How to Decrease in Crochet: sc2tog, dc2tog and the Invisible Decrease
A decrease joins two stitches into one. How to work sc2tog, hdc2tog and dc2tog step by step, the invisible decrease that hides gaps in amigurumi, and how to space decreases evenly.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Time
- 15 minutes
You'll need
- Hook and yarn
In this post
A crochet decrease works two stitches together into one, reducing the count by one. For a single crochet decrease (sc2tog): insert the hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop, insert into the following stitch and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook), then yarn over and pull through all three. In amigurumi, the invisible decrease — working through front loops only — leaves no gap.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The decreases, step by step
- sc2tog: Insert in the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop (2 loops). Insert in the next st, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops). Yarn over, pull through all 3.
- hdc2tog: Yarn over, insert in the next st, pull up a loop (3 loops). Yarn over, insert in the next st, pull up a loop (5 loops). Yarn over, pull through all 5.
- dc2tog: Yarn over, insert, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 (2 loops). Yarn over, insert in the next st, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 (3 loops). Yarn over, pull through all 3.
- Invisible decrease (amigurumi): Insert the hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then the front loop only of the following stitch (3 loops). Yarn over, pull through the two front loops (2 loops). Yarn over, pull through both.
Spacing decreases evenly
| Round has | Repeat | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | (4 sc, dec) × 6 | 30 |
| 30 | (3 sc, dec) × 6 | 24 |
| 24 | (2 sc, dec) × 6 | 18 |
| 18 | (sc, dec) × 6 | 12 |
| 12 | dec × 6 | 6 — close the hole |
"(4 sc, dec)" uses 6 stitches and makes 5. This sequence closes every amigurumi ball and head; see the crochet ball.
Decrease tips
- Stagger decreases on alternate rounds so the shape stays round.
- Use the invisible decrease for toys; use sc2tog for flat pieces.
- Gaps at decreases? See why crochet has holes.
The opposite move: how to increase.
Common questions
What does sc2tog mean?
Single crochet two together: a decrease that turns two stitches into one.
What is the invisible decrease?
A single crochet decrease worked through the front loops only of two stitches. It's flatter and leaves no gap, so it's the standard in amigurumi.
Can I just skip a stitch to decrease?
Skipping leaves a hole. Working two stitches together keeps the fabric solid.
sc2tog or invisible — which do you prefer? 📉
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
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