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Joined at Top (JAT)
⬆️

Joined at Top (JAT)

📚 What you’ll learn

Joined at Top  (JAT) stitches are made by working two or more stitches together so their tops meet in a single point. These are often called decreases because they can reduce the number of stitches in a row.

Some patterns use the term “ntog” (not actually decreasing) for stitches joined at the top without reducing stitch count. This term is sometimes used incorrectly, so read the instructions carefully.

JAT stitches are useful for shaping items, creating points or curves, closing openings, and adding texture. They are commonly used in hats, amigurumi, and garments.

🎥 Watch

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Right handed
‣
Left handed

📋 Instructions

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Single Crochet Decrease

To create a single crochet decrease:

  1. Insert hook in the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop.
  2. Insert hook in next st, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
  3. YOH, pull through all 3 loops.
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Half Double Crochet Decrease

To create a half double crochet decrease:

  1. YOH, insert hook in next st,
  2. YOH, pull up a loop (3 loops on your hook)
  3. YOH, insert your hook in the next st
  4. YOH, pull up a loop (5 loops on your hook)
  5. YOH, pull through all 5 loops
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Double Crochet Decrease

To create a double crochet decrease:

  1. YOH and insert your hook in the next stitch.
  2. YOH and pull the loop up through the stitch.
  3. YOH again and pull through only the first 2 loops (2 loops left on hook).
  4. YOH again and insert your hook in the next stitch.
  5. YOH and pull the loop up through the stitch.
  6. YOH again and pull through the first 2 loops, YOH again and pull through all remaining loops on your hook.

🔑 Key tips

  • Keep tension even. Pulling the first part of a stitch too tight can cause bunching.
  • Work partial stitches onto the hook, then add the next partial stitch and join them at the top.
  • Any basic stitch can be used to create a decrease or JAT set. You can also mix stitches of different heights for varied texture.

🏋️ Practice

  • Create a base row of single, half-double, or double crochets.
  • Try different decreases:
    • Single crochet decrease
    • Half-double crochet decrease
    • Double crochet decrease
  • Experiment with placement: Skip stitches or chain spaces to see how it affects the shape.
  • Observe stitch height and spacing: Note how sc, hdc, and dc decreases create different slopes and textures.
  • Optional: Make a small rectangle or triangle swatch, adding a few rows of each type of decrease.

🎯 Goal

Understand how different stitches and counts change the shape of your work. This helps when shaping hats, amigurumi, or textured patterns.

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➡️ Next

↕️Joined at Top and Base (JATAB)