Have you ever been frustrated with noticable decrease stitches? I know I have. I love crochet that looks consistant, clean, professional. This tutorial is going to show you how to crochet the invisible decrease (inv dec) stitch, one that I love working despite the project I have on my hook.
Anxious to start? Jump to the video tutorial now!
So what makes this stitch different from a normal single crochet decrease (sc dec)? A normal sc2tog (single crochet 2 together) works over two stitches, both loops, and has two 'legs'.
What is a Leg of a Stitch?
When you have a decrease or a cluster, it has multiple 'legs'. If you notice the pictures to the left, a normal single crochet decrease has two legs, one in each stitch.
A leg of a stitch is the lower part of the stitch worked into the same or different space more than once. Single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet all have one leg where as decreases normally have more than one.
What makes the Invisible Decrease different?
The invisible decrease is worked in the front loops of the stitches, instead of both. This makes the fabric created less dense. Also, working in both front loops prior to yarning over, you only create one leg for this stitch. This reduces the appearance of a decrease and keeps it more like a standard single crochet.
Working a single crochet decrease, you have the extra 'bump' of the second stitch leg. Skipping a stitch to decrease a count leaves you with a gap.
Use the invisible decrease and viola! A clean, condensed, invisible decrease!
Let's get started!
Invisible Decrease Instructions
1. Insert your hook into the front loop of the first stitch (do not yarn over yet)
2. Tilt your hook downward
3. Insert your hook into the front loop of the second stitch
4. Yarn over
5. Pull through 2 loops on your hook (the two front loops)
6. Yarn over and pull through last loops to finish the stitch
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Invisible Decrease Video Tutorial
When to Use the Invisible Decrease
This stitch is routine when working up amigurumi, the art of crocheting stuffed animals or creatures. Though, I've used this stitch whenever I want the invisible look. Slippers and hats are just a few examples of items that can be made using this stitch.
Though this is most commonly worked in the round, this stitch can be used to replace the standard decreases. Just make sure to keep your tension consistant and don't lengthen your stitches.
Decreasing more stitches? Try this over three or four stitches!
And that, my friend, is how you work the invisible decrease!
Interested in more tutorials? Check out the Double Crochet Cluster Tutorial or the Mattress Stitch Tutorial.
More About Crystalized Designs
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