Back Post Single Crochet
The back post single crochet stitch is an excellent way for beginners to explore texture and add depth to crochet projects.
With consistent practice, proper tension, and careful hook placement behind the stitch posts, BP SC can create professional-looking recessed designs that pair beautifully with front post stitches and other textured techniques.
Mastery of this stitch opens the door to more complex patterns, such as basket weave, cables, and ribbing, allowing beginners to elevate their crochet skills.
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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.
Abbreviation
- US - Back Post Single Crochet : bpsc
- UK - back post double crochet : bpdc
- AFR- agterste been kortbeentjie / Agter stam kortbeentjie / agter-paal enkelhekel: abkb/askb
Crochet Stitch Method
1. Insert hook back→front→back around the post of stitch below.
2. Yarn over, pull up loop (2 loops).
3. Yarn over, pull through both loops.
Crochet Stitch - Step by Step
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Work a foundation row of single crochet (SC / DC).
- 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 (two loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the BP SC.
- Repeat around each stitch as required.
UK Equivalent: In UK crochet, this stitch is called Back Post Double Crochet (BP DC). The technique is the same; only the terminology differs.
Crochet Stitch Practice Example
Practice Swatch Exercise
- Begin with a foundation row of 6–8 SC stitches.
- Row 1: Work standard SC across.
- Row 2: Work BP SC around each stitch post from the previous row.
- Repeat for 3–4 rows to create visible recessed ridges.
- Observe the valley effect created by the back post stitches.
- Tip: Alternate BP SC with FP SC in successive rows to practice combining textures.
Crochet Patterns Using This Stitch
Looking for more ways to use this crochet stitch? Explore these crochet patterns featuring the stitch in practical and creative projects. From crochet bags and handbags to blankets, accessories and home décor, these patterns are a great way to practise the stitch while creating something useful and beautiful.
Whether you’re a beginner learning a new stitch or an experienced crocheter looking for your next project, these patterns offer plenty of inspiration for your crochet hook and yarn.
