Beginner’s Guide to the Back Post Single Crochet Stitch (US: BP SC, UK: BP DC)

The back post single crochet stitch is a textured stitch that creates recessed vertical lines on your crochet fabric, forming a “valley” effect that contrasts beautifully with front post stitches.

In US terminology, it is called BP SC, while in the UK it is known as BP DC.

This stitch is worked around the post of the stitch from the previous row, but from the back of the fabric, rather than the front.

It’s widely used in basket weave patterns, ribbing, cables, and textured blankets, giving depth and dimension to your projects.

For beginners, BP SC is a fantastic stitch to learn for adding professional-looking texture.

Beginner Tips:

• Keep tension consistent so that recessed posts are even and uniform.
• Insert the hook fully around the post from the back to achieve a clear recessed line.
• Practice small swatches alternating BP SC and FP SC to see how texture is created.
• Use contrasting yarn colors for practice to clearly observe the raised and recessed effects.
• Work slowly at first to avoid twisting stitches or missing the post completely.

Common Mistakes:

• Not inserting the hook fully behind the post, resulting in uneven or incomplete stitches.
• Pulling loops too tight, making it hard to work the next row.
• Skipping stitches, which disrupts the pattern.
• Inconsistent tension, causing posts to appear uneven.
• Confusing BP SC with FP SC, which reverses the textured pattern

Common Uses:

• Basket weave and textured blankets.
• Ribbing in scarves, hats, and afghans.
• Adding dimension and depth in 3D crochet patterns.
• Combining with FP SC and other post stitches for intricate designs.