Traditionally, decreasing in crochet means working a single crochet two together (sc2tog) stitch – a simple technique many beginners start with. However, when it comes to amigurumi, this regular decrease can sometimes leave small gaps or bumps in your fabric.
For a smoother, cleaner finish, there’s a more refined method known as the Invisible Decrease — a small change that makes a big difference in the look of your work.
Much like the Magic Ring, the Invisible Decrease is a must-learn for creating polished, professional-looking amigurumi. Instead of working two full stitches together, this method uses only the front loops of the stitches, creating a soft, seamless transition. As the name suggests, the finished stitch is almost invisible – neat, tidy, and beautifully subtle.
Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want to go back!
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make this simple but powerful stitch to elevate your amigurumi skills to the next level.
Before we begin, it’s important to understand the difference between the front loops and back loops of your stitches. If you’re unsure, take a look at my Crochet Basics: Understanding the Anatomy of a Stitch tutorial first — it’ll help you visualise this step more clearly.
Insert your hook into the front loop only of the first stitch.
Without yarning over, insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch.
You should now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook.
With two loops remaining on your hook, yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete your Invisible Decrease.
You’ll notice the decreased stitches sit flat and tidy, blending smoothly with the surrounding stitches. While you can still spot them if you look closely, they’re beautifully camouflaged within the fabric for a seamless finish.
Prefer a visual aid? Watch my step-by-step video tutorial below to see exactly how to make the Invisible Decrease – it’s simple, quick, and makes such a difference to your amigurumi!
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Hello friends! I’m Alanna, the creative mind behind Theodore And Rose and lover of all things vintage. I design modern amigurumi patterns with a timeless, heirloom charm.
And this is how you crochet the Invisible Decrease. Now, you can incorporate this technique into your amigurumi projects and see what a big difference it makes to the overall look of your project. I hope you found this tutorial helpful.
If you aren’t ready to dive in just yet, perhaps take a look at the rest of my Tips and Tutorials to help you achieve the perfect finish for your amigurumi project every time!
Thanks so much for stopping by and happy crocheting!
