How to Crochet in the Front Loop or Back Loop

When you read a pattern as a beginner and see the term “front loop only” or “back loop only”, you simply need to crochet your next stitch in only that loop. By inserting your hook into only one loop, the texture of your stitching will take on a whole new look and feel. Knowing how to crochet in the front loop and in the back loop will allow you to take your crochet skills up a notch, and it will build your skillset for when you feel like experimenting without a pattern!

I love creating patterns that use simple crochet techniques. Most of my projects and patterns use basic stitches put together to create a design. While complicated stitch patterns can be beautiful, I love the charm of classic handmade beauty.

One essential technique I enjoy using is crocheting in the front or back loop. Learning how to crochet in the front loop and back loop is a great way to build your up your fundamental crochet skills, and then you can use them to create whatever project you want!

In this post, I’ll explain what the differences are between crocheting in the front and back loop, how to do so, and why you might use this technique in your crochet projects. Let’s get started!

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Notes & Tips for Crocheting in the Front or Back Loop:

-You will need to understand the basic parts of a stitch first. The video tutorial below will help you with this!

-You can complete any stitch in the front loop only or back loop only. The difference when completing the stitch is just where you insert your hook into the previous row. That’s it!

-Once you understand how to crochet in the front loop and back loop, you can use any stitch you would like! In my experience half double crochet is the most common stitch that uses this technique, but you could really use any basic stitch.

-You should know how to chain, single and double crochet, half double crochet, and slip stitch before trying this technique. Check out the tutorials for those using the links!

What do you need?

To crochet in the front loop or back loop, you just need these things:

-a crochet hook

-some yarn

I suggest you use a crochet hook in accordance to your yarn weight until you feel confident crocheting in the front loop and back loop. It can be much easier to see the loops of the stitches if you have a medium hook and worsted weight yarn, but use what works best for you!

FAQs for Front Loop & Back Loop Crochet

Where is the front loop in crochet?

The front loop of your stitch is the half of the stitch that is closest to you when you are working a row. When you look at the top of the stitches, you will see a V-like shape on its side. The side of the V closest to you is the front loop.

Where is the back loop in crochet?

The back loop of the crochet stitch is the half of the stitch that is furthest from you when you are working a new row. When looking at the top of the stitch, it will be the side of the V-shape that is away from you.

Which loop do you crochet in?

Normally, you go through both loops when you crochet a new stitch. However, there are many times when this is not the case, but patterns will specify when and which loops you should be crocheting into if it differs from the norm.

Front Loop Only (FLO) vs. Back Loop Only (BLO)

When you crochet in the front loop only (FLO), the end result will give you a slight ridge from the loop that you skipped. However, the swatch or project will be pretty flat other than that slight texture.

When you crochet in the back loop only (BLO), the result is that the row you are currently working gets pushed back slightly, and the skipped loop will also make a slight ridge as well. That is why many ribbings will use the back loop only technique.

How to Crochet Front Loop Only (FLO):

1. To start, you will need to create a row of stitches of your choice. I used half double crochet in my video. Chain 1, and turn.
2. Then you will insert your hook into just the front loop of the stitch you are working in. Complete you desired stitch as normal being sure to only go through the front loop.
3. Continue to crochet in the front loop of each stitch for as long as desired.

How to Crochet Back Loop Only (BLO):

1. To start, you will need to create a row of stitches of your choice. I used half double crochet in my video. Chain 1, and turn.
2. Then you will insert your hook into just the back loop of the stitch you are working in. Complete you desired stitch as normal being sure to only go through the back loop.
3. Continue to crochet in the back loop of each stitch for as long as desired.

Crochet Front Loop vs. Back Loop Video Tutorial:

Why do I need to know front loop and back loop crochet?

Crocheting in the front loop or back loop can be a great technique to know! Some of the ways you might use this are:

-Ribbing,

-Adding texture to a scarf or cowl,

-Create an edge to a blanket or other project.

What else would you use this technique for? I’d love to hear about it or see it! I hope this has given you some inspiration for your next crochet project. Remember to keep practicing!