Ready to learn how to decrease (dec) in crochet? This handy technique is one of the most important shaping skills you’ll use when working on amigurumi, garments, and more. Whether you're trying to understand the dec crochet meaning or want to learn how to create smooth transitions in your projects, this guide has you covered!

At Okey Dokeys, we’re here to make it fun and beginner-friendly—so let’s explore how to decrease a stitch in crochet, including the regular and invisible methods.

Right Handed

Left Handed

What Does dec Mean in Crochet?

Let’s start with the basics: dec stands for “decrease” and means combining two stitches into one. This helps your project narrow down in size and adds shape. You’ll see this labeled as dec crochet stitch in patterns, especially in shaping hats, sleeves, or stuffed plushies.

There are two main types of crochet decrease stitch techniques:

1. Regular decrease stitch (crochet two together)

2. Invisible decrease stitch (especially great for amigurumi)

How to Do a Regular Decrease Stitch in Crochet

This is the most common way to decrease crochet stitch using single crochet. Here’s how it works step-by-step:

• Insert your hook into the first stitch.

• Insert your hook into the next stitch.
  

  
  

   

• Yarn over again and pull through—you now have three loops on your hook.
  

• Yarn over one last time and pull through all three loops. That’s one decrease!
  

(Pulling the yarn through all 3 loops)

How to Do an Invisible Decrease 

For projects where you want a more seamless look—like amigurumi or any piece where the decrease should be less visible—the invisible decrease is your friend. 

• Insert Your Hook into Front Loops: Instead of going through the entire stitch, insert your hook into the first stitch's front loop and then the second stitch's front loop.(Inserting in the first loop)

(Inserting in the second loop)

• Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over and pull through both front loops. You’ll now have two loops on your hook. (Wrapping the yarn around the hook)

• Yarn Over and Pull Through Both Loops: Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook, completing the invisible decrease. Now your stitches are reduced, and the decrease is hardly noticeable! (wrapping the yarn over)

• 
  

  (pulling the yarn through both loops)

When to Use a Crochet Decrease Stitch

Understanding how to decrease in crochet unlocks so many possibilities:

• Amigurumi: Give your plushies the perfect curves and close them off cleanly.

• Hats: Taper the top for a snug, rounded finish.

• Sweaters and garments: Shape armholes, waists, and necklines.

• Blankets: Create angles and corners in chevrons or motifs.

If you’re wondering where to start, try one of our beginner-friendly crochet kits that include guided tutorials using both regular and invisible decreases.

Okey Dokeys Tip: Don’t Just Read—Practice!

Learning how to dec crochet is easier when you try it hands-on. Our amigurumi crochet kits are a great way to practice decrease stitch crochet techniques in real projects.

Each kit is designed with clear video tutorials and soft, beginner-friendly yarn so you can build your skills with confidence. Whether you’re exploring okeydokeys yarn for the first time or brushing up on shaping, you’ll find a fun, frustration-free way to learn.