Back Loop Only Double Crochet Step by Step Tutorial
Learn how to crochet the back loop only double crochet stitch. Finding the back loop of your stitches is easy, once you know what you’re looking for. Your pattern may abbreviate this stitch as blo dc.
Follow along the step by step photo tutorial for crocheting into the back loop. Many crochet patterns frequently use the back loop only double crochet stitch. Most often, blo crochet stitches are used to creating ribbing on hats and garments.
There are plenty of other types of crochet patterns that use the back loop only double crochet. I love how easy it is to crochet into the back loop, especially if your hook and yarn aren’t cooperating as well as you’d like them to.
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Working into the back loop gives your stitches a little bit of stretch. That’s why it’s a popular way to crochet ribbing.
Any crochet stitch can be worked into the back loop. For this tutorial I demonstrate the double crochet in the back loop.
But the single crochet can be worked in the blo and so can the half double crochet. These stitches will be abbreviated as blo sc and blo hdc. They’re worked the same way, but you’ll make a single crochet or half double crochet in the back loop instead.
Yarn
The yarn I use in this tutorial is Red Heart Dreamy. This brushed yarn is a #5 bulky weight yarn. It works up beautifully with the back loop stitch.
The Nebbia Chunky Sweater is an easy top down crochet pullover. This free pattern is worked with alternating front loop and back loop double crochet stitches. It works up fast and easy.
If you love this stitch and yarn, then you’re sure to love the Nebbia Chunky Scarf. Once you can crochet into the back loop and front loop this scarf works up quickly, in just one ball of Red Heart Dreamy yarn.
What Crochet Patterns Use The Back Loop Only Crochet Stitch?
- The Backcountry Beanie uses the blo stitch to create a chunky ribbed hat.
- Crochet the Piazza Pillow with back loop only half double crochet stitches and a favorite of mine, the extended half double crochet stitch.
- Creating crochet ribbing is classic way to use the back loop only stitches. I’ve also paired the blo hdc with the camel stitch (3rd loop hdc) for my Ribbed Crochet Pumpkins pattern.
Materials
- This stitch works with any weight yarn and compatible hook
- For this tutorial I’m using my Furls Streamline Swirl in Cookies N Cream size (L) 7mm and Red Heart Dreamy a #5 bulky yarn.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
blo-back loop only
dc-double crochet
yo-yarn over
st-stitch
Level
Easy
Construction
To work this swatch you will crochet it flat, meaning to work it in rows and turn at the end of each row.
To show the contrast, I’ve use the blo dc and the flo dc. You can see how the texture works up with both in the same piece.
To crochet the back loop only double crochet in the round, work the stitch the same way.
Back Loop Double Crochet Tutorial
How to Crochet into the Back Loop.
Learn how to crochet into the front loop of a double crochet.
Materials
- any weight yarn
Tools
- crochet hook compatible with yarn
Instructions
- The back loop of the stitch is the one furthest from you, marked here with an orange yarn needle.
- To double crochet into the back loop, yarn over, position your hook on top of the stitch, insert your hook under the back loop.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop, you'll have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through 2 of the loops on your hook. You'll have 2 loops left on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops on your hook.
Now you have one complete blo dc or double crochet in the back loop only.
Notes
The blo or back loop only technique can be used with any crochet stitch. To crochet a half double crochet in the blo, yo, insert your hook under the back loop, yo and pull up a loop, yo again and pull through all three loops. To crochet a blo single crochet, insert your hook under the back loop, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through both loops on your hook.
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I love crocheting the front loop and back loop stitches. Another favorite I have is post stitches.
Rachel from DesertBlossomCrafts has great stitch tutorial on the Raised V-Stitch. This variation of v-stitch paired with front post is amazing!
What are some of your favorite crochet stitches?
