The front post double crochet stitch is a simple variation of the traditional double crochet stitch. It’s worked in a way to create a pop of texture and depth within projects, and the only difference is where the stitch is placed.
Learn how to make the front post double crochet stitch below…
About the Front Post Double Crochet Stitch:
– This stitch is made by working 1 double crochet around the post of the stitch instead of the traditional spot in the top of the stitch
– This stitch can be made using any number of chain stitches
– It is used to create texture and depth within projects and is often seen in ribbing and cables and is the base of the waffle stitch, alpine stitch and basketweave stitch
– Working the front post double crochet on its own will create a horizontal ridged appearance as it pushes forward the tops of the stitches being worked into. When the front post double crochet is alternated with the back post double crochet, the appearance has more of a vertical ribbing
Tutorial Notes:
– Turning CH 2 does not count as a stitch
– To make the accent and texture really pop, combine with the back post double crochet stitch, alternating between the two
– If you wanted to use this tutorial to make something like a dishcloth or a scarf, you might find it beneficial to block your work at the end. Due to the added bit of tension and tugging when making post stitches as well as the placement of them, sometimes your project can pull in slightly creating uneven edges. A simple blocking method can assist in achieving a neater finish if desired
Materials Needed:
– Worsted weight yarn or bulky weight yarn (acrylic or cotton)
– 5mm hook or 6mm hook (appropriate hook to match your yarn weight)
– Yarn needle and scissors (if choosing to fasten off and weave in ends)
Stitches:
CH – Chain
DC – Single Crochet
FPDC – Front Post Double Crochet
Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC) – Yarn over. Insert your hook from the front of the row between stitch posts. Work your hook behind the post of next stitch and back out the other side of the post (towards you). Yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook. Yarn over, pull through last 2 remaining loops on hook. Front post double crochet is complete.
Let’s try the front post double crochet in a small swatch to make a decorative accent.
Your first row needs to be established before beginning the rows with post stitches, so you have posts to crochet around. It could be a row of single crochet, half double crochet or double crochet. For this tutorial, to keep thing simple, we will work with double crochet stitches.
CH 15 and begin row 1 in the second CH from your hook.
Row 1:
Into the first stitch and each stitch across, place 1 DC. CH 2 and turn.
(14 DC stitches)
Row 2:
Into the first 5 stitches, place 1 DC. Into each of the next 4 stitches, place 1 PFDC. Into the last 5 stitches, place 1 DC. CH 2 and turn.
(10 DC stitches, 4 PFDC stitches = 14 stitches)
Rows 3-7:
Repeat row 2
You can repeat row 2 for as long as you’d like. I have left the swatch below as-is to better show how the tension of post stitches can pull a project in-ward. You can also see how the front and back of the swatch looks:
And there you go! I hope you found this tutorial helpful. To learn more crochet stitches, check out the tutorial section of my blog by clicking the banner below. Happy crocheting!
