How to do an invisible increase in crochet? The amigurumi guide
After mastering the magic ring and the X-stitch single crochet, there remains a crucial step for your creations to be perfect: the invisible increase and the invisible decrease. In this article, we will focus on the invisible increase. The invisible decrease will be the subject of another tutorial. If you are tired of seeing small holes or unsightly marks where your work widens, this tutorial is for you! I will explain either in writing or via my YouTube video tutorial how to increase to achieve a perfect result!
What is an invisible increase?
In crochet, an increase simply consists of making two single crochets in the same stitch of the previous row. While functional, this method often creates a small gap or a bump visible to the naked eye. When working on amigurumi, we want a more discreet result that is where the invisible increase comes in.
The invisible increase allows you to double your stitches in a completely fluid way. It is essential for:
Sharp shapes: Ideal for round, square, or oval heads, bodies, or doll accessories.
Avoiding holes: It prevents the fiberfill stuffing from showing through the stitches.
A smooth finish: The surface of your amigurumi remains perfectly homogeneous. Of course, from the moment you make two stitches in the same stitch, it creates a pattern that is “visible,” but it will remain very clean and very pleasing to the eye.
The technique: Front Loop Only (FLO)
The secret of this invisible increase technique lies in working only in the front loops of the stitches for the first single crochet of the increase.
In crochet, each stitch forms a “V” on top. The loop closest to you is the front loop (FL), and the one furthest away is the back loop (BL).
Tutorial: Step-by-step invisible increase
The invisible increase is the key to a project without holes. Here is how to succeed every time.
1. Insert the hook into the front loop only (FLO)
Insert your hook under the front loop only (Front Loop Only) of the stitch in which you need to perform the increase. Leave the back loop free for now.
2. First stitch
Work your first single crochet into this front loop using the X-stitch technique.
Technical reminder: Perform the first yarn under and the second yarn over. If needed, find my full tutorial on the X-stitch here.
3. Second stitch in the same stitch
By pulling slightly on your work, you will notice two distinct loops at the base of the stitch you just made:
- The first loop is the one you just crocheted into.
- The second is the back loop that we left free in step 1.
Pass your hook under both of these loops and crochet your second X-stitch single crochet.
Result: You have just worked two stitches into the same stitch without any visible gap or unsightly small hole!
6. YouTube tutorial videos
I invite you to watch my YouTube video on how to perform the invisible increase.
Why pair it with the X-stitch single crochet?
The combined use of the X-stitch and the invisible increase is the winning combo. The “X” provides density, while the invisible increase ensures the continuity of the pattern. It is thanks to this duo that you will achieve perfect finishes.
Conclusion: Your amigurumis are moving to the next level!
Well done! You now have almost all the keys in hand to crochet perfect amigurumis. The invisible increase is a small habit that radically changes the final look of your crochet figurines. You have one last step left: The decrease.
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If you would like tutorials on specific crochet topics, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments of my videos! You can find all my available tutorials in the Crochet Tutorials & Tips section of the website.
