Tutorials >
Crochet > Crochet In the Front or Back Loops of
a Stitch
Working the front or back loops only of a stitch will leave a horizontal bar
exposed on the fabric. The fabric will tend to be more elastic than when
working under both loops, and it is possible to create interesting textural
effects when working under a single loop only.
You can crochet in the front or back loop only of any crochet stitch. The
photos below demonstrate crocheting in the front and back loop of double crochet stitches
using double crochet stitches.
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Anatomy of a Crochet Stitch: Pictured to the
left is a crochet fabric made of 2 rows of
double crochet stitches. Following are some definitions of the
parts of a crochet stitch:
- Post: The post of the stitch is the main vertical portion
of the stitch.
- Front/Back Loop: The upper part of the stitch is defined
by 2 loops. The front loop is the loop that is closest, the back
loop is the one that is farthest from you.
- Top of the Stitch: This is the space just underneath the
front and back loops and above the 3rd horizontal thread of the stitch.
Unless instructions direct otherwise, this is the spot where the hook
should be inserted to create a crochet stitch.
- Between Stitches: Underneath all horizontal threads of
the stitch and between the posts of the crochet stitches is the spot where
you should insert your hook if directed to work between crochet stitches.
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Standard Crochet Location
Here's a look at the standard location for inserting the hook to make a
crochet stitch. Note that it is below the front and back loops.
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Working the Back Loop
To work in the back loop of a stitch, insert your hook underneath the
back loop only and make the stitch as indicated.
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Working the Front Loop
To work in the front loop of a stitch, insert your hook underneath the
front loop only and make the stitch as indicated.
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A Completed Fabric
Shown at left is a fabric with the top row worked under either the front
or the back loop. Notice that the stitches worked in the front loops
will leave a horizontal bar on the side of the work opposite you, and
stitches worked in the back loops leave a horizontal bar visible underneath
the stitch on the side of the work facing you.
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