Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet Explained

Front post double crochet (FPDC) and back post double crochet (BPDC) add texture and dimension to your crochet projects, creating ribbing, cables, and raised patterns without any fancy tools.

What Makes Them Different

Instead of inserting your hook under the two loops at the top of a stitch, you insert it around the post (the vertical body) of the stitch below. For FPDC, insert your hook from front to back around the post, then back to front, and complete a double crochet as usual. For BPDC, do the opposite: insert from back to front, then front to back.

Tips for Success

• Work into stitches from the previous row, not the chain.
• Keep your tension even so the posts don't pull too tight.
• Alternate FPDC and BPDC in the same row to create ribbing similar to knit fabric.
• Count your stitches at the end of each row since post stitches can be tricky to track.

Where to Use Them

These stitches are perfect for hats, cowls, and sweater cuffs where you want stretch and structure. Once you get the hang of wrapping your hook around the post, you'll find endless ways to add texture to your projects.