The Invisible Decrease: How to Stop Amigurumi Gaps and Holes

If your amigurumi projects develop small gaps between stitches, the invisible decrease can help create a smoother, cleaner shape. It is a useful technique for beginners who are learning to crochet stuffed animals and other projects worked in the round.

What is an invisible decrease?

An invisible decrease is a way to decrease stitches while keeping the outside of the fabric looking neat. Instead of working through both loops of two stitches in the usual way, you work through selected loops so the decrease is less noticeable.

How to crochet an invisible decrease

1. Insert your hook under the front loop of the first stitch you want to decrease.
2. Without completing the stitch, insert the hook under the front loop of the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull through both front loops.
4. Yarn over again and pull through the remaining loops on your hook to complete the decrease.

Why it works well for amigurumi

Amigurumi is usually worked tightly in the round, so visible decreases can change the texture and appearance of a finished piece. An invisible decrease keeps the decrease area visually tidy and can help reduce the look of gaps when your tension and stuffing are consistent.

Tips for cleaner amigurumi

• Keep your tension consistent rather than pulling every stitch extremely tight.
• Use the hook size recommended by your pattern and yarn.
• Add stuffing gradually so the fabric is supported without being stretched excessively.
• Count your stitches at the end of each round to catch mistakes early.

Combine it with a magic ring

The invisible decrease is especially useful alongside a secure starting technique such as a magic ring. Together, these techniques help you build cleaner round shapes from the beginning through the finishing rounds.

Practice with animal patterns

Once you are comfortable with the technique, browse our Amigurumi Crochet Patterns and Animal Amigurumi Patterns, including the Little Critters Friends Vol. 2.

Ready for another project? Explore the Little Critters Friends Complete Set for a larger collection of animal amigurumi patterns.