📉 Invisible Decrease crochet stitch

Shrinks your round without leaving a bump. Improver US: inv dec UK: inv dec

Invisible Decrease has the same name in US and UK patterns (abbreviated inv dec), so you can follow either without converting.

Video tutorial — pick your hand

Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.

🎬 Right-handed video by The Woobles on YouTube.

How to crochet the Invisible Decrease — step by step

Insert hook under front loop of next stitch
Insert under front loop of following stitch
Yarn over, pull through both front loops
Yarn over, pull through remaining loops

Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.

Where to use it

Amigurumi (crocheted toys) are worked in continuous rounds of tight single crochet so the stuffing never shows. Shaping comes from increases and decreases.

Common mistakes with the Invisible Decrease

Losing your place in the round — use a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round.
Stuffing too little; plushies should be firm enough that the fabric doesn't wrinkle.
Using a hook one size too big — go down a size from the yarn label for a tight, invisible fabric.

Planning a project with the Invisible Decrease? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.

Related amigurumi stitches

⭕ Magic RingStart working in the round with no hole in the middle.📈 IncreaseTwo stitches in one — shapes your amigurumi.⛓️ ChainThe foundation of everything. Your very first stitch.

Frequently asked

What is the Invisible Decrease in UK terms?

The Invisible Decrease has the same name in UK and US terminology, abbreviated inv dec.

Is the Invisible Decrease good for beginners?

It is an improver stitch — comfortable once you know the basic stitches. Shrinks your round without leaving a bump.

Can I crochet the Invisible Decrease left-handed?

Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Invisible Decrease, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.

What is the Invisible Decrease used for?

Amigurumi (crocheted toys) are worked in continuous rounds of tight single crochet so the stuffing never shows. Shaping comes from increases and decreases.

Learn the Invisible Decrease in your hand, at your pace

Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.

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