How to Crochet Invisible Increases: Create Smoother Amigurumi Shapes

If you've made a few amigurumi projects, you've probably noticed that regular increases can sometimes leave small bumps or visible lines in your crochet. While this isn't usually a problem, there are times when you want your finished toy to have the smoothest possible shape.

That's where Invisible Increases come in.

Although they're less commonly used than invisible decreases, invisible increases can create a cleaner, more rounded appearance—especially on large, smooth surfaces like heads, bodies, and balls.

In this guide, you'll learn what invisible increases are, how they differ from regular increases, and when they're worth using in your crochet projects.

What Is an Invisible Increase?

A regular increase is made by crocheting two stitches into the same stitch.

An invisible increase still creates two stitches from one, but the stitches are positioned slightly differently to reduce the small bump that can appear with a standard increase.

The result is a smoother-looking fabric with less noticeable shaping.

Unlike invisible decreases, there isn't one universally accepted method for invisible increases. Different designers use slightly different techniques, but the goal is always the same—to make the increase blend naturally into the surrounding stitches.

Why Use Invisible Increases?

Regular increases work perfectly well for most crochet projects.

However, invisible increases can help create:

• Smoother curves

• Less visible shaping lines

• Rounder amigurumi heads

• More even spheres

• Cleaner finished toys

They're especially useful when making projects with large areas of uninterrupted single crochet.

When Should You Use Invisible Increases?

Invisible increases are most useful for:

• Amigurumi heads

• Crochet balls

• Animal bodies

• Plush toys

• Decorative ornaments

For textured projects or garments, a regular increase is usually perfectly suitable.

Regular Increase vs Invisible Increase

Regular Increase

A standard increase is worked by placing:

• One single crochet

• Followed immediately by another single crochet

into the same stitch.

It's quick, simple, and works well for almost every project.

Invisible Increase

An invisible increase spaces the stitches slightly differently so the fabric appears smoother and the increase is less obvious.

The stitch count remains exactly the same.

The only difference is the appearance.

One Popular Invisible Increase Method

There are several techniques used by amigurumi designers.

One of the simplest methods is:

Step 1

Insert your hook into the next stitch.

Complete one normal single crochet.

Step 2

Before making the second stitch into the same space, gently rotate your hook and insert it slightly deeper into the stitch, ensuring both loops remain properly supported.

Step 3

Complete the second single crochet with relaxed, even tension.

The slight repositioning helps the two stitches sit more naturally beside each other rather than directly on top of one another.

The increase becomes much less noticeable once several rounds have been completed.

Note: Some designers use alternative invisible increase techniques. If you're following a specific crochet pattern, always use the method recommended by the designer.

Another Simple Way to Make Increases Less Visible

Even without changing the technique itself, you can improve the appearance of regular increases by avoiding stacking them directly above one another.

Many modern amigurumi patterns already do this.

Instead of placing increases in exactly the same positions every round, the increase locations are slightly shifted.

For example:

Instead of:

Round 4: (sc 2, inc) × 6

A designer may write:

Round 5: sc, inc, (sc 3, inc) × 5, sc 2

This offsets the increases, preventing obvious vertical lines from forming.

Many experienced crocheters consider this one of the most effective ways to create perfectly round amigurumi.

Why Some Designers Don't Use Invisible Increases

Invisible decreases have become almost universal in amigurumi.

Invisible increases are different.

Many professional designers continue using regular increases because:

• They're easier to teach.

• They're faster to crochet.

• The difference is often very subtle.

• Offset increase placement already produces excellent results.

In many projects, regular increases combined with shifted increase placement produce results that are virtually indistinguishable from invisible increases.

Tips for Smoother Increases

Whether you use regular or invisible increases, these tips will improve your results.

Keep Even Tension

Avoid tightening the second stitch more than the first.

Even tension helps both stitches blend naturally into the fabric.

Don't Overstuff

Sometimes bumps are caused by excessive stuffing rather than the increase itself.

If stitches begin to stretch apart, reduce the amount of stuffing slightly.

Use the Correct Hook Size

If your hook is too large, increases become more noticeable because the stitches open up.

For amigurumi, using the hook size recommended in your pattern—or even one size smaller if appropriate for your yarn—helps create a denser fabric.

Offset Increase Placement

As mentioned earlier, staggering the increase positions from one round to the next often has a greater impact than changing the increase technique itself.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Pulling the Second Stitch Too Tight

This can cause the increase to sit unevenly.

Keep both stitches relaxed and consistent.

Missing an Increase

Every increase changes the stitch count.

Always count your stitches at the end of the round.

Worrying About Tiny Bumps

Remember that stuffing, shaping, and the final assembly often hide small imperfections.

Many bumps disappear once the project is complete.

Should Beginners Learn Invisible Increases?

If you're new to crochet, focus first on mastering regular increases and invisible decreases.

Once those techniques feel comfortable, experimenting with invisible increases is a great way to refine your skills and achieve an even more polished finish.

Think of invisible increases as a finishing technique rather than an essential skill.

Quick Reference Guide

Regular Increase

• Two single crochet stitches in the same stitch.

• Easy to learn.

• Suitable for almost every project.

Invisible Increase

• Alternative method that reduces the appearance of increases.

• Creates smoother shaping.

• Most useful for large amigurumi pieces.

Extra Tip

Offsetting increase placement between rounds often has a greater effect on shaping than changing the increase technique itself.

Final Thoughts

Invisible increases are a useful technique for crocheters who want to take their amigurumi to the next level. While regular increases are perfectly suitable for most projects, invisible increases can help create smoother curves and more polished shaping in larger crochet pieces.

It's also worth remembering that technique is only part of the equation. Consistent tension, correct hook size, careful stuffing, and well-planned increase placement all contribute to beautifully shaped amigurumi.

As your confidence grows, experimenting with invisible increases is another step toward creating crochet toys with a truly professional finish.

Happy crocheting!