Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc): Tutorial

Post stitches are another of the many texture options you have with crochet – and it’s easy! Don’t let this stitch scare you – read our tutorial.

Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)

Some people are confused by finding the post, but it’s easy.

Instead of inserting your hook in the chain at the top of the stitch, wind it in and out of the post below.

Then work your dc like normal.

It creates a raised texture and it’s even a bit stretchy.

And here’s what the back looks like.

See those horizontal stripes of chains? That’s because the “V” loop that was at the top of the stitch (the part you usually put your hook into) is shown at the back. If you want the “V” to show at the front, you want to work a Back Post Double Crochet (see below).

Back Post Double Crochet

Instead of inserting your hook in the chain at the top of the stitch, go behind with your hook and wind it in and out of the post below. Here’s the post.

It can seem funky, so here’s a different view.

Then work your dc like normal.

It creates a raised texture and it’s even a bit stretchy.

Ribbing

A common use for post stitches is to create ribbing. The simplest way to do this is to work *1 FPDC followed by 1 BPDC*.

Here’s what ribbing looks like using post stitches:

A Word about All Post Stitches

The resulting fabric is thicker (denser) than regular dc because the sts are halfway on top of each other.

A pattern that uses Post Stitches

Give our Shakti Yoga Socks a try for a quick and easy project that uses post stitches!

Craft Smarter In the New Year

This post is part of our Craft Smarter in the New Year series in January 2018! Don’t miss any of our posts!

1. Improved SSK’s (knit)
2. Centered Double Decrease (knit)
3. Stacked Increases and Decreases (knit)
4. Post Stitches (crochet)
5. Weaving in Ends (crochet)
6. Jogless Stripes (crochet)
7. Bias Bindoff (knit)
8. Fix-a-Stitch Review (knit)
9. One-Row Buttonhole (knit)