Back Loop Only Crochet (BLO)

Every crochet stitch has two loops along its top, lying like a sideways “V.” Normally you work under both. Working into only the back loop changes the fabric completely: rows become stretchy ribbing, and rounds get a crisp ridge that is perfect for turning a corner, like the base of a basket or a hat brim. It’s one of the easiest ways to add texture without learning a new stitch.

US/UK note: This page uses US terms. US single crochet (sc) is UK double crochet (dc).

Finding the back loop

Look down at the top of your row. Each stitch shows a V-shape made of two strands:

• The front loop is the strand closest to you.
• The back loop is the strand farthest from you.

The direction is always relative to you as you hold the work right now, not to the right or wrong side of the fabric. After you turn a row, the loop that was “back” is now “front.”

Step-by-step: single crochet in the back loop only

1. Locate the next stitch and find its two top loops.
2. Insert the hook under the back loop only, from front to back, passing under that one strand.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
4. Yarn over and pull through both loops to finish the single crochet.
5. Repeat in the next stitch. The front loops stay unworked, forming a ridge on the side facing you.

Tip: Make the stitch at the edge of each row in both loops. It makes the edge sturdier and easier to sew or add a border to.

BLO in rows: crochet ribbing

When you work single crochet in BLO back and forth in rows, the unworked loops alternate sides, giving you deep, stretchy ridges that run along the rows. Turn the strip sideways so the ridges run vertically and you have ribbing for cuffs, hat brims and sweater hems.

To make a ribbed band:

1. Chain the height of the band you want (for example, 2 in / 5 cm worth of chains) plus 1 for the turning chain.
2. Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. Turn.
3. Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), sc BLO in each st across. Turn.
4. Repeat Row 2 until the band is long enough to go around the cuff or brim.

BLO in rounds: ridges and corners

In rounds you don’t turn, so the unworked front loops all line up on the outside. That creates a clean horizontal line. Patterns use one round of BLO to:

• Turn the flat base of a basket or amigurumi foot into upright walls.
• Mark where a new section starts, for example where a head meets a hat.
• Leave free front loops to crochet into later (for frills or a contrasting edge).

Front loop only (FLO)

The opposite is front loop only (FLO): insert under the loop nearest to you. In rounds, FLO leaves the back loops free on the inside or wrong side. In rows, FLO also makes ridges, though with a slightly different look. A pattern will always say which one it wants.

What about the “third loop”?

On half double crochet there is a third horizontal strand just below the top V, on the back of the stitch. Working into that “third loop” or “back bar” makes a knit-like rib. It’s a different technique from BLO, though patterns sometimes confuse the two. If a pattern says “BLO” for hdc, check its notes or photos to see which loop the designer means.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the loops after turning. Back is always the loop farthest from you right now.
• Edges that slant or shrink. BLO fabric can look narrower and is stretchier than fabric worked through both loops. Count stitches at the end of each row so you know any change isn’t a lost stitch.
• Holes or loose fabric. Working through one loop makes looser stitches. If your BLO looks sloppy, try a hook one size smaller.
• Working BLO by accident. If your plain fabric suddenly has unexpected ridges, you may be catching only one loop. Look carefully for both strands of the V.

FAQ

Is back loop only crochet the same as a rib stitch?

Single crochet BLO worked in rows produces a rib-like fabric. Other ribbing methods use front and back post stitches or the hdc third loop, which look different.

Does BLO make crochet stretchier?

Yes. Each stitch connects through one loop instead of two, so the rows can move apart, especially perpendicular to the ridges.

Should the first stitch of a row be BLO?

Many crocheters work the first and last stitch through both loops for tidier edges. Unless a pattern says otherwise, either choice is fine as long as you are consistent.

Can I do BLO with double crochet?

Yes. Any stitch can be worked BLO; the ridge is just spaced farther apart because the rows are taller.