Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

How to Do Invisible Decrease In Crochet Stitches

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Mastering the Invisible Decrease in Crochet: A Roundup of Tutorials

Hey there, fellow crocheters! If you’ve been diving into the world of amigurumi or just looking to refine your crochet techniques, you’ve probably heard of the invisible decrease stitch. This nifty technique is a game-changer for creating seamless decreases, especially in projects where you want your stitches to look as smooth as possible. Today, I’ve gathered a selection of fantastic tutorials to help you master the invisible decrease stitch. Let’s get started!

Tutorial Roundup

  1. Invisible Increase and Invisible Decrease Crochet Techniques by Tiny Curl
    This comprehensive guide covers both invisible increases and decreases, perfect for enhancing your amigurumi projects.
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  2. Invisible Decrease Crochet Stitch Tutorial by Vami Creations
    Vami Creations offers a detailed tutorial on the invisible decrease stitch, making it easy to follow along and perfect your technique.
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  3. The Invisible Decrease by All About Ami
    This tutorial by All About Ami dives into the specifics of the invisible decrease, with clear instructions and helpful photos.
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  4. Invisible Decrease Crochet Free Tutorial (+ Video) by Zamiguz
    Zamiguz provides a free tutorial along with a video to guide you through the invisible decrease, great for visual learners.
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  5. Normal & Invisible Decreases: How to Work & When to Use Them by A Purpose and a Stitch
    This tutorial not only explains how to do the invisible decrease but also when to use it versus a normal decrease.
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Differences and Uses

The main difference between a normal decrease and an invisible decrease lies in the technique and the final appearance. A normal decrease typically involves crocheting two stitches together, which can create a noticeable bump or gap in your work. The invisible decrease, on the other hand, involves working only through the front loops of the stitches, creating a much smoother and less noticeable decrease.

This technique is particularly useful in amigurumi projects, where smooth and seamless decreases are crucial for achieving a polished look. It’s also beneficial in any project where you want your decreases to blend in more naturally with the surrounding stitches.

My Tips for Invisible Decrease Stitches

  1. Use a smaller hook: Sometimes, using a slightly smaller hook than recommended for your yarn can help create tighter, cleaner stitches.
  2. Keep tension even: Maintaining even tension throughout your work ensures that your decreases stay consistent and invisible.
  3. Practice on scrap yarn: Before diving into your main project, practice the invisible decrease on some scrap yarn to get the hang of it.
  4. Use good lighting: It’s easier to see and work through the front loops of your stitches when you have good lighting.

Happy crocheting, and may your invisible decreases be flawless!

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.