Invisible Decrease Technique: The Secret to Making Your Amigurumi Look Cleaner and Professional
"Are visible holes and pits forming while you crochet amigurumi? Learn the Invisible Decrease technique. In this post, you will find step-by-step instructions, its difference from a normal decrease, and tips to make your amigurumi models look cleaner, smoother, and more professional."
One of the most noticeable details in amigurumi crochet models is the cleanliness of the surface. Using the normal "decrease" technique, especially in decreases made for the head, body, and rounded parts, can result in small holes and pits. This makes the general appearance of the toy look amateur.
The most effective way to solve this is the Invisible Decrease technique. This technique makes the amigurumi surface smooth and professional, giving your toys a higher-quality look.
What is the Invisible Decrease Technique and Why is it Important?
Invisible Decrease allows you to perform a decrease by joining two single crochets over a single stitch. It leaves much fewer marks than a normal decrease and keeps the crochet surface smooth. It makes a big difference, especially when used on the visible parts of the amigurumi.
How to do an Invisible Decrease? (Step-by-Step)
Enter the First Stitch: Insert your hook into the front loops of the first single crochet. Yarn over and pull up a loop (you now have 2 loops on your hook).
Enter the Second Stitch: Insert your hook into the front loops of the very next single crochet in the same round. Yarn over and pull up another loop (you now have 3 loops on your hook).
Complete the Decrease: Yarn over once more and pull through all 3 loops on your hook to close it in one go. The decrease is complete, and almost no mark is visible from the outside.
Difference Between Normal Decrease and Invisible Decrease
Normal Decrease: You close two stitches separately and then join them, which usually leaves a noticeable pit or hole.
Invisible Decrease: Since you work only through the front loops, the surface remains flatter and cleaner, providing more successful aesthetic results while maintaining the round form.
Tips for Using Invisible Decrease
Prefer this technique especially for rounded parts like the head, body, arms, and legs.
Go a bit slow when applying it for the first time; your hands will get used to it over time.
Remember you are using an invisible decrease while following the decrease count in your pattern.
While less noticeable in plush and thick yarns, its effect is much more prominent in thin yarns (baby yarn, cotton).
You can test this technique by first crocheting a small ball or a simple sphere.
Mastering the Invisible Decrease technique will visibly increase the surface quality of your amigurumi. This small detail elevates your toy from looking amateur to professional and cute. It is a method that creates a big difference with little effort.