Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease – How To

Janne Kleivset
By
Last Updated

As a crocheter, learning new techniques such as how to crochet the invisible half double crochet decrease, is such a great way to increase your crochet repertoire.

The Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease is an incredibly useful technique that will make your decreases less visible than regular decreases.

In this blog post, I’ll explain what an invisible half double crochet decrease is, the materials needed and how it works with step-by-step instructions in a photo and video tutorial.

In addition I’ll answer FAQs related to this technique so you can get started on your next project right away!

Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

The steps of the Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease:

  1. Yarn over.
  2. Skip 1 stitch and insert crochet hook into front loop of next stitch.
  3. Insert crochet hook into front loop of skipped stitch.
  4. Yarn over.
  5. Pull up a loop.
  6. Yarn over and pull through all loops on the crochet hook.

Materials Needed

To crochet the invisible half double crochet decrease you can use any mm crochet hook size and yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested.

Save to Pinterest!

Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To

Invisible Half Double Crochet Abbreviations

The invisible crochet decreases are abbreviated invdec, inv dec or inv-dec in crochet patterns, if the pattern writer wants you to specifically crochet an invisible decrease.

For the half double crochet invisible decrease you will see them with hdc specified in front or inv hdc dec.

Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.

Alternative Half Double Crochet Decreases

Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease Step By Step Photo Tutorial

In this step by step photo tutorial you can learn the invisible hdc decrease in a few easy steps. Grab your crochet hook and let’s get started with this easy way to decrease 1 crochet stitch.

Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To

How To Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease

Janne Kleivset Janne Kleivset
Learn how to crochet the invisible half double crochet decrease. The Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease is an incredibly useful technique that will make your decreases less visible than regular decreases.
Cost 5
Total Time 20 minutes
Gauge Depends on the crochet hook and yarn you use
Sizes Depends on how many crochet stitches you crochet.

Skill Level

Easy

Materials

Instructions

  • Yarn over from back to front.
    Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To
  • Skip one stitch and insert the crochet hook into the front loop of the next stitch (front loop of the first stitch).
    Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To
  • Then insert the crochet hook into the front loop of the skipped stitch (front loop of the second stitch).
    Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To
  • Pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the crochet hook.
    Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To
  • Yarn over from back to front.
    Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To
  • Pull yarn through all loops on the crochet hook. You have finished one invisible half double crochet decrease.
    Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease - How To

Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease Video Tutorial

FAQ About The Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease

In what crochet patterns can you use the invisible half double crochet decrease?

You can use the invisible half double crochet decrease in all kinds of crochet projects where you need to reduce the stitch count by 1. It’s commonly used in both crochet clothing and amigurumi patterns.

Can you use the invisible half double crochet decrease instead of the hdc2tog?

Yes, both the invisible decrease and the hdc2tog decrease the number of stitches by 1.

Half Double Crochet Decreases – Step-By-Step Tutorials

Below you can find step-by-step photo tutorials, including video for other half double crochet decreases:

  1. Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog)
  2. Half Double Crochet 3 Together (hdc3tog)
  3. Half Double Crochet 4 Together (hdc4tog)
  4. Invisible Half Double Crochet Decrease (this tutorial)
Janne Kleivset

Janne Kleivset

Founder, Crochet Pattern Designer & Owner of Joy of Motion Crochet.

Janne has helped millions of crocheters find their next crochet project with more than 250 free crochet patterns and 110 crochet tutorials on her blog.

With more than two decades of crochet experience, and crochet designing since 2011, she's been featured on multiple prominent sites such as Lion Brand Yarn, in crochet magazines and the OML "Make" book.

Learn more about Janne.



GRAB CROCHET CHEAT SHEETS

Sheets included: Hook sizes, Yarn weights, Crochet Hook for Yarn Weight, US vs UK Terms, Crochet Chart Symbols

Grab your copy now 👇