Increase (inc)
The short answer
increase is called the same thing in US and UK patterns, and mashime in Japanese ones. Written as inc in patterns.
Two stitches worked into a single stitch of the row below, adding one to the count.
US term
increase
inc
UK term
increase
inc
Japanese term
増し目
mashime unverified
The Japanese name 増し目 (mashime) literally means "added stitch".
At a glance
| How many times you wrap the yarn first | none — go straight in |
|---|---|
| How tall it is | about the height of 1 chain |
| Turning chain at the start of a row | not usually needed |
| How it looks on a Japanese chart | two symbols sharing one base point |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Stitch family | shaping |
What it is used for
- · Growing a circle
- · Amigurumi bodies
- · Widening a garment panel
Watch out for
In amigurumi, six increases per round keeps a flat circle. Fewer makes a bowl, more makes a ruffle.
Hooks that suit this stitch
A smooth aluminium or ergonomic hook in the size your pattern calls for.
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Related stitches
Full US to UK conversion table · Full US to Japanese table
Last updated 2026-08-30.