and being shaped to fit. Enjoy working on whatever your current project may be, and see if you can insert a couple of dc2tog into that item!