This latest building block is the crochet back loop only block. This block builds on any basic crochet stitch and creates a little more texture and definition just by changing where you insert your hook!
Techniques/Skills Used:
- Crocheting in the Back Loop Only
- Crocheting in the Round
- Half Double Crochet
- Double Crochet
- Joining in the Round
Instructions:
With yarn color of choice, ch4; join with slip st to form a ring or use the magic ring. (See our video on how to create a slip stitch or magic ring).
Note #1: Place a crochet stitch marker in the ch1 at the beginning of each round to mark the spot where you’ll be joining the rounds.
Note #2: Work in Back Loops Only throughout.
Rnd 1 (Right side): Ch 1, 12 sc in ring; join with slip st to first ch: 12 sts.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, hdc in first sc, 3 hdc in next sc, (hdc in next 2 sc, 3 hdc in next sc) 3 times, hdc in last sc; join with slip st to first ch: 20 sts.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, hdc in first 2 hdc, 3 hdc in next corner hdc (center hdc of 3-hdc group), (hdc in next 4 hdc, 3 hdc in corner hdc) 3 times, hdc in last two sc; join with slip st to first ch: 28 sts.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, (hdc in each hdc across to next corner hdc, 3 hdc in corner hdc) 4 times, hdc in each hdc across: join with slip st to first ch.
Repeat Rnd 4 until piece measures approximately 7”; do not finish off.
Edging
Rnd 1: Working in both loops, ch 3, [dc in each hdc across to next corner hdc, (2dc, ch 1, 2dc) in corner hdc] 4 times, dc in each hdc across; join with slip st to first dc.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, [hdc in each dc across to next corner ch-2 sp, (hdc, ch 2, hdc) in corner ch-2 sp] 4 times, hdc in each dc across; join with slip st to first hdc, finish off.
Helpful Tips for Crochet Back Loop Only Stitch:
- Use a crochet stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round (Ch 1) to make sure your joins line up straight throughout your block.
- Make sure there are an even number of sts on either side of your Ch 1 join. The number will increase by 1 on each round!
- Make sure to create your corner (3 hdc) on top of the corner from the previous round. The corners should all line up nicely!
- Now that you know how to crochet into the back loop only, the front loop is very easy to identify! If you’re working on a flat piece, alternate between crocheting in the back and front loops only to keep all those ridges on the front (right) side of your piece.
Project Ideas:
Beginner Level:
Intermediate Level:
- Chevy Baby Blanket
(Rows alternate between crocheting in the front and back loops only to keep all the ridges on the right side of the blanket)
Be sure to check out our other crochet building block – Granny Square.
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