2 sc tog crochet is shorthand for two single crochet stitches worked together, a common decrease that removes one stitch from your stitch count without leaving a hole. You will see this exact abbreviation constantly in amigurumi and fitted garment patterns anywhere the pattern needs to taper the shape. I use this decrease more than almost any other shaping move in my own amigurumi work, since it keeps a rounded shape smooth rather than pointed. This guide covers what the abbreviation means, how it looks worked into a real pattern line, and the related abbreviations people mix it up with most.
Quick-Reference Table
| Abbreviation | Full stitch name | One-line description |
|---|---|---|
| sc | Single crochet | The basic short, dense stitch. |
| 2 sc tog | Single crochet 2 together | Two single crochets combined into one stitch, a decrease. |
| sc2tog | Same as 2 sc tog | An alternate way patterns write the identical decrease. |
Detailed Explanation
A worked pattern line reading sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc tog, sc in next 3 sts means you single crochet across three stitches normally, then combine the next two stitches into one with a 2 sc tog decrease, then continue single crocheting across the remaining three.
To actually work the decrease: insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, two loops now sit on the hook, insert your hook into the next stitch without finishing the first, yarn over, pull up a loop, three loops now sit on the hook, then yarn over one final time and pull through all three loops at once.
US and UK terminology use the same 2 sc tog abbreviation for this decrease, though UK patterns call the base stitch “dc” for what US patterns call “sc,” so always check which terminology system a pattern uses before you start. I still double-check this note myself on any pattern from a designer I have not worked with before.
Related Abbreviations
- sc vs. sl st: A slip stitch has no height and is used to join or move across stitches invisibly, while single crochet has a small height and is a working stitch.
- 2 sc tog vs. 2 hdc tog: The same decrease logic applies to half double and double crochet, just with more yarn overs per stitch before the final pull-through.
- 2 sc tog vs. skip a stitch: Skipping a stitch removes it from the row entirely and leaves a small gap, while 2 sc tog removes a stitch without leaving a visible hole.
Frequently asked questions
What does sc mean in a crochet pattern?
Sc stands for single crochet, the basic short stitch most beginner patterns start with. In UK pattern terminology, the equivalent stitch is called double crochet instead, which is a common source of confusion for anyone reading a pattern from the other terminology system.
What is the UK equivalent of 2 sc tog?
In UK terminology, the same decrease is written as 2 dc tog, since UK patterns call the basic single crochet stitch a double crochet. The actual technique and stitch count effect stay identical between the two systems.
How do I know if a pattern uses US or UK terms?
Most published patterns state their terminology system directly in the notes section near the abbreviation key, usually as a single line reading written in US terms or written in UK terms. If that note is missing, check whether sc or dc appears as the very first, most basic stitch in the pattern, which tells you the system immediately.
Want more decrease techniques?
2 sc tog is just one of several ways to shape a piece as you crochet.
See the full crochet symbols chart