Decreasing. Step-by-step tutorial with photos

Decreasing is one of the most important techniques in making amigurumi. By using it, we can model the shape of our work in many ways. Moreover, this technique will be used in almost every work, so mastering it is especially important. Fortunately, as I will show below, it is very easy.

In all of my patterns, a decrease is indicated as “dec“.

In this tutorial, I’m going to show you two ways to decrease:

traditional, that is working two stitches together; and
“invisible” which allows for maximum reduction of the gaps between stitches worked together. It is used mainly in amigurumi.

Traditional way of decreasing

Below are instructions for decreasing in the traditional way. This method is used when crocheting in rows and sometimes also in amigurumi. At the same time, when starting your crochet adventure, you will almost inevitably begin with this method. This is because it is easier and a lot more intuitive than the “invisible” one.

decreasing traditional way step 1 — Insert the crochet hook under **both loops** of the previous stitch.

decreasing traditional way step 2 — Yarn over.

decreasing traditional way step 3 — Pull the yarn through the first loop on the hook. We now have two loops on the hook.

decreasing traditional way step 4 — Insert the crochet hook under both loops of the (next) previous stitch.

decreasing traditional way step 5 — Yarn over.

decreasing traditional way step 6 — Pull the yarn through the first loop on the hook. We now have three loops on the hook.

decreasing traditional way step 7 — Yarn over.

decreasing traditional way step 8 — Pull the yarn through all three loops on the hook. Ready!

Invisible way of decreasing

Below you will find a tutorial for decreasing in an (almost) invisible manner. This technique is most often used when making amigurumi, because it allows us to reduce the gaps between the stitches. Thanks to this, we can give our creation a nicer, smoother look.

decreasing invisible way step 1 — Insert the crochet hook under the front loop of the previous stitch….

decreasing invisible way step 2 — …and immediately after insert the crochet hook under the front loop of the (next) previous stitch. At first, this step may seem difficult because we have to turn the crochet hook to be able to insert it into the front loop of the previous stitch. However, with time (and practice) this move will become much easier.

decreasing invisible way step 3 — We now have three loops on the hook.

decreasing invisible way step 4 — Yarn over.

decreasing invisible way step 5 — Pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook. We now have two loops on the hook.

decreasing invisible way step 6 — Yarn over.

decreasing invisible way step 7 — Pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook. Ready!

Which method of decreasing is your favorite? Or maybe, like me, depending on what you crochet and what mood you have, you use both methods? 🙂