Double crochets are one of the primary crochet stitches, but they’re far from basic. I recently shared how to decrease with the dc2tog/dc3tog. Today, we’ll learn how to add yummy texture to our projects with the front post double crochet stitch (fpdc) and back post double crochet stitch (bpdc).
Post stitches are common in intermediate to advanced level crochet patterns that involve cabling (like the Braids & Twists Throw), ribbing (like the Berry Cabled Dishcloth), raised crochet (like the Traveling Afghan Gladstone Square from CocoCrochetLee), and fun stitch combos like the alpine stitch.
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Front and Back Post Double Crochets in Patterns
Post stitches are often used in crochet patterns and stitches that have a lot of texture. This includes crocheted cables and ribbing, as well as popular stitch patterns like the waffle stitch, basketweave stitch, and the alpine stitch.
What does fpdc mean in crochet terms?
The front post double crochet is abbreviated as “fpdc” in crochet patterns. In crochet charts, you’ll see it represented as a dc with a loop at the bottom. Here’s an example symbol:
What does bpdc mean in crochet?
The back post double crochet is abbreviated as “bpdc” in crochet patterns. In crochet charts, you’ll see it represented as a dc with a “C” at the bottom. Here’s an example symbol:
What’s the difference between fpdc & bpdc?
Such a good question! You’re not alone in wondering what’s the difference between front post double crochet and back post double crochet.
When you’re crocheting, one side of your fabric will face you, and the other side will face away from you.
For front post double crochet stitches, you’ll insert your hook behind the stitch. This will put your completed fpdc onto the front of your project.
For back post double crochet stitches, your hook will be in front of the stitch and you’ll actually be crocheting on the back of the fabric.
Here’s a picture demonstrating the start of each stitch, from the front. Notice how the target stitch sticks out toward you on the fpdc, but is pushed back on the bpdc?
How to Crochet the fpdc & bpdc
The primary difference between a dc and a fpdc or bpdc is the post. In a normal double crochet, you’ll insert your hook into one or both of the loops of the stitch from the previous row.
With post stitches, you’ll insert your crochet hook around the stitch from the previous row. After going around the post, you’ll finish up the stitch with a standard double crochet.
Keep reading for written instructions, photos and videos to help you learn how to make a front post double crochet and a back post double crochet.
Supplies / Materials
It doesn’t matter what materials you use to fpdc and bpdc. If you’re just practicing and working up a swatch, any hook and matching yarn will do.
For the tutorial video, I used WeCrochet Dishie cotton yarn in “Verdigris” and an H 5.0 mm blue Odyssey from Furls Fiberarts.
For the photo tutorial, Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in “Mystical” and a 10.0 mm Virgo Streamline Swirl from Furls Fiberarts.
Abbreviations / Techniques
- yo – yarn over
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- fpdc – front post double crochet
- bpdc – back post double crochet
- st – stitch
Note: This stitch tutorial utilizes US crochet terminology and abbreviations.
Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) Written Stitch Instructions
Before you fpdc, make sure to work a row of normal double crochet stitches. Any chain length will do. When you get to an fpdc in row 2:
- a. yo and insert hook around the back of the dc from the previous row, yo
- b. pull up a loop
- c. yo and pull through two loops
- d. yo and pull through the last two loops
Note: after step (a), you’re crocheting a regular-old double crochet. It might feel a bit different, but the principle are the same.
Back-Post Double Crochet (bpdc) Written Stitch Instructions
Before you bpdc, make sure to work a row of normal double crochet stitches. Any chain length will do. When you get to a bpdc in row 2:
- a. yo and insert hook around the front of the dc from the previous row, yo
- b. pull up a loop
- c. yo and pull through two loops
- d. yo and pull through the last two loops
Note: after step (a), you’re crocheting a regular-old double crochet. It might feel a bit different, but the principle are the same.
fpdc Video Tutorials
Here’s the front-post double crochet video tutorial for those of you that prefer live-action crochet tutorials.
Don’t worry, lefties! You can crochet a front post double crochet left-handed. Here’s a flipped video to help you work a front-post double crochet stitch.
Front-Post Double Crochet in the Round
Thankfully, crocheting the fpdc in the round is pretty straightforward, so if you already know how to crochet in the round then you’re good to go!
If every stitch in the round is a fpdc, I recommend starting the round with a ch 2 that doesn’t count as a stitch. If stitches are alternating (like in the alpine stitch), then you don’t have to worry too much about that.
When you reach the end of a round, slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the first stitch as usual.
To test your skills, check out the Alpine Cowl and Alpine Beanie patterns. Both are crocheted in the round and utilize the alpine stitch. The alpine stitch alternates double crochet and front-post double crochet stitches for a gorgeous texture. It’s one of my absolute favorite stitches!
How to Crochet fpdc Ribbing
Front post double crochet ribbing can be used as a standalone pattern (like the Berry Cabled Dishcloth), as a blanket border, or as the ribbing for hats or sleeves.
In this example, all of the post stitches will be on the right side (RS) of our work. In order to accomplish this, we’ll alternate fpdc ribbing rows with rows of single crochet stitches (sc).
To work up a practice swatch of fpdc ribbing, ch any odd number. This will give you an odd number of stitches in each row.
ROW 1: dc in third ch from hook, dc across
ROW 2: ch 1 and turn, sc across
ROW 3: ch 1 and turn, hdc, fpdc in dc from ROW 1, *hdc, fpdc* across, then hdc in last st
Repeat ROWS 2 – 3 until your project reaches the desired length.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fpdc in UK crochet terms?
The UK equivalent of a fpdc is the front post single crochet (fpsc).
How many chains for front post double crochet?
If you’re only working with one stitch, chain any number for fpdc. If you’re alternating between fpdc and another stitch (like the dc or bpdc), you’ll want an odd number of stitches in each row or an even number in each round.
How do you alternate fpdc and bpdc?
You just crochet one stitch after the other. 😊 If you stack stitches, you can create straight ribbing on either side of your crochet project (kind of like the Berry Cabled Dishcloth, but double sided). If you alternate in every row, it’s actually called the rice stitch. It’s kind of like a double sided alpine stitch.
Can other stitches be post stitches?
Absolutely! You’ll probably see double crochet and treble crochet post stitches most often, but even the shorter stitches (like sc and hdc) can be crocheted around the post. Keep an eye out for front post single crochet (fpsc), back post single crochet (bpsc), front post half double crochet (fphdc), and back post half double crochet (bphdc) in patterns.
More Stitch Tutorials and Free Crochet Patterns
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