Back Post Treble Crochet
The back post treble crochet stitch is an advanced yet beginner-friendly way to create recessed textures and three-dimensional patterns in your crochet projects. With consistent tension, careful hook placement, and practice combining BP TR with FP TR, you can craft professional-looking designs like basket weave, cables, and ribbing. Mastery of this stitch enhances the visual depth of your projects and allows for more complex, visually striking crochet patterns.
About
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Tall back post stitch; recessed rib effect.
Beginner’s Guide to the Back Post Treble Crochet Stitch (US: BP TR, UK: BP DTR)
The back post treble crochet stitch is a tall, textured stitch that creates recessed vertical lines, forming a “valley” effect in your crochet fabric. In US terminology, it is called BP TR, while in the UK it is referred to as BP DTR (Back Post Double Treble).
This stitch is worked around the post of the stitch from the previous row, inserting the hook from the back of the fabric. BP TR is often used in basket weave patterns, cables, ribbing, and other textured designs to create depth and contrast with front post stitches.
For beginners, learning BP TR is a great way to achieve advanced textured effects and enhance three-dimensional designs
Beginner Tips
- Keep tension consistent to maintain uniform recessed ridges.
- Insert the hook fully behind the post to ensure clean, recessed lines.
- Alternate BP TR with FP TR in practice swatches to see how textures interact.
- Use scrap yarn for swatches to clearly observe depth and contrast. 5. Work slowly at first to develop control over yarn overs and loop management.
Common Mistakes:
- Not fully inserting the hook behind the post, causing uneven or shallow ridges.
- Pulling loops too tight, making it hard to work subsequent rows.
- Skipping posts or accidentally adding extra posts, disrupting the pattern.
- Inconsistent tension, leading to uneven recessed lines.
- Confusing BP TR with FP TR, reversing the textured effect.
US vs. UK Stitch Translation Matrix
Never let terminology ruin a project. In US terms, stitches are named after the yarn overs; in UK terms, stitches are named after the loops on your hook.
US vs. UK Stitches
| Symbol / Chart | Stitch Name | UK Equivalent | Quick Method |
|---|---|---|---|
How to Work the Stitch: Step-by-Step
Browse through each row below or follow along round-by-round at your own pace.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Work a foundation row of treble crochet (TR / DTR).
- Yarn over twice (wrap the yarn around your hook two times).
- 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 (four loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (three loops remaining).
- Yarn over and pull through the next two loops (two loops remaining).
- Yarn over and pull through the final two loops to complete the BP TR.
- Repeat around each stitch post as required.
UK Equivalent: In the UK, this stitch is called Back Post Double Treble (BP DTR). The technique is identical; only the terminology differs.
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Back Post Treble Crochet
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does BLO mean in crochet?
BLO stands for Back Loop Only. When you crochet in BLO, you insert your hook into the back loop of each stitch instead of under both loops. This creates a subtle ridge and adds texture or flexibility to your fabric, often used in ribbing, cuffs, and decorative details.
How do you crochet in the back loop only?
To crochet in the back loop only, insert your hook into the back loop (the loop furthest from you) of the stitch below, yarn over, and complete the stitch as usual. This method works with most stitches such as single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), or double crochet (dc), to create a ribbed or ridged texture.
What is the difference between BLO and FLO in crochet?
The difference lies in where you insert your hook. BLO (Back Loop Only) uses the back loop, creating a ridge or texture, while FLO (Front Loop Only) uses the front loop, giving a flatter and more decorative surface. Each technique adds a unique look to crochet projects.
Why use the BLO stitch in crochet projects?
Crocheting in BLO adds stretch and texture to your fabric. It’s perfect for ribbed borders, cuffs, beanies, and blankets. It also helps imitate a knit-like appearance, making it a favorite among crocheters looking for more dimension in their work.
Can you use BLO with any crochet stitch?
Yes! BLO can be used with almost any basic stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and even slip stitches. Each creates a slightly different texture, but all share that signature horizontal ridge.
What projects work best with BLO crochet stitches?
BLO stitches work beautifully for ribbed textures like hat brims, sleeve cuffs, blanket borders, dishcloths, and even amigurumi accents. They give a flexible, textured edge that looks professional and feels comfortable to wear.
How does BLO change the look of a crochet stitch?
Working in BLO creates a raised ridge or horizontal line on the front of your work. The resulting texture looks like knitting ribs and adds depth to flat crochet fabrics, making your projects look more intricate and textured.
Is the BLO stitch good for beginners?
Absolutely! The BLO stitch is beginner-friendly once you’re comfortable with basic stitches. It’s a simple way to practice control and stitch placement while adding texture to your crochet projects without learning a brand-new stitch.
How do you identify the back loop in crochet?
Each crochet stitch has a front loop (closest to you) and a back loop (furthest away) at the top “V” of the stitch. To find the back loop, look at the top of your work, insert your hook under the loop farthest from you to work in BLO.
What are common mistakes when crocheting in BLO?
Common mistakes include inserting the hook through both loops by accident, missing stitches when working into tight fabric, or confusing the front and back of your work. Always double-check that your hook only goes through the back loop and count stitches carefully to maintain even rows.
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