Invisible Decrease (inv dec)
The short answer
invisible decrease is called the same thing in US and UK patterns. Written as inv dec in patterns.
A decrease worked through the front loops only of the next two stitches, so the reduction almost disappears into the fabric.
US term
invisible decrease
inv dec
UK term
invisible decrease
inv dec
Japanese term
—
no standard term unverified
At a glance
| How many times you wrap the yarn first | none — go straight in |
|---|---|
| How tall it is | about the height of 1 chain |
| Turning chain at the start of a row | not usually needed |
| How it looks on a Japanese chart | two crosses joined, front loops marked |
| Difficulty | intermediate |
| Stitch family | shaping |
What it is used for
- · Amigurumi faces and limbs
- · Anywhere a visible decrease line would spoil the shape
Watch out for
Standard sc2tog leaves a small bump and a visible line. For toys worked in continuous rounds, the invisible version is worth the extra second per stitch.
Hooks that suit this stitch
A smooth aluminium or ergonomic hook in the size your pattern calls for.
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Related stitches
Full US to UK conversion table · Full US to Japanese table
Last updated 2026-08-30.