Learn how to crochet an invisible decrease. It’s a great way to decrease for amigurumi projects especially.

This tutorial demonstrates how to make the invisible decrease which you can use while working in the round or in flat rows.

You use this technique to decrease two single crochet stitches into one. It’s a better way for decreasing in round crochet pieces like balls, heads for dolls, etc where all the stitches are the same.

Brown crochet ball with text crochet invisible decrease.

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Traditional Decrease VS Invisible

There are different methods to making decreases. You can use the normal decrease: a single crochet two together, or sc2tog. This works well, but does create a bit of bulk. It’s also easy to spot it in your crochet projects.

The invisible single crochet decrease is so much cleaner! Once it’s done it looks just like a normal single crochet. You can barely see it. This is why it’s helpful for using in amigurumi patterns. It’s one of my favorite crochet tips.

Which will you choose for your next project?

Yarn

I’m crocheting Red Heart With Love in tan for this tutorial.

Red Heart With Love is a #4 medium worsted weight yarn. You can use any weight yarn.

Stitch

The most common abbreviation is “inv dec” or “dec” with a note indicating to use the invisible decrease.

The single crochet two together abbreviation is sc2tog. This one is used in beginner patterns, patterns worked in rows, or when it won’t stand out in the stitch pattern as much.

When crocheting in the round, you always see the right side of your stitches. A bulky sc2tog really draws attention and not in a good way.

When you work in rows then you have the option of doing a regular decrease on the wrong side for less visibility. But not so much with amigurumi.

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Free Patterns With The Invisible Decrease

The Katerina Cat Lovey is a simple amigurumi pattern that uses this decrease in shaping the head.

This cute birthday cupcake crochet pattern uses a couple invisible decs on the candle.

It’s not just for amigurumi, but that is the most popular use. I use the invisible decrease in the Lontano Beanie.

This bottom up beanie pattern fits snugly and therefore uses decreases really early. So I use the inv dec to keep those decreases looking good.

Round crochet ball with hook. — The inv dec looks almost the same.

It’s hard to spot among all the single crochet stitches. You’ll need to be sure to check your stitch count.

Materials

Any weight yarn and compatible crochet hook.
In this tutorial I’m using #4 medium worsted weight yarn and a 3.25mm US size D crochet hook.

Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s) – chain(s)

inv dec – invisible decrease

rep – repeat

sc – single crochet

sk – skip the indicated stitch

st(s) – stitch(es)

yo – yarn over

Written Instructions

To use this method you’ll only work under the front loops of the two stitches you want to decrease, not the back loops.

Insert hook under the front loop of the first stitch. Bring your hook to the front and down, below the front loop of the next stitch. Insert your hook up, under that front loop of the stitch (3 loops on your hook). Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook (2 loops left on hook). Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on your hook.