Front Post Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial – Written + Video (and Back Post Double Crochet Stitch)

Shana Grandstaff

Written by: Shana Grandstaff

Published on: January 19, 2020

Updated on: November 21, 2022

One of the many stitches that you need to learn is how to work the front post double crochet stitch and the back post double crochet stitch.

These stitches are variations on the frequently used double crochet stitch, but are definitely stitches in their own right!

When working with post stitches you work around the prior row’s stitches rather than in the stitches (we’ll explain more in just a moment).

Post stitches are used to create the basket weave stitch, cable stitch, and crocodile stitch, just to name a few.

Post stitches are often abbreviated in written patterns as follows: front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc).

Read on to discover how to work front post double crochet and back post double crochet stitches to broaden your crochet horizon!

Written Front Post Double Crochet Tutorial

Techniques used:

Chain stitch
Double crochet

Step 1: Begin by crocheting a foundation chain of any number you choose plus 2 additional stitches.

Step 2: Next, work ONE row of double crochet all the way across your foundation chain.

Step 3: Yarn over and insert your hook into the space between the next two stitches on your hook, from front to back.

Step 4: Again, yarn over and bring a loop up through the post. There should now be THREE loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over again and bring a loop through the FIRST TWO loops. This should leave TWO loops on your hook.

Step 6: Yarn over once again to bring a loop through the last TWO loops, leaving only ONE loop on your hook.

Step 7: Continue working the Front Post Double Crochet Stitch across the row of double crochet.

Front Post Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Written Instructions

Techniques used:

Chain Stitch
Double Crochet

Step 1: Begin by crocheting a foundation chain of any number you choose plus 2 additional stitches.

Step 2: Next, work ONE row of double crochet all the way across your foundation chain.

Step 3: Yarn over and insert your hook into the space between the next two stitches on your hook, this time from back to front.

Step 4: Again, yarn over and bring a loop up through the post. There should now be THREE loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over again and bring a loop through the FIRST TWO loops. This should leave TWO loops on your hook.

Step 6: Yarn over once again to bring a loop through the last TWO loops, leaving only ONE loop on your hook.

Step 7: Continue working the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch across the row of double crochet.

Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Patterns to Use the Front Post Double Crochet Stitch or Back Post Double Crochet Stitch

The basket weave crochet afghan pattern here is a great way to use both stitches! (pictured above)

crocodile stitch crochet
Bonita Patterns

Check out the 20 crocodile stitch patterns here that use post stitches too!

Front and Back Post Double Crochet Stitch

We really hope you have enjoyed learning both the front post double crochet and back post double crochet stitches.

Be sure to post the patterns you make to our Facebook page!

Check out all of our crochet stitch tutorials here.

Happy crocheting with your new front post double crochet and back post double crochet stitches!

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