Mastering the Invisible Crochet Increase: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Standard crochet increases often leave gaps or small bumps in your fabric. When you place two double crochets into the same stitch, the base stitch stretches open under the tension.
An invisible increase fixes this by changing how your hook enters the stitch. By working your first stitch into the front loop only and your second through both loops, you spread the tension evenly.
In this guide, I will show you how to work an invisible crochet increase using standard UK terms, adapt it for taller stitches, and keep your shaping smooth when using organic cotton yarn.
Why Standard Increases Leave Bumps and Gaps
Working two full stitches into both loops of a single stitch forces the base V sideways.
On smooth plant-based yarns like cotton or linen, this sideways pull leaves visible holes. On rounded shaping like amigurumi or raglan shoulders, the extra yarn sits on top of the row as a small ridge.
The invisible increase splits the tension across two parts of the base stitch:
- Front Loop Only (FLO): Your first double crochet anchors into the front loop, leaving the back loop intact to support the height of the stitch.
- Both Loops: Your second double crochet goes under both loops, securing the new stitch without stretching the base opening.
By dividing the pull across the stitch, your fabric stays flat, dense, and gap-free.
How to Work an Invisible Crochet Increase: Step-by-Step
1. At the point of the increase, insert your crochet hook into the front loop only. Keep this loose and even, don’t pull too tight.
2. Yarn over and pull through a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook to complete a regular double crochet.
3. Remember that stitch you just worked into? We're heading back into it, but this time inserting your hook through both loops.
4. Yarn over and pull through a loop, yarn over once more and pull through both loops on your hook. Another dc and a seamless increase that's (almost) undetectable.
Adapting the Invisible Increase for Taller Stitches
You can use this exact method for taller stitches in garments or shawls.
UK Half Treble Crochet (htr)
- Yarn over, insert hook into FLO of the stitch.
- Complete your first htr (yarn over, pull through all three loops).
- Yarn over, insert hook into both loops of the same stitch.
- Complete your second htr through both loops.
UK Treble Crochet (tr)
- Yarn over, insert hook into FLO.
- Complete your first tr.
- Yarn over, insert hook into both loops of the same stitch.
- Complete your second tr through both loops.
When working taller stitches, keep your initial yarn over relaxed so you do not stretch the front loop.
Best Practices for Seamless Shaping
- Use Smooth Plant-Based Yarns: Organic cotton, linen, and bamboo have crisp stitch definition. Without wool fluff to hide gaps, clean technique keeps your fabric neat.
- Keep Hook Motion Level: Avoid pulling the yarn up too high on the front loop so it does not stretch out.
- Use Stitch Markers: Invisible increases blend in closely. Mark the first stitch of an increase group to track your counts easily.
- Wet Block Your Finish: A gentle wash and lay-flat block lets plant-based fibres settle into an even surface.
A Clean Finish for Your Shaping
The invisible increase gives you complete control over curved edges, amigurumi shaping, and garment raglans. Try it on a small swatch first, and it will quickly become your default increase method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a standard and an invisible increase? A standard increase puts two stitches through both loops, stretching the stitch open. An invisible increase puts one stitch in the front loop and one through both loops, preventing gaps.
Does this work for amigurumi? Yes. It stops toy stuffing from poking through holes in dense double crochet fabric.
Can I use this with US patterns? Yes. In US terms, a UK double crochet is a single crochet (sc). The hook placement steps remain identical.
Why is my front loop stretching out? You may be pulling the working yarn too tight when entering the front loop. Keep your yarn over relaxed and hold the base of the stitch as you pull through.
Can I use this on back loop only (BLO) rows? No. If your whole row is worked in BLO, stick to standard BLO increases. This technique works best on regular fabric worked through both loops.
Does this work well with organic cotton? Yes. Plant-based yarns lack wool fuzz, making the lack of gaps even more noticeable.
How do I count invisible increases in my work? Look closely at the base of the two stitches. One originates from the front loop and one from both loops. Use stitch markers to mark your increases.
Does the invisible increase alter row height? No. Both stitches anchor into the same base stitch, keeping your row height uniform.
Explore More on Crochet Techniques: For more insights into crochet and knitting techniques, don't miss these informative articles:
- Discover the Guide to Ribbing Techniques in Knitting and Crochet for versatile crafting ideas.
- Master the art of reduction with our Crochet Decrease Tutorial.
- Create flawless shapes with the Crochet a Perfect Circle Guide.
Recommended Crochet Resources: Enhance your crochet experience with these handpicked products:
- Add a touch of charm to your space with the Heart Wall Hanging Free Pattern.
- Dive into a new project with our detailed Mosaic Square Free Pattern & Tutorial.
- Choose eco-friendly crafting with Tempo Organic Cotton DK 50g Skein.
Useful Crochet Information: Expand your crochet knowledge with these helpful pages:
- Understand the basics with our comprehensive guide on Crochet Stitch Abbreviations.
- Learn about our commitment to the environment through Organic Practices.
- Make informed choices with our guide on Yarn Choice.
Featured Collections for Crochet Enthusiasts: Explore our curated collections perfect for your next crochet project:
- Find stylish patterns in our Tops & Vests Collection.
- Wrap up in comfort with our Cowls, Snoods, and Scarves Collection.
- Discover elegant designs in our Shawls and Wraps Collection.