Crochet in Front, Back or Both Loops
By Rachel – 27 CommentsSometimes it is confusing as to where you are suppose to insert your crochet hook, especially if you are a beginner. Here are some photos of what “loops” I’m referring to and what it looks like when you crochet in the front, back or both loops. For these examples I will be using single crochets.
This picture labels the front and back loops of a stitch. The front loop is the one that is closest to you and the back loop is the one that is furthest from you when you hold your crochet work.
Normally when you are crocheting you are suppose to crochet into both loops. This means that you will insert your hook underneath both loops indicated in the above picture in order to make your next stitch. Here is what a few rows of single crocheting in both loops looks like.
Sometimes when you crochet you may want to create a different look to your work. Instead of crocheting in both loops, try crocheting in just the front loop. Crocheting in the front loop not only gives a different look but also makes your work thinner. Here is picture of what it looks like.
Lastly, you can crochet in the back loops only. This gives a very neat ridge looking pattern as depicted below.
Feel free to experiment with crocheting in different loops!
[...] the size of the box, continue to increase the size of the square Round 8 (work all stitch in back loop only): sc in next 6 sc, (decrease, sc in next 11 sc) 3 times, decrease, sc in next 5 sc: 48 sc Note: the [...]
[...] Note: stitches are crocheted in the back loop only unless otherwise indicated. Round 1: with white, ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook, place marker: 6 [...]
[...] Pattern: Basket Note: stitches are crocheted in the back loop only unless otherwise indicated. Round 1: ch 3, 12 dc in third ch from hook, sl st in ch-3: 12 dc Round [...]
[...] Pattern: Cube Note: stitches are crocheted in the back loop only unless otherwise indicated. Top Square Round 1: ch 2, 4 sc in second ch from hook, place marker [...]
You are such a wonderful teacher Rachel and everything is so clear and uncomplicated when you describe and show us things. Thankyou
[...] at the same time. This dishcloth has ridges for extra scrubbing power. The ridges are created by crocheting in the back loops only, although it may be difficult to see the ridges in the photo to the right. For super absorbency use [...]
it’s true …you are a good teacher. Gotta keep it simple for us beginners
[...] Pattern: Rug Note: all stitches are crocheted in the back loops only Start by chaining 90 or as wide as you want rug Row 1: ch 2, dc in third ch from hook and in each [...]
I’ve been having some trouble with crocheting through the back look when turning ‘corners’ in amigurumi patterns.
One project that springs to mind was a cake that was supposed to be a cylinder shape but ended up as a fat, saggy cone with a flat tip. Very sad.
Are there any tips you could share on this? I know I’m missing something basic…
hmm…that’s a tough one! Maybe some stitches were miss counted, because if it’s suppose to be a cylinder and it turned out a cone, then I’m assuming it got more narrow as it was crocheted. That’s the only thing I could think of.
Thank you for the free patterns. My husband has no job, and our printer is out of ink, so I have been hand writing the patterns and just using up some of my old yarn. Thanks you again.
Thank you for this. I did not realize how very different crocheting in the different loops could look.
Rachel – I love your very helpful and easy to understand website! I am recently retired from many years of elementary teaching and teaching myself with some help from a nice experienced crocheter, to crochet – something I’ve wanted to learn for about ten years and just didn’t have the time. It’s been fun to get together with two friends and “suffer” through the process together. Anyway, your tutorials are the best on the web, your patterns are awesome for a beginning crocheter and I love your upbeat voice in the writing you do. One question: how do I keep the edges of whatever I’m crocheting straight? I AM remembering to ch 1 or two at the end of each row, but still the edges don’t come out nice and straight.Until I can solve this little mystery I don’t feel like I’m ready to make a blanket or throw. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.
Hi Jean!
Some times when people crochet the tension in a chain is tighter than the tension in a stitch. So try making the chain on the edges a little looser. Also if it is still not straight, try to block your crochet. Here is some info about blocking crochet.
Rachael, I used this pattern , I Loved it
Thanks.
This was really helpful. I have only been crocheting for a few months and I learned the front loop crochet way of doing it. I didn’t realize that the usual way of doing it was through both loops. Your pictures are very clear and have made it easier for me to understand how to do the different stiches. Thank you so much! If anyone should be writing the crochet manuals for beginners it should be you!
[...] to palm of hand), sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across: 40 sc Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in back loop only of each sc across: 40 [...]
[...] can be crocheted by a beginner! It’s made with ridges that are created by crocheting in the back loops only. The ridges allow the ear warmer to stretch so that it’ll fit snugly around your [...]
[...] Pattern: Piano Key Scarf Note: all stitches are made in the front loops only. Row 1: with white, ch 35, sc in second ch from hook, sc each ch across Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc [...]
[...] invisible decrease is commonly abbreviated into the following steps: insert hook into front loops only of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull though all 3 loops on hook, counts as 1 single [...]
I am a true beginner (as in, I’ve only practiced different techniques and am just now starting to actually make things), and I can’t tell you how helpful your website is! This page made me go, “Oh! I get it now!” out loud. Thank you so much.. I’ll be visiting often.
[...] BL [...]
Hi! I just wanted to tell you that I am compeletly new to crochet and I was trying out a basic pattern – but I wasn’t completely sure what “in the back loop only” meant! This was so perfect – thanks for the help! I’ll be back!
[...] insert your yarn needle through the 2 loops (front and back loops) of the crochet stitch on the opposite piece (the one your yarn isn’t attached [...]
[...] Crocheting in the wrong loop(s). Often times when crocheters are self taught or even taught by friends/family, without formal crochet instructions from a class or instructor, they over look the obvious. Hey, I was guilty of it! Normally when you crochet, you are to insert your hook into both loops of a crochet stitch. Other times you may find it necessary to only crochet in the front or back loops. To learn more about the different loops check out this post: Crochet in Front, Back, or Both Loops [...]
[...] half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, etc. Instead of inserting the hook into the front and back loops of a crochet stitch as one would normally do, front and back post stitches are made by inserting [...]
[...] 7, working in back ridge only, sc in each ch across: 6 sc Row 2 – 7: ch 1, turn, working in back loops only, sc in each sc across: 6 sc Note: rows 1 – 7 creates a ridge texture. The next row will be [...]