The invisible decrease, finally explained

You know that little hole that appears whenever you decrease? That gappy, apologetic look right where your amigurumi's cheek should be smooth? That's a standard decrease. There is a better way.

The invisible decrease is the single technique that separates a homemade-looking amigurumi from a pattern-photo one. Once you learn it, you will never go back.

What it actually is

Instead of pulling up loops from the tops of two stitches, you pull up loops from the front loops only. This closes the gap and produces a smooth, seamless curve.

Step by step

1. Insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch. Just the front loop — the one closest to you.

2. Without yarning over, insert your hook into the front loop of the following stitch. You now have three loops on the hook.

3. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two.

That's it. Practice it ten times on a swatch and it becomes muscle memory.

When to use it

Every single time a pattern says 'dec' or 'sc2tog' on an amigurumi. Full stop. Save the standard decrease for garments where the extra stretch actually helps.