Is the invisible decrease the same as sc2tog?

No. Sc2tog pulls up a loop through both loops of each stitch. The invisible decrease uses only the front loops, so it lies flatter.

When should I use it?

In amigurumi and any single crochet worked in the round where you want decreases to disappear.

Does it work in rows?

Yes, but on the wrong-side rows the "front loop" is the loop closest to you.

Invisible decrease (inv dec)

inv dec in US and UK patterns. German: Unsichtbare Abnahme.

To make an invisible decrease, insert the hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then into the front loop only of the stitch after it (3 loops on the hook). Yarn over and pull through the two front loops, then yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops.

Step by step

Scroll through the steps and the model follows. Tap a step to jump to it.

Start with one loop on your hook. You will join the next two stitches into one.
Insert the hook into the front loop only of the next stitch (glowing).
Now into the front loop only of the stitch after it. 3 loops on the hook.
Yarn over.
Pull through the two front loops only. 2 loops on the hook.
Yarn over.
Pull through both loops…
Invisible decrease made: two stitches became one, with no gap.

Names and turning chain

US: invisible decrease (inv dec)
UK: invisible decrease (inv dec)
German: Unsichtbare Abnahme (unsichtb. Abn)
Turning chain: –

When you use it

A decrease joins two stitches into one so the fabric gets narrower. The invisible decrease uses only the front loops, which pull together flat and leave no bump or gap. That is why amigurumi patterns use it to close heads and bodies.

It counts as one stitch. In a pattern it may be written as "inv dec", "dec" or "sc2tog"; if the pattern is for amigurumi, the invisible version usually gives the smoothest result.

How to count it

One invisible decrease turns two V's into one. The round has one stitch fewer.

Practice piece

Turn the flat 30-stitch circle from the increase page into a small ball; it uses every decrease you will need for amigurumi.

Rounds 6 to 8: single crochet in each stitch (30). The circle starts to form a cup.
Round 9: (3 sc, inv dec) 6 times (24). Round 10: (2 sc, inv dec) 6 times (18). Stuff the ball firmly.
Round 11: (sc, inv dec) 6 times (12). Round 12: inv dec 6 times (6). Fasten off and close the hole with the tail.

Look closely at the decrease rounds: an invisible decrease should look like one normal single crochet, with no gap next to it. A small bump or hole means the hook went under both loops; go into the front loops only of the two stitches.

No yarn yet? For your first stitches, use a smooth, light-colored worsted-weight yarn and a 5.5 mm (I-9) hook. What yarn and hook to buy.

How it looks in a pattern

Rnd 10: (sc, inv dec) x 6 (12).

Repeat six times: one single crochet, then one invisible decrease over the next two stitches. Each repeat uses three stitches of the round below and makes two, so eighteen stitches become twelve. Stuff the piece before the opening gets too small to reach inside.

Common mistakes

Going under both loopsUnder both loops you make a regular sc2tog, which leaves a visible bump. Pick up the front loops only.
Pulling through all 3 at onceFirst pull through the two front loops only. Then yarn over and pull through the 2 loops left.
Decreasing over the same spot each roundStacked decreases make a pointed shape. Follow the pattern's spacing so the shape stays round.

Questions

Is the invisible decrease the same as sc2tog?: No. Sc2tog pulls up a loop through both loops of each stitch. The invisible decrease uses only the front loops, so it lies flatter.
When should I use it?: In amigurumi and any single crochet worked in the round where you want decreases to disappear.
Does it work in rows?: Yes, but on the wrong-side rows the "front loop" is the loop closest to you.