When I crocheted my first amigurumi, the only decrease method I knew was single crocheting 2 stitches together. I thought that was the only way. I always fussed over the bumps and gaps and the fact that the stuffing would always show in my work.  That always bothered me but I never started over. Maybe that’s just how it’s supposed to look. That is until I discovered the invisible decrease.

A regular decrease is usually single crocheting  2 stitches together (both loops – front and back), or skipping a stitch. This leaves the work with bumps and visible gaps. The invisible decrease however, means we only work in the front loops and as the name suggests, give the decrease an almost seamless,  “invisible” appearance.

See below for step by step guide on how to do the invisible decrease. Scroll below for the video tutorial.

Invisible decrease – working in the front loops only.

Insert your hook under the front loop of the next stitch (don’t yarn over)…

… then insert into the front loop of the following stitch.

There should be 3 loops on the hook. Now yarn over…

… and pull through 2 loops only.

Yarn over again…

… and pull through the last 2 loops.  That is one complete invisible decrease.

Ta dah!  Can you see the decrease?

Now for a comparison:

The invisible decrease may take some getting used to but once you get the hang of it, it will be the only decrease method you’ll want to do for your amigurumi! It’s one of my favourite techniques, along with the magic ring.

Happy crocheting.

xxx

MJ