Invisible Increase and Decrease | Video Tutorial

If you’ve ever tried your hand at crafting cute amigurumi creatures, you know how important it is to make them look as seamless as possible. That’s where the magic of invisible increases and decreases comes in!

Don’t let the fancy terminology intimidate you. These techniques are your secret weapons for giving your amigurumi creations that professional touch. They make your work look smoother and they keep your stuffing from squeezing out through gaps between stitches.

Whether you’re a crochet newbie looking to level up your skills or a seasoned pro seeking to add that extra finesse to your amigurumi projects, I’ve got your back. Once you learn them, invisible increases and decreases quickly become a vital tool in your amigurumi toolbox.

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Most amigurumi patterns won’t tell you whether or not to use invisible increases or decreases except in the rare instances where they effect the texture of the piece. It is up to you whether or not you like to use these methods.

Invisible Increase

Uses: Invisible increases can be used to replace single crochet increases (“sc inc” or “inc”) in pieces worked in the round or worked flat. Because of their invisible nature, it does make it difficult to find your increases if you use them to track your stitch count. But if you are diligent with counting your stitches, invisible increases can be a great way to smooth your work even more.

This video shows you both the tradition and the invisible increase.

Invisible Increase Video Tutorial

This tutorial features Red Heart With Love yarn and is done with a Furls Odyssey hook. 

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Invisible Increase Step By Step

1. Insert hook under front loop only of next stitch.
2. Complete single crochet (sc).
3. Insert hook in back loop only of same st.
4. Complete single crochet (sc).

Invisible Decrease

Uses: Invisible decreases can be used to replace single crochet decreases (“sc dec” or “dec”) when working in the round.

Invisible decreases are only worked in the front loops of the next two stitches. As a result, you will only want to use invisible decreases when you are working in the round with the RS of the work facing out. This will hide the exposed back loops of the decrease on the inside of the work. If you work an invisible decrease when working back and forth, your decreases will show on the WS of the work.

The video tutorial shows both the traditional and the invisible decrease.

Invisible Decrease Video Tutorial

This tutorial features Red Heart With Love yarn and is done with a Furls Odyssey hook. 

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Invisible Decrease Step By Step

1. Insert hook under front loop only of next stitch.
2. Without yarning over, insert hook under front loop of next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop through two loops on hook. Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook.
4. This will have created one stitch out of the next two, decreasing two stitches into only one.

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Mastering the art of invisible increases and decreases in amigurumi is like unlocking a hidden treasure chest of skills. Not only do they make your work look smoother, but they also ensure that your stuffing stays securely inside your creations.

Don’t hesitate to dive in and elevate your amigurumi game – your creations will thank you for it!

Yarn on, 

Kati