How to crochet an increase for lefties

Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting stuffed toys, usually involves only 1 stitch – single crochet. Increasing and decreasing the number of these stitches gives each amigurumi piece its unique shape. Increasing involves crocheting 2 stitches in the same stitch. Watch the video below for 2 different ways to increase with single crochet:

Step-by-step photos: Regular increase

This method is the most common way to increase, and is simply single crocheting 2 stitches in the same stitch.

1. Insert the hook under both loops of the next stitch, and single crochet.

2. Insert the hook into the same stitch, and single crochet again.

This is what a typical completed increase single crochet stitch looks like.

Step-by-step photos: Invisible increase

If you’re working with less flexible yarn like cotton, you might notice there’s a small gap under your increases. To fix this, crochet the first stitch of the increase through the front loop, and then crochet the second stitch through both loops.

1. Insert the hook under the front loop only of the next stitch, and single crochet.

2. For the second single crochet, insert the hook into the same stitch, but under both loops this time.

3. This is what a completed invisible increase single crochet stitch looks like.