Invisible Decrease Crochet Technique: Easy 7-Step Guide

September 15, 20263 min read

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Crochet stitches demonstrating the invisible decrease technique

The invisible decrease crochet technique removes one stitch with far less bulk than a standard single-crochet-two-together. It is especially useful in amigurumi because it uses only the front loops and keeps stuffing from showing.

When to Use an Invisible Decrease

Use it while shaping heads, bodies and limbs worked in continuous rounds with the right side facing out. It is not ideal for flat reversible fabric because the unused back loops remain visible inside.

Abbreviations

sc single crochet; dec decrease; FLO front loop only. Start with one working loop on the hook.

Two adjacent front loops identified on a mint crochet round — Step 1: Locate the front loops of the next two stitches.

Step 1: Insert Under the First Front Loop

Without yarning over, insert the hook from bottom to top under the front loop of the next stitch. Leave the back loop untouched.

Silver hook inserted under the first front loop of mint crochet — Step 2: Pick up only the first front loop.

Step 2: Insert Under the Second Front Loop

Keep the first loop on the hook and immediately pass the hook under the front loop of the following stitch. The hook now holds the working loop plus two front loops.

Crochet hook passing under two adjacent front loops — Step 3: Slide under the second front loop without twisting the first.

Two mint front loops gathered on one crochet hook — Step 4: Confirm that both front loops lie smoothly on the hook.

Step 3: Pull Through the Front Loops

Yarn over and pull through both front loops. Two loops remain on the hook.

Yarn pulled through two front loops during an invisible decrease — Step 5: Pull through both front loops together.

Step 4: Finish Like a Single Crochet

Yarn over once more and pull through both remaining loops. One invisible decrease is complete and the round has one fewer stitch.

Two loops on hook before finishing a crochet invisible decrease — Step 6: Yarn over with two loops remaining.

Completed invisible decrease blended into a mint amigurumi round — Step 7: The finished decrease sits flush with neighboring stitches.

Tension and Stuffing Tips

Keep the two front loops on the hook shaft so they do not tighten prematurely.
Stuff before the opening becomes too narrow, but keep fiberfill away from the active stitches.
Stagger decreases from the previous shaping round to avoid visible vertical lines.
Count the round immediately; one missed decrease changes the final shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there still a hole?

Your hook may be too large, the working loop may be tall or stuffing may be pressing through the fabric.

Can left-handed crocheters use this method?

Yes. Work in the opposite direction but still collect the next two front loops before yarning over.

Review the single crochet stitch, then practise this technique in a project from our Crochet Animals collection.

Practise the Invisible Decrease on a Sample

The invisible decrease crochet technique feels unusual because the hook enters two front loops before any yarn is pulled through. Practise six single crochets followed by one invisible decrease across a firm swatch. The decrease should resemble one compact stitch, with the unused back loops folding toward the inside. If the hook is difficult to insert, relax the working loop instead of forcing the hook and splitting the yarn.

Keep Amigurumi Shaping Smooth

Space decreases exactly as the pattern directs and move the round marker after every completed round. Add stuffing before the opening becomes too small, then use small pieces rather than one large lump. Hold the stuffing away from the hook so fibers are not pulled through the decrease. A smaller hook can help if gaps remain visible, but changing hook size halfway through a piece will change its circumference.

When a Standard Decrease Is Better

Use a standard single-crochet-two-together when the back loops form part of a decorative ridge or when a pattern specifically requires both loops. The invisible method is designed for dense three-dimensional fabric and is less suitable for open lace. Match the yarn and hook using the standard yarn-weight categories, then make one test sphere before beginning a large toy.

Invisible decrease crochet technique: Final Checklist

Before finishing this invisible decrease crochet technique, confirm the stitch count, shape, seam strength and care instructions. Photograph the completed invisible decrease crochet technique in natural light and record the yarn and hook used so the result can be repeated accurately.