Ribbed Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc-blo)

Ribbed Half Double Crochet Stitch by Janice Jones, Certified Knit and Crochet Instructor (CYC), Updated 01-07-2026

If you thought ribbing was only possible with knitting, this stitch may surprise you. The ribbed half double crochet stitch creates a stretchy, knit-like texture using a simple variation of the basic half double crochet stitch.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to work the half double crochet through the back loop only (hdc-blo) to create clean, vertical ribs that work beautifully for cuffs, brims, collars, and edges.

What is the ribbed half double crochet stitch?

The ribbed half double crochet stitch is made by working half double crochet stitches into the back loop only (hdc-blo). This creates vertical ribs that resemble knit ribbing and add stretch to crochet fabric.

Ribbed Half Double Crochet or Half Double Crochet (BPhdc)

A swatch of half double crochet rib stitch worked in purple woolRibbed Half Double Crochet Swatch

Typically, when working the half-double crochet stitch, we insert the hook into the top two loops of the stitches below. 

If we insert our hooks into the back loop only, we create a ribbed textured fabric that works great for cuffs, edges, and other decorative details.  It’s very easy to master as long as you know how to work a half-double crochet stitch. 

Just as a quick refresher, here is how the half-double crochet stitch is created.

Abbreviations You Will Encounter:

In crochet patterns, you will see the back loop half double crochet is abbreviated:

  • hdc-blo  (Also known as the ribbed half double crochet stitch)
  • BLhdc
  • BLO hdc 

Using the Ribbed Half Double Crochet Stitch

Typically, the ribbed half-double crochet stitch is used where ribbing is desired.  This could be on a sweater or a cardigan, the brim of a hat, or a long jacket.  

I am currently working on a turtleneck dog sweater made with half double crochet stitches, and the collar is worked in the back loop only.


When to Use the Ribbed Half-Double Crochet Stitch

  • Cuffs on sweaters, cardigans, and sleeves
  • Hat brims and folded edges
  • Necklines and turtlenecks
  • Vertical ribbing on garments
  • Decorative edging that needs stretch

How to Make the Half-Double Crochet Stitch

Here is a beginner-friendly review of how to make the half double crochet stitch.  You can find more information on the half double crochet stitch on our beginner tutorial pages.

  • Yarn over.
  • Insert the hook into the stitch.
  • Pull the yarn up through the stitch (3 loops on the hook).
  • Yarn over.
  • Pull through all three loops.

Step 1:  Yarn Over

Step one when making a half double crochet: Yarn OverHalf Double Crochet Step 1: Yarn Over

Step 2:  Insert hook through both loops of the previous stitch

Step 2 of Half Double Crochet Stitch: Insert hookHalf Double Crochet: Step 2: Insert Hook

Step 3:  Yarn over again

Step 3: Make the Half Double Crochet. Yarn over again.Half Double Crochet: Step 3: Yarn Over Again

Step 4:  Pull through all three loops on the hook

How to make the Half Double Crochet, Last Step: Pull through all 3 loops on the hookHalf Double Crochet: Pull through all three loops on the hook.

Change the Half Double Crochet Stitch by Placing Your Hook Differently

When we crochet, we have some choices where we insert the hook. In a typical half double crochet stitch, we insert our hook under both loops of the stitch from the previous row. (see photo below).  But there are several ways to create this stitch.  Here are a couple of examples where we can place the hook.

1. In the front loop only of the next stitch (Hdc-flo)

2. In the back loop only of the next stitch (hdc-blo)

3. In both loops of the next stitch (hdc)

4. Around the post (from front to back) (Fphdc)

5. Around the post (from back to front) (BPhdc)

6. Between the stitches

A row of crochet marked with the names of the different parts of a stitchThere is more than one way to create the half double crochet stitch

How to Make the Ribbed Half Double Crochet Stitch

You will make the ribbed half-double crochet stitch as you would a typical half-double crochet, but instead of inserting your hook into the top two loops, you will only insert it into the back loop.

Diagram showing where to place the hook when making the rib half double crochetThe top of the half double crochet stitch looks like little V's with one leg of the V in front, the one closest to you, and the other leg, the back loop, which is farthest from you.

Practice the Rib Half Double Crochet Stitch

Half Double Crochet Rib Stitch Close UpRib Half Double Crochet Stitch

For this tutorial, I cast on 20 stitches.

Row 1:  Insert hook into the 3rd chain from the hook and work a half double crochet stitch.  Work one half double crochet stitch in each chain across row to end of row. (18 hdc).  Turn.

Row 2:  Chain 2.  Work half double crochet stitches by inserting hook into the back loop only. (hdc-blo).  Work across row.  

Repeat row 2 until you have reached your desired length.  

Two rows of the hdc-blo stitchHalf Double Crochet Through Back Loop Only (hdc-blo) or Ribbed Half Double Crochet

Fabric Feel & Texture

The ribbed half double crochet stitch creates a firm yet flexible fabric with clearly defined vertical ribs. It has more structure than standard hdc fabric and less bulk than post-stitch ribbing, making it ideal for edges that need stretch without heaviness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as post-stitch ribbing?

No. Post-stitch ribbing uses front or back post stitches, while ribbed half double crochet is worked into the back loop only.

Can beginners use this stitch?

Absolutely. If you know how to make a basic half-double crochet stitch, you can easily learn hdc-blo

Does ribbed half double crochet use more yarn?

It uses slightly more yarn than standard half double crochet because of the raised texture, but less than post-stitch ribbing.

Is hdc-blo stretchy?

Yes. Working half-double crochet stitches in the back loop only creates vertical ribs that allow the fabric to stretch, similar to knit ribbing.

Last words

The ribbed half double crochet stitch is a simple way to add stretch and texture to crochet projects without complicated techniques. By working half-double crochet stitches through the back loop only, you can create clean, knit-like ribs that work beautifully in garments and accessories.

Once you’re comfortable with this stitch, try experimenting with different hook sizes or pairing it with other ribbing methods to customize your projects.

Ribbed Half Double Crochet Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

Half double crochet ribbed stitch, pinnable imageHow to make the ribbed half double crochet stitch, pin for future reference.

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