A Complete Guide to What Does "Tog." Mean in Crochet?
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Time to read 5 min
Introduction
In the realm of crochet, understanding the terminology is essential for mastering the craft. One common abbreviation that often confuses beginners is "tog." This shorthand stands for "together" and is used in patterns to indicate a decrease in stitches. When you see "tog" in a crochet pattern, it instructs you to combine two or more stitches into one, effectively reducing the total stitch count.
This technique is crucial for shaping projects, such as amigurumi (crocheted stuffed toys) or garments, where you want to create a fitted look. The most frequently encountered "tog" stitch is the single crochet two together (sc2tog), but it can also refer to half double crochet two together (hdc2tog) and double crochet two together (dc2tog). Each of these techniques serves the same purpose: to decrease stitches while maintaining the integrity of your work.
By learning how to execute these "tog" techniques, you can confidently tackle various crochet patterns and achieve beautifully shaped projects. In this article, we will delve deeper into what does "tog" mean in crochet and provide step-by-step instructions for different types of "tog" stitches.
Understanding the Meaning of "Tog."
In crochet, "tog." is an abbreviation for "together," and it is used to indicate that you need to crochet two or more stitches together. This process is known as a decrease, as it reduces the total number of stitches in your project.
When a pattern specifies a "tog." stitch, such as "sc2tog" (single crochet 2 together) or "dc2tog" (double crochet 2 together), it means that you need to work the specified number of stitches together as one. For example, "sc2tog" instructs you to work two single crochet stitches together, effectively decreasing the stitch count by one.
Single Crochet Tog. (sc2tog)
One of the most common "tog." stitches in crochet is the single crochet 2 together (sc2tog). This decrease is often used in amigurumi (crocheted stuffed toys) and shaping projects.
How to Work sc2tog
- Insert your hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
By working two single crochet stitches together, you have effectively decreased the stitch count by one.
Variations of sc2tog
There are several variations of the sc2tog decrease that can produce different effects:
- Working through the back loops only : This variation creates a smoother fabric and makes it harder to see the decrease.
- Working through the front loops only : This method is often used for decorative purposes, as it creates a more pronounced decrease.
- Working into the same stitch twice : By inserting your hook into the same stitch twice before completing the decrease, you can create a more pronounced "V" shape.
Treble Crochet Tog. (tr2tog)
The double crochet 2 together (dc2tog) is a decrease that is often used in projects that require a bit more drape, such as shawls or scarves. To work a dc2tog:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
Half Double Crochet Tog. (hdc2tog)
The treble crochet 2 together (tr2tog) is a decrease that is often used in projects that require a taller stitch, such as afghans or blankets.
To work a tr2tog:
- Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the first stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Yarn over and pull through all four loops on your hook.
Cluster Stitches
Cluster stitches are a decorative way to decrease stitches in crochet. They are often used as an edging or to add visual interest to a project. To work a cluster stitch:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the specified stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
- Repeat step 2 in the same stitch until you have the desired number of loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all the loops on your hook.
Cluster stitches can be worked with various crochet stitches, such as double crochet or treble crochet. The number of times you repeat step 2 determines the size of the cluster.
FAQs About What Does "Tog." Mean in Crochet
1. What is the most common "tog." stitch?
The most common "tog." stitch is "sc2tog," which stands for single crochet two together. This technique combines two single crochet stitches into one.
2. How do you perform a sc2tog?
To work sc2tog, insert your hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop, then insert your hook into the next stitch and pull up another loop. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook to complete the decrease.
3. When would I use "tog." stitches?
"Tog." stitches are commonly used in shaping projects, such as amigurumi, garments, and other items where you need to reduce the number of stitches for a more fitted look.
4. Can I work more than two stitches together?
Yes, you can work three or more stitches together by inserting your hook into each stitch, pulling up loops, and then drawing the final loop through all the loops on your hook.
5. What does "dec." mean in crochet?
"Dec." stands for "decrease" and is often used interchangeably with "tog." It indicates that you should combine multiple stitches into one.
6. Do all patterns use the same abbreviation for decreases?
While "tog." is widely recognized, some patterns may use different abbreviations or terms for decreases. Always check the pattern's key or legend for clarification.
7. How can I practice my tog. techniques?
To practice, create a small swatch using various tog. techniques (sc2tog, hdc2tog, dc2tog) to become comfortable with each method before applying them to larger projects.
8. Where can I find tutorials on tog. techniques?
Many online resources, including YouTube tutorials and crochet blogs, provide step-by-step instructions and videos demonstrating how to execute various tog. stitches effectively.
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