Advanced Techniques Intermediate
Invisible Decrease (inv dec)
A method of joining two stitches into one that is nearly invisible on the right side of the fabric.
Standard decreases can sometimes leave small gaps or bumps in your work. The invisible decrease is the gold standard for amigurumi (crochet toys) because it creates a perfectly smooth surface.
How to do it
- Front Loops Only: Insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch.
- Next Front Loop: Without yarn over, immediately insert your hook into the front loop of the second stitch (3 loops on hook).
- Yarn Over & Pull Through 2: Wrap yarn and pull through the first two loops on your hook (2 loops remaining).
- Yarn Over & Pull Through 2: Wrap yarn and pull through the final two loops.
Why it works
By using only the front loops and not pulling up a loop until the second stitch is captured, the decrease is condensed and sits flush with the rest of the stitches, hiding the “join.”