If you’ve ever seen a pattern with the abbreviation “inv dec”, but didn’t know what it was for, then this is the post for you. “Inv dec” stands for invisible crochet decrease. I clarify crochet because there is one for knitting as well. As far as I know there is no separate Uk term for this useful little trick. (if you know differently, let me know in the comments.)
I make a fair amount of amigurumi projects and one stitch I couldn’t live without is the invisible decrease, but I’ve recently found out that there is also and invisible increase! So, since amiguruMay is in full swing, I thought I’d do a tutorial on how to make an invisible crochet decrease and increase.
Supplies
- Worsted weight yarn
- I’m using Just Yarn Worsted in blue
- A G+/4.5mm hook*
*I used a larger hook size so you could see the stitches more clearly. You would want to use a smaller hook for an amigurumi project.
Abbreviations
US terms
- St = stitch
- Sc = Single crochet
Invisible Crochet Decrease
Put your hook under the front loops of the two sts you want to decrease in, then yarn over and pull your loop through both of the sts, next you will complete your sc as normal. That’s it!
This is what the back of your work will look like. The two loops that you see are the back posts that you didn’t work into.
Invisible crochet increase
Put your hook under the front loop of the st you want to increase, make 1 sc, then go through both of the loops on the same st and make a second sc. That’s it, you now have your invisible increase!
In this is what the back of the work will look like. There is a very slight difference to be honest.
Something to remember
When you use invisible increases or decreases bare in mind that your stitches will only be completely “invisible” on the side you’re working on. So make sure that you have your work right side out for your project. If you’re not exactly sure what that means, I’ll show you.
This is the “right side” of your work. The stitches will be in neat rows (horizontal lines: side to side) and if you started with a magic circle your tail should be on what will be the inside of your work.
This is what the “wrong side” of your work will look like. It’s not quite as neat looking and your work seem to be in columns (vertical lines: up and down) instead of rows.
Want a amigurumi project to try this on?
I have a few amigurumi patterns for you to try, first is the Crochet Apple Pattern, I made it for my special Halloween posts. Next, the ever popular Crochet Octopus Amigurumi Pattern, this octo comes out adorable.
If you’re part of my monthly newsletter then you have access to my favorite amigurumi patterns the Amigurumi Bao Bun Crochet Pattern and the Realistic Amigurumi Heart Pattern. If you’re not a Stitchcrafter (what I call my Newsletter subscribers) then you can sign up right now using the form below! I only post once a month and there’s some pretty fun stuff in there. You’ll get access to all my previous newsletter patterns in my welcome email (There’s over 12 patterns in that email alone!)
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