Back Post Half Double Crochet
The back post half double crochet stitch is an excellent way to add depth and texture to your crochet projects. With consistent tension, careful hook placement, and practice combining BP HDC with FP HDC, you can create professional-looking patterns like basket weave, cables, and ribbing. Mastery of this stitch opens the door to more complex and visually engaging designs, giving your crochet projects a polished, textured finish.
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Step-by-step: How to make one BPhdc (US terms)
- Yarn over (yo).
- Insert the hook around the post of the indicated stitch from back to front and back again, so the hook encircles the vertical post (not the top loops).
- Yarn over and pull up a loop, you’ll have 3 loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and draw through all three loops. One loop remains on the hook ,BPhdc complete.
Practice swatch: 8-row rib sample
Chain 18.
Row 1: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and across (17 hdc). Turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (turning chain), *BPhdc in each stitch across*. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 2, Hdc across. Turn.
Repeat Rows 2–3 for a ribbed fabric.
Result: alternating BPhdc and regular hdc rows creates a structured, reversible rib.
Common mistakes & troubleshooting
- Hook goes into top loops (result: regular hdc).Reposition so you can feel the vertical post and slip the hook around it.
- Loose ribs: keep even tension when pulling up the loop; try one hook size smaller for neater ribs.
- Lost stitch count at edges: use a stitch marker on the first and last stitch or place a regular hdc in the last stitch to maintain count.
- Difficulty on small needles or bulky yarn: practice on mid-weight yarn first to learn the motion.
Variations & creative uses
- BPhdc in the round: work around the post of stitches in previous rounds for tubular ribs on hats and sleeves.
- Combine with front-post hdc** to create cables and basketweave textures.
- Use with double-height post stitches** (back-post dc) when you want taller, more dramatic ribs.
- Stripe + BPhdc: change colors on the BPhdc row to make textured color stripes.
Troubleshooting quick-fix checklist
- If stitches look flat → are you working into the post or top loops?
- If edges shrink → check turning chain technique and consider placing a turning stitch.
- If ribs are inconsistent → practice the hook angle; approach the post horizontally and wrap fully.
Q: Is BPhdc the same as back post htr (UK)?
A: Yes — US hdc = UK htr. So BPhdc in US terms is the same technique as back post half treble in UK terms.
Q: How do I count BPhdc stitches?
A: Count the posts you work around each post counts as one stitch. Use stitch markers to avoid miscounts at the edge.
Q: Can I substitute BPhdc for other post stitches?
A: You can substitute depending on texture and height needs. BPhdc is shorter than back-post dc, so choose based on the look and drape you want.
Abbreviation
- US - Back Post Half Double Crochet : bphdc
- UK - Back post half treble crochet : bphtr
- AFR- Agterste been Halwe Langbeen / Agter stam Halwe Lang Been/ afterpaal half-dubbelhekel: abhlb / ashlb
Crochet Stitch Method
1. Yarn over, insert hook back→front→back around post.
2. Yarn over, pull up loop (3 loops).
3. Yarn over, pull through all 3 loops.
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Step by Step
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Work a foundation row of half double crochet (HDC / HTR).
- Yarn over and insert your hook from back to front to back around the post of the stitch from the previous row.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook to complete the BP HDC.
- Repeat around each stitch post as required.
Crochet Stitch Practice Example
Practice Swatch Exercise
- Begin with a foundation row of 6–8 HDC stitches.
- Row 1: Work standard HDC across.
- Row 2: Work BP HDC around each stitch post from the previous row.
- Repeat for 3–4 rows to create recessed ridges.
Observe the valley effect and how it contrasts with raised FP HDC stitches.
Tip: Alternate rows of BP HDC and FP HDC to create a basket weave texture for practice.
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