What is the Front Loop in Crochet?

If you’ve been crocheting for a while, you may have come across the term “front loop” in crochet patterns, and wondered what it means. Understanding the meaning of “front loop” will allow you to make your crochet stitches slightly differently to standard stitches, adding new textures and techniques into your projects.

In this article we will explain the meaning of the term “front loop” and show you how to master front loop stitches, opening up a whole new world of crochet possibilities and adding depth and dimension to your work.

Basic Crochet Stitch Anatomy

In order to understand the term “front loop”, it’s first important to make sure you are familiar with the basic anatomy of a crochet stitch. In this section, we’ll explain the various parts of a crochet stitch, helping you to understand exactly what is meant by “front loop”.

Front Loop

In crochet, the top of each stitch has two loops or strands. The “front loop” is simply the strand of yarn that is closest to you as you work your stitches. If you are working in rows and turn you work at the end of each row, the term “front loop” always refers to the strand that is closest to you as you are working. In other words, the actual side of the work that it is on will alternate as you work each row back and forth.

Back Loop

The “back loop”, on the other hand, is the strand of yarn that is furthest from you as you work your stitches.

Both Loops

When working in both loops, you insert your crochet hook under both the front and back loops of a stitch. This is the most common method used in crochet and, unless you are instructed to use only the front or back loop for a stitch, you should generally make your stitches through both loops of the stitch you are working into.

Front Loop Only (FLO) Technique

The Front Loop Only (FLO) technique is a method used in crocheting to create interesting textures and patterns within the fabric. It is a great way to create ribbing in crochet, for example. The Front Loop Only technique can also be used in some kinds of mosaic and overlay crochet, allowing you to work two stitches into a previous stitch: one in the back loop, and one in the front loop.

The Front Loop Only technique can be used with any crochet stitch, including single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

To create a front loop only stitch, simply insert your crochet hook under the front loop only, but not the back loop, and complete the stitch as usual.

Back Loop Only (BLO) Technique

The Back Loop Only (BLO) technique can produce the same kinds of results and effects as the front loop only (FLO) technique. The only different is that rather than working your stitches into the front loop, you work them into the back loop.

As with the FLO method, the Back Loop Only technique can be used with any crochet stitch, including single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

To create a back loop only stitch, simply insert your crochet hook under the back loop only, but not the front loop, and complete the stitch as usual.

Artistic Applications and Patterns

Creating Texture and Ribbing

By working only in the front loops only you can create ridges and lines that add a unique appearance to your project. These ridges can form ribbing, similar to what is found in knitted items. Using “FLO” (or indeed “BLO”) to create ribbing works best with shorter stitches such as single crochet and half double crochet.

Tapestry Crochet

Tapestry crochet is a colorwork technique that involves crocheting over unused yarn until it is needed. Usually, tapestry crochet stitches are formed by crocheting through both loops of stitches that are being worked into. However, sometimes the back loops only are used instead to create a slightly different visual effect, as in the Bellever Hat and Cowl shown above.

Mosaic and Overlay Crochet

As mentioned above, some forms of mosaic and overlay crochet involve crocheting into only the front or back loop of a stitch. This means that more that one stitch can be worked into a given stitch from a previous row or round. For example, a first (e.g. single crochet) stich may be crocheted into a back loop. Then, in a subsequent row or round, a second, taller (e.g. double crochet) stitch can be crocheted into the front loop only, covering up or hiding the first stitch (at least to some extent) and creating an unique visual and sometimes also textured pattern.

Amigurumi

Front loop only crochet is especially popular in the creation of amigurumi – small, stuffed toys often made with single crochets. The technique helps to create a distinct texture by leaving a row of exposed back loops, which can then be utilized for attaching additional elements or altering the project’s shape.

Using front loops in amigurumi (FLO) is also beneficial in providing extra stretch, allowing the final product to maintain its shape and structure. This is particularly important for items like toys, which may be subject to regular handling and play.

Other Projects

Front loop only crochet can also be incorporated into various projects, including:

• Blankets: Create interesting textures that add depth and visual interest. This works especially well with chunky or super chunky yarns.
• Hats: Ribbing formed by front and/or back loop only crochet stitches adds elasticity, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
• Scarves: The front loop technique creates a unique textured appearance resulting in a soft and squishy product.

Remember, there is no limit to what you can create with just the front loop in crochet. So, don’t be afraid to experiment, explore new ideas, and let your imagination run wild.

Conclusion: What is the Front Loop in Crochet?

In crochet, the front loop simply refers to the front strand of the two top-most strands, or loops, at the top of a crochet stitch.

By working subsequent stitches into the “front loop only” (FLO) of previous stitches, you can create unique textures and patterns in your crochet projects.

This simple technique is easy to learn but can produce some wonderful results. So why not grab a hook and some yarn, and have a play around to see what you can create with this fun technique?

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