How To Make the Double Crochet Post Stitch: Front Post and Back Post
Making the Double Crochet Post Stitch.
by Janice Jones |Updated 05-23-2023
If you can crochet the double crochet or the treble crochet stitch, then you make crochet post stitches. They are so-called post stitches because they are worked around the post of the stitch rather than in spaces or through the top loops of stitches from previous rows.
By working around the post, you can make very decorative, textured fabric that adds an interesting variation to the standard double crochet. The fabric created is rich and denser than a typical fabric created with double crochet stitches only.
The good news is that they are easy to learn and master for the crochet beginner.
Basketweave Crochet Pattern using Post Stitches
This easy basketweave crochet stitch uses post stitches and is a quick way to learn how to make them.
What is the Post of the Crochet Stitch
To make it a little easier to visualize, I’ve created a picture of a crochet stitch labeled with the various parts. Think of it as the anatomy of a crochet stitch.
Two Types of Double Crochet Post Stitches
There are two types of stitches you can work around the posts of a crochet stitch.
- Front Post (fp)
- Back Post (bp)
These two stitches are differentiated by where you insert your hook. (More about that in a moment)
If you are creating crochet post stitches around double crochets, they are called a front post double crochet (fpdc) or a back post double crochet (bpdc).
Likewise, if you are making post stitches around treble crochet stitches, they would be called front post treble crochet (fptr) or back post treble crochet (bptr).
You can also make post stitches around half-double crochet or single crochet, but it is not easy to get your hook around these smaller stitches.
Typically post stitches are worked around the post of the stitches worked in the previous row.
Crochet Symbols for the Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet
Besides the abbreviations fp, bp, you may also see the symbols for the front post double crochet fpdc and the back post bpdc in a crochet chart.
Why Make the Double Crochet Post Stitch?
A front post stitch will push the stitch forward, and the back post presses to the back. When you alternate them, you can create a ribbing effect like ribbing in knitting. Crochet Stitches are also incredibly useful if you want to make crochet cables and the basketweave stitch is made using post stitches.
How to Make the Front Post Double Crochet Stitch
You start out with a yarn over as if you are working a normal double crochet stitch. But instead of inserting your hook in a chain stitch or the top loop(s) of the previous row’s stitches, you would insert your hook from the front to the back around the post so that the hook is behind the post and the post is in front of your hook.
Yarn over, pull through, and 3 loops on the hook. From here, you complete the double crochet stitch in the normal way.
Steps for Making the Front Post Single Crochet
- Create a chain of about 15, and turn.
- Make a double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. Continue making a double crochet stitch in each chain across. Chain 3 and turn. Ch-3 doesn't count as a stitch.
- To make a back post double crochet: Yarn over
- Insert the hook from front to back through the crochet post from the previous row and the hook is behind the post.
- Yarn over and pull through. (3 loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (2 loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and pull through two loops (1 loop of the hook)
Notice that steps 3 through 5 are exactly the same whether you are working a double crochet post stitch or a double crochet stitch working through loops or spaces.
Here is an example of what the front post double crochet stitch should look like. It is showing horizontally, but when rotated to its vertical position, it looks like a rib stitch.
How to Make the Back Post Double Crochet
The back post stitch is worked around the post also, but you insert your hook from the back of the work towards the front. The post will be behind the hook. The rest is like making a double crochet stitch.
Steps to Making the Back Post Double Crochet
Before beginning to make the back post double crochet stitch, you will need to create a row of chain stitches, and then work a row of regular double crochet stitches.
- Yarn over.
- Insert your hook around the post so that your work is in front of the post.
- Yarn over and pull through (3 loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remaining on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through two loops (1 loop remaining on hook)
Notice that steps 3 through 5 are exactly the same for a normal double crochet stitch.
TIPS for Making the Double Crochet Post Stitch
If you want a stitch to always pop to the front of a project (like with cables), work those stitches as front post stitches on RS rows and back post stitches on WS rows.
If you want a stitch to always fall to the back of a project (like some background stitches for cable projects), work those stitches as back post stitches on RS rows and front post stitches on WS rows.
Increasing and Decreasing the Double Crochet Post Stitch
If your pattern calls for increases or decreases, don’t panic. They are done exactly as you would for normal double crochet working in the loops of the stitches in the previous row.
Increasing with Post Stitches in Double Crochet
To increase a stitch in double crochet, simply work two double crochet stitches in the same space or stitch.
Decreasing with Post Stitches in Double Crochet
- Yarn over and insert the hook either from the front to the back (fpdc) or from the back to the front (bpdc)
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the hook (2 loops on the hook)
- Yarn over and insert the hook and insert the hook into the next stitch from back to front or front to back depending on what you are making
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops (1 loop on hook)
Where to Use the Double Crochet Post Stitch
Now that you know how to crochet post stitches, maybe you're thinking that they are kind of fun, but you're not sure what to use them for. Well, there are many ways that post stitches can be used. They create richer, denser, more textured fabric than traditional stitches. Some of the types of techniques that use post stitches include:
Free Pattern: Front Post Treble Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Dishcloth
Here's a great little project you can make and practice making both the front and back post stitches in double and treble crochet. Use one color, or alternate as is shown in the picture above.
Free Dishcloth Pattern Using Post Stitches
Double Crochet Post Stitch
Pin for Future Reference

If you Found this Double Crochet Post Stitch Tutorial helpful, You might like these too.
This tutorial on how to crochet the second row teaches you the basics of working into the foundation chain using several different methods and stitches.
When a crochet in rounds pattern is pretty intricate, it is not easy to describe it in words. Crochet charts help you to visualize pattern. How to read charts?
Find out how to use and read crocheting instructions in International Crochet Symbols while crocheting in rows.
There's so many granny square project ideas that it might be hard to fit them all on one page, but I'm going to try. Blankets, scarves, sweaters, slippers etc.
Holding yarn while crocheting is a beginner skill needed to becomming a master crocheter. The key is finding one method that’s perfect for you
Crochet motifs joined to each other still don't look the way you like? This problem can be solved. Find out how.
Crochet Terms and Abbreviations is an extensive list of all that crochet vocabulary that experienced crocheters know but beginners struggle with. Free Download
Crochet accessories don't stop with yarn and a hook. There is a wide variety of supplies and tools that will make your crochet projects so much easier
There are endless possibilities for making granny square projects. Find tutorials, tips, ideas and free patterns for making a wide variety of items.
The double crochet decrease stitch is similar to other crochet decrease stitches but has some unique traits. Learn how to make decrease stitches in crochet.
To know crocheting basics means that you are ready to start a serious project. Find out how to calculate the correct size of any crochet or knit project.
Crochet in the round for crochet beginners- Learn how to crochet the rounds so you can create beautiful coasters, trivets, hats, even complex wearables
How to crochet takes you one step at a time, introducing all basic skills one must learn as a crochet beginner, from making a slip knot to blocking a project.
Changing colors in crochet is a relatively easy task. Here are six different methods that are all slightly different but work fine. Choose your favorite.
Tutorial on the Crochet Slip Knot and Chain Stitch for beginners just getting started, directions, photos, video
The crochet gauge swatch is a small square approximately 4 x 4 made in the same stitch as your pattern and will help assure your finished project is sized right
Crochet hooks come in so many different sizes shapes and materials. How is the beginning crochet enthusiasts supposed to chose the right hook?
The best ergonomic crochet hooks for arthritis have certain features in common. Learn all about them and read our recommendations for the best.
Crochet patterns can be described either in written form or in charts. Find out how to read and use crocheting instructions in charts.
Increasing stitches in crochet is not difficult but it is an important skill for all beginning crochet enthusiasts to learn and add to their tool box.
Traditional shell crochet stitch and filet crochet mesh compliment each other being used in a new way. Design your own 3-D filet crochet pattern decorating mesh with shell stitch.