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.
    Read more 
  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.
    Read more 
  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.
    Read more 

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?

Book Review: Granny Square Along by Lori Holt

If you love colourful granny squares, vintage-inspired crochet and anything designed by Lori Holt, the new Granny Square Along Crochet Book deserves a spot on your wish list.

This is Lori Holt’s first crochet book, inspired by the granny squares her grandmother taught her to make. Inside are 13 creative granny square crochet projects, all presented in Lori’s wonderfully cheerful, scrappy style. Expect plenty of colourful cushions, bags, blankets and useful accessories that make the most of those little squares we can never resist making.

The spiral-bound format is a practical touch because the book should sit flat beside you while you crochet. Partial crochet diagrams are also included alongside the written instructions.

This book is best for confident beginners and intermediate crocheters. You should already understand basic crochet stitches, including chains, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet and slip stitches.

Most projects use Lori Holt’s #2-weight Chunky Thread with a 3.5 mm crochet hook, although some designs worked with two strands require a 4.5 mm hook.

What I love most is the book’s nostalgic, collected-over-time look. It is colourful without being garish and scrappy without looking as though every leftover yarn ball was thrown at it in a moment of desperation. The finished projects have that cozy handmade charm Lori Holt does so well.

The book is expected to ship in September 2026. The current reservation requires a $1.50 non-refundable fee, with the remaining preorder price charged when the book ships.

You can reserve the Granny Square Along Crochet Book by Lori Holt here.

If this book inspires you to keep experimenting, take a look at our 15 unusual granny square crochet patterns and these 20 other ways to use granny squares.