Increases and decreases are what give amigurumi its shape.
Increase
Work two stitches into the same stitch. This adds one stitch to the round.
Invisible decrease
- Insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch.
- Insert it into the front loop of the following stitch.
- Wrap the yarn over and pull through both front loops.
- Wrap the yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook.
This joins two stitches into one and lies flatter than a standard decrease.
Tip
Check the stitch count at the end of each round. A number that is off by one usually means a missed stitch.
When to use each
Increases widen a shape, so they build the top of a head or ball. Decreases close it, so they finish the shape. See both in the round bear pattern.