How to Crochet Front Post and Back Post Stitches (FP/BP)
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Front post and back post crochet stitches sure can be intimidating – but don’t let that stop you from creating lovely crochet projects using them! These stitches are perfect for edging, ribbing, and even cabling in crochet! Let me teach you how with this tutorial.
Front Post and Back Post Crochet
These crochet stitches are what we use for the edging of the Painted Canyon Cardigan pattern. We also use this in the Head Honcho Poncho, for edgings on all kinds of hats, and even as a 12″ square in our Stitch Sampler Afghan pattern!
It is what gives the edging/border that nice ribbing effect. It really pulls everything together in a way that sets off a finished piece. Make your next hat (like the Messy Mom Bun Beanie pictured below), blanket, or sweater really POP by using this unique stitch set.
Use front post/back post crochet with virtually any crochet stitch: single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet… Literally the only the difference is that you’re hooking around the POST of the stitch, then completing the rest of the stitch as normal. Doesn’t that sound easy? Probably because it is!
Note that this stitch does tend to shrink after several rows in. This is normal, but should be taken into account if you’re looking to hit a certain width or dimensions.
Prefer a video tutorial of this stitch set? See that below!
Since we are using the POST of the row below to create these stitches, you’ll need a foundation row of stitches around which to crochet. For this tutorial, I am starting with a row of double crochet and am making double crochet post stitches.
Now to start the actual post stitches! Chain two and turn. Place a regular double crochet in the first stitch. This helps to make sure that the edges stay nice and straight.
How to make a front post crochet stitch
To make a front post stitch, you’ll insert your hook from the front to back and work around the post of the stitch. Complete the double crochet stitch as normal.
How to make a back post crochet stitch
To make a back post stitch, you’ll insert your hook from the back to front and work around the post of the stitch. Complete the double crochet stitch as normal.
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Continue alternating front post and back post stitches to the end of the row. Again, I like to start and end each row with a regular stitch to keep the sides nice and even.
When you turn your work, you’ll notice that the front posts of the previous rows now look like back posts. In order to keep the ribbing stitches lined up, you’ll back post around the previous row’s front post. See what I mean in the video tutorial below.
Here is a video tutorial of this stitch, and be sure to subscribe on YouTube!
More crochet tutorials and tricks:
How to Crochet: Foundation Half Double Crochet
How to Crochet the Lemon Peel Stitch
Triple Crochet (Treble Crochet) Stitch Tutorial
