Back Post Double Crochet
a recessed texture made by working around the post of a stitch from the back, usually paired with front post double crochet for ribbing
Back post double crochet is worked the same way as front post double crochet, except the hook goes around the post from the back side instead of the front. That single difference pushes the stitch away from you instead of pulling it forward, so it sits recessed rather than raised. Alternating front post and back post stitches across a row is what creates classic knit-look ribbing in crochet.
US "back post double crochet (BPdc)" corresponds to UK "back post treble crochet (BPtr)," matching the same shift that applies to standard double crochet and treble crochet.
How to work it
- Yarn over, as you would for a standard double crochet.
- Insert your hook from back to front, then front to back again, around the post of the stitch in the row below, approaching from behind the work.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. 2 loops remain.
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops. One back post double crochet is complete.
- Repeat as the pattern directs, usually alternating with front post double crochet to build a rib pattern.
When to use it
Use back post double crochet paired with front post double crochet any time a pattern calls for ribbing that mimics knit fabric: sweater cuffs, hats, and waistbands. On its own, a row of all back post stitches produces a subtle horizontal ridge on the opposite side of the fabric from a row of all front post stitches.