How To Single Crochet Invisible Decrease

Take your amigurumi to the next level with the single crochet invisible decrease. Say goodbye to unsightly holes, bumps and ugly stitches.

What is a Single Crochet Invisible Decrease?

The single crochet invisible decrease is a way of reducing your stitches in single crochet without leaving any bumps or gaps in your crochet fabric.

What is the Difference Between an Invisible Decrease and a Regular Decrease?

The main difference between a regular decrease and an invisible decrease is how the stitches are worked and how the end result looks.

A regular single crochet decrease is worked through both loops of the next two stitches. This can often leave a small bump or gap in your crochet fabric.

An invisible decrease is worked through the front loops only of the next two stitches. This creates a neater, less noticeable decrease with fewer visible gaps.

This a beginner-friendly stitch but, before you begin, make sure you’re familiar with the front and back loops of a stitch, as this is important for working the invisible decrease correctly.

Decrease Abbreviations

In most crochet patterns the single crochet invisible decrease is abbreviated as: invdec or dec.

You may also see sc2tog, which stands for single crochet two together and usually refers to a regular single crochet decrease.

Since the single crochet invisible decrease is mostly used in amigurumi which are usually made up of single crochet stitches, the single crochet part of the name is oftentimes not included in the abbreviation.

When to Use an Invisible Decrease?

The single crochet invisible decrease is particularly useful for amigurumi that are typically worked in continuous rounds with the right side facing out. It helps keep your stitches looking smooth and even, and prevents stuffing from showing through the gaps in your crochet fabric.

For projects worked flat in turned rows, it’s best to stick with a traditional decrease.

How to Crochet an Invisible Decrease

The single crochet invisible decrease consists of 3 simple steps.

Here’s a quick written breakdown:

1. Insert your hook into the front loops only of the next 2 stitches (3 loops on hook).
2. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Insert your hook into the front loops only of the next 2 stitches (3 loops on hook).

2. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on your hook (2 loops on hook).

3. Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook.

And that’s all there is to it, you’ve completed your first invisible decrease.

Single Crochet Invisible Decrease Tips

• Keep an eye out for loose stitches. After completing an invisible decrease the following stitch can be a little loose so you may need to tighten up the working yarn to avoid this.
• Make sure that you don’t accidentally work into the same front loop twice. It can be hard to tell some times so keep an eye on your stitch count at the end of each round.

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