How to Back Post Double Crochet： Everything You Need to Know

Written by: Jeff Tse

October 11, 2024

Time to read 7 min

Table of content

Introduction What is Back Post Double Crochet? Materials Needed Step-by-Step: How to Back Post Double Crochet Step 1: Prepare Your Foundation Step 2: Yarn Over Step 3: Position Your Hook Step 4: Pull Up a Loop Step 5: Complete the Stitch Step 6: Repeat Example Pattern to Practice Applications of Back Post Double Crochet Troubleshooting Common Issues Advanced Techniques with Back Post Double Crochet FAQs About Back Post Double Crochet Learn More about Crochet

Introduction

The back post double crochet (BPdc) stitch is a versatile technique that adds texture and dimension to your crochet projects. Unlike traditional double crochet, where you insert your hook under the top loops of the stitch, BPdc involves working around the post of the stitch from the previous row. This unique approach creates a raised effect on the front side of your work, resulting in beautiful ridges that can enhance various patterns.

Mastering the BPdc is essential for any crocheter looking to elevate their skills and create visually stunning pieces. Whether you're making cozy blankets, stylish hats, or intricate garments, incorporating this stitch can transform your projects into works of art. The BPdc is particularly useful for creating ribbing, cables, and decorative borders, making it a valuable addition to your crochet repertoire.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of performing back post double crochet, along with tips for troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to incorporate this technique into your future crochet endeavors. Let’s dive in and discover the beauty of back post double crochet!

💡 Did you know

The back post double crochet (BPdc) stitch is a technique that adds texture and dimension to crochet projects. While its exact origins are not well-documented, it has become a staple in modern crochet patterns, particularly in creating ribbing and decorative elements. The BPdc allows crocheters to work around the post of a stitch from the previous row, resulting in a raised effect on the fabric's front side. This technique enhances the visual appeal of various items, including garments and home decor. As crochet continues to evolve, the BPdc remains a valuable skill for both beginners and experienced crafters alike, enriching their repertoire with textured designs.

What is Back Post Double Crochet?

The back post double crochet (BPdc) is a variation of the standard double crochet stitch. Unlike traditional double crochet, where you insert your hook under the top two loops of the stitch from the previous row, the BPdc involves working around the "post" of the stitch from behind. This technique creates a raised effect on the front side of your work, resulting in a textured ridge that can be used in various crochet patterns.

Benefits of Using Back Post Double Crochet

Texture : The BPdc adds depth and interest to your projects, making them visually appealing.
Versatility : It can be incorporated into various patterns, including ribbing, cables, and decorative borders.
Skill Development : Learning BPdc helps enhance your overall crochet skills and prepares you for more complex techniques.

Materials Needed

Before you begin practicing the back post double crochet stitch, gather the following materials:

Yarn : Any yarn type will work; however, worsted weight yarn is recommended for beginners.
Crochet Hook : Choose a hook size appropriate for your yarn. A G/4.0mm or H/5.0mm hook is commonly used for worsted weight yarn.
Scissors : For cutting yarn.
Tapestry Needle : For weaving in ends.

Step-by-Step: How to Back Post Double Crochet

Step 1: Prepare Your Foundation

Start with a foundation row of stitches. For this tutorial, we will assume you have completed at least one row of double crochet stitches.

Step 2: Yarn Over

Begin by yarn over (YO) as you would for a standard double crochet stitch.

Step 3: Position Your Hook

Insert your hook from the back of your work around the post of the double crochet stitch from the previous row. The post is the vertical section of the stitch that sits between two stitches.

Step 4: Pull Up a Loop

Once your hook is positioned around the post, pull up a loop by yarn over again and drawing it through. You should now have three loops on your hook.

Step 5: Complete the Stitch

Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You will now have two loops remaining.
Yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops on your hook. You have now completed one back post double crochet stitch!

Step 6: Repeat

Continue working BPdc stitches around each post in your row until you reach the end.

Example Pattern to Practice

To practice your BPdc skills, try creating a simple swatch:

Chain 20 stitches.
Work one row of double crochet across.
In the next row, alternate between regular double crochets and back post double crochets to see how they create texture.

Applications of Back Post Double Crochet

The BPdc stitch can be applied in various projects to enhance their design:

Ribbing : Use alternating front post and back post double crochet stitches to create ribbed patterns for hats, cuffs, or collars.
Textured Blankets : Incorporate BPdc into blanket patterns for added depth and warmth.
Cables : Combine BPdc with other techniques to create intricate cable designs in sweaters or scarves.
Borders : Use BPdc as part of decorative borders on blankets or shawls for a polished finish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While learning back post double crochet can be straightforward, you may encounter some challenges along the way:

Stitches Too Tight : If your BPdc stitches are too tight, try using a larger hook or relaxing your tension while crocheting.
Uneven Stitches : Practice consistently maintaining even tension throughout your work to achieve uniformity in your stitches.
Difficulty Finding Posts : If you're struggling to locate the posts of previous stitches, consider flipping your work slightly to get a better view.

Advanced Techniques with Back Post Double Crochet

Once you've mastered the basic back post double crochet stitch, you can explore more advanced techniques that incorporate it:

1. Back Post Treble Crochet (BPtc)

The back post treble crochet is similar to BPdc but involves an additional yarn over before inserting your hook around the post. This creates taller stitches that can add even more texture to your projects.

How to Work Back Post Treble Crochet:

Yarn over twice (for treble).
Insert your hook from behind around the post.
Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on your hook).
Yarn over and pull through two loops (three loops remaining).
Yarn over and pull through two more loops (two loops remaining).
Yarn over and pull through the last two loops (stitch complete).

2. Combining Front Post and Back Post Stitches

Combining front post double crochet (FPdc) with back post double crochet creates beautiful ribbing effects that are perfect for hats, scarves, and blankets.
Example Pattern:

Alternate between FPdc and BPdc in each row.
This creates a textured fabric that has both raised ridges and recessed areas.

FAQs About Back Post Double Crochet

How do I perform a back post double crochet?
- To work a BPdc, yarn over, insert your hook from the back of your work around the post of the stitch below, pull up a loop, and then complete the double crochet as usual by pulling through two loops twice.
Can I use any type of yarn for BPdc?
- Yes, while worsted weight yarn is commonly used for beginners, you can practice BPdc with any type of yarn. Just ensure that your hook size matches the yarn weight for best results.
Why is BPdc useful in crochet patterns?
- The back post double crochet stitch creates texture and visual interest in patterns, allowing for unique designs that stand out from standard stitches.
What should I do if my BPdc stitches are too tight?
- If your stitches feel tight, consider using a larger hook or relaxing your tension while crocheting to achieve more comfortable stitches.
Is there a difference between front post double crochet and back post double crochet?
- Yes, front post double crochet (FPdc) involves working around the front of the stitch’s post, while BPdc involves working from behind. This creates different textures and effects in your projects.
Can I combine BPdc with other stitches?
- Absolutely! You can combine BPdc with front post stitches or other techniques to create intricate patterns and designs in your crochet projects.
How does BPdc affect the overall look of my project?
- Using BPdc adds depth and dimension to your work, creating raised ridges that enhance visual appeal and texture compared to flat stitches.
Where can I find patterns that include back post double crochet?
- Many online resources, books, and crochet magazines feature patterns that incorporate BPdc. Look for patterns specifically labeled as having textured elements or ribbing.
Can beginners learn back post double crochet easily?
- Yes! While it may take some practice to master the technique, many beginners find BPdc manageable once they understand the basic steps involved.
What should I keep in mind when using BPdc in my projects?
- Pay attention to your tension and ensure you’re consistently working around the posts of stitches rather than into their tops to achieve the desired texture and appearance.