Glossary / Invisible decrease
decInvisible decrease
Two stitches joined into one to shape and close amigurumi neatly.
Also written: invdec, invisible decrease
How to work it
For an invisible single crochet decrease, insert your hook into the front loop only of the next two stitches (three loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through the first two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two. It reduces your stitch count by one and hides the join far better than a standard sc2tog.
Common confusions
What does dec mean?
In crochet patterns, dec means Invisible decrease. Two stitches joined into one to shape and close amigurumi neatly.
Is dec the same as sc2tog?
In amigurumi patterns, usually yes, but the invisible decrease is the better version. A plain sc2tog works under both loops and leaves a bump and a small gap; the invisible decrease works into the front loops only and closes flat. If a pattern just says dec, use the invisible one.
Does a decrease count as one stitch?
Yes. Two stitches go in and one comes out, so it occupies a single position when you tally the round. Your total drops by one for every decrease worked.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Invisible decrease | dec |
| Español | Disminución invisible | dism |
| Deutsch | Unsichtbare Abnahme | abn |
| Français | Diminution invisible | no standard code |
| Italiano | Diminuzione invisibile | no standard code |
| 日本語 | 目立たない減らし目 | no standard code |
Guides that use this stitch
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
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