Which is the Back Loop in Crochet? A Guide to Decoding Stitches
Crocheting is a popular and versatile craft, allowing makers to create beautiful and practical items. One key element in the world of crochet is understanding the back loop technique. Working in the back loop involves crocheting into a specific part of the stitch, which provides a unique texture and appearance to the finished piece.
The back loop only technique is an important aspect of many crochet projects and can be used in a variety of patterns. When applied correctly, this method adds dimension and visual interest to a design. Mastering the back loop technique can elevate your crochet skills, allowing you to tackle more complex projects with confidence and creativity.
Key Takeaways
- The back loop is an essential crochet technique, affecting texture and appearance
- This method applies to a variety of patterns, enhancing designs and dimensions
- Becoming proficient in back loop crochet enables tackling advanced projects
Back Loop Only (BLO)
BLO – An Overview
When crocheting, there are various techniques to create unique textures and patterns. One method is the Back Loop Only (BLO) technique. It adds a subtle change to the fabrics’ dimension by working stitches only into the back loop of the crochet project. This easy-to-learn technique is suitable for beginners and advanced crocheters alike.
In most crochet patterns, stitches are worked through both loops of the chain or row. With the Back Loop Only method, instead of working through both loops, only the back loop is used. This creates horizontal ridges, lending a more textured appearance to the finished piece.
The Back Loop Only technique can be applied to any of the basic crochet stitches, such as single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), or double crochet (dc) stitches. It can be used when working back-and-forth in rows, or when working in the round. This makes it a versatile technique that is adaptable to various projects.
Identifying the Back Loop
If you look at the top of any crochet stitch, you will see that it is formed of two strands or loops. The “back loop” is simply the strand of yarn that is furthest from you as you work your stitches. The “front loop”, on the other hand, is the strand of yarn that is closest to you.
To make a “standard” crochet stitch (e.g. sc, hdc, dc…), the hook is inserted under both of these strands or loops.
For a BLO stitch, the hook is inserted under only the back strand or loop, leaving the front strand unworked.
For a FLO (front loop only) stitch, the hook is inserted under only the front strand or loop, leaving the back strand unworked.
If you are working in rows and turn you work at the end of each row, the term “back loop” or “BLO” always refers to the strand that is furthest from 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.
BLO with Basic Crochet Stitches
For a single crochet BLO (scBLO), insert the hook into the back loop only of the stitch from the previous row, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the two loops on the hook. Repeat this process for all stitches in the row or round.
Similarly, for a double crochet BLO (dcBLO), yarn over, insert the hook into the back loop only of the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, forming three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through the first two loops, yarn over, and pull through the remaining two loops. Continue working in this manner for the required number of stitches.
For half double crochet BLO (hdcBLO), yarn over, insert the hook into the back loop only of the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, forming three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
BLO in the Round
As a sequence of back loop only stitches is formed, a noticeable difference in texture and depth becomes evident. By working into the back loop only, the front loop remains visible and creates a distinctive ridge across the work.
When BLO stitches are worked in the round, the back loop is always on the same (rear) side of the work. This means that for every round there is a ridge on the front which adds visual interest and texture to a project.
BLO in Rows
In contrast to working in the round, when you work BLO stitches back-and-forth in rows, the (back) loop into which you are forming your stitches switches from one side of the work to the other. This creates a slightly different effect, akin to knitted ribbing, which can be used for edging garments and accessories.
Special Considerations for Back Loop Crochet
Swatching
When starting a back loop crochet project, it’s helpful to first create a swatch. This step helps crafters determine their gauge and get a feel for the technique.
BLO stitches are usually ever so slightly taller than the same stiches worked thought both loops so checking your gauge is an important step.
The swatch also allows the crocheter to observe the overall fabric texture created by BLO, which can be highly valuable when selecting the final pattern or project.
Tapestry Crochet
Using the BLO technique in tapestry crochet projects gives a slightly different appearance to the colorwork pattern to when standard crochet stitches (worked through both loops) are formed. It can result in a neater edge to areas of different colors and can be a good choice for tapestry crochet projects worked in the round. However, it is not always the best choice for all tapestry crochet projects.
A decision about whether to use the BLO technique will mainly depend on the final appearance that is sought. However, it might also depend on whether you want your project to look the same on both sides, or if one side is a natural “front” to your work.
As such, when considering whether to use BLO in a tapestry crochet project, it can be a good idea to work up two samples first: one using the BLO technique and the other using stitches worked through both loops. You can then decide which one you like the look of most.
Also, remember that if your project is worked back and forth in rows (as opposed to in the round), you may wish to alternate between BLO and FLO stitches for a consistent look across all rows.
Conclusion: The Back Loop in Crochet
The crochet back loop only (BLO) technique plays a vital role in creating texture and visual interest to various projects. It can also be an attractive option to use in many tapestry crochet projects. Moreover, it can play a key part in crochet patterns that involve ribbing or edges with a professional finish.
Mastering the BLO technique enables crocheters to enhance their stitching repertoire and produce aesthetically pleasing pieces.
By working into the back loop only, as opposed to through both loops as in a standard crochet stitch, the crochet fabric attains a unique visual appeal. The technique is versatile, suitable for projects such as blankets, garments, various accessories, bags and amigurumi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between back loop and front loop in crochet?
The main difference between back loop and front loop in crochet is the location on the stitch where the crochet hook is inserted. Back loop refers to the loop that is farther away from you, while the front loop refers to the loop that is closer to you. Working in different loops can create different textures and patterns in your crochet fabric.
How do you create a back loop half double crochet?
To create a back loop half double crochet (hdcBLO), follow these steps:
- Yarn over your hook.
- Insert the hook into the back loop of the stitch only.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
What does it mean to crochet in the back loop only?
Crocheting in the back loop only (BLO) means to work stitches only in the back loop of each stitch, leaving the front loop unworked. This technique creates a distinctive texture with a visible line where the unworked front loops are present. BLO is often used to create ridges, add flexibility, or mimic the appearance of knitting.
How do you crochet on the back loop for left-handed?
For left-handed crocheters, the process is the same as for right-handed crocheters. The only difference is that you will work your stitches from left to right instead or right to left.
Follow these steps to work in the back loop:
- Identify the back loop, which is the loop farther away from you.
- Insert your hook into the back loop of the stitch from front to back, leaving the front loop unworked.
- Complete the stitch as usual.
What is a back loop double crochet?
A back loop double crochet (dcBLO) is a variation of the double crochet stitch, where you work the stitch into the back loop only instead of through both loops of the stitch. This creates a textured fabric with a ridge on one side, adding interest and shape to your crochet project.
Follow these steps to make a dcBLO:
- Yarn over and insert your hook into the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. You should now have two loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. You should now have one loop on your hook.
How to make a back loop single crochet?
To make a back loop single crochet (scBLO), follow these steps:
- Insert your hook into the back loop of the stitch, leaving the front loop unworked.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook.
By working in the back loop only, you create a textured fabric with a visible ridge, adding visual interest to your crochet work.
More Crochet Patterns, Tips and Advice – Plus Two FREE Patterns
Sign up to my email list to receive a monthly newsletter with crochet news, tips and advice, as well as details of new pattern releases and exclusive discounts. Plus, receive TWO FREE PATTERNS when you sign up here today.