How to Crochet in a Front or Back Loop (abbreviated front lp or back lp)

When you make a stitch, you create a V shape on the top of the stitch. That V has a front loop (the loop/leg closest to you) and a back loop (the loop/leg farthest from you). Working in the front or back loop only of a crochet stitch will leave a horizontal bar exposed on the fabric. It also makes the fabric more elastic than the traditional method of working under both loops. You can crochet in the front or back loop only of any crochet stitch. The videos will show working into single crochet stitches, and the illustrations on this page will show working into double crochet stitches.

Traditional Hook Placement

When working a traditional crochet stitch into a chain, you insert the hook from the front of the chain, through the center of the V and under the corresponding bar on the back of the same stitch.

When working a traditional crochet stitch into a previous stitch, you insert the hook from front to back under the V at the top of the stitch so that the V lays across the top of the hook. You can see that it is below the front and back loops.

Working in the Back Loop (abbreviated back lp)

To crochet in the back loop of a chain, insert your crochet hook underneath the back loop, or leg of the V farthest from you, only and make the stitch as indicated in your pattern. You will not be working under the bar of the chain as well; only in the back leg of the chain.

To crochet in the back loop of a stitch, insert your crochet hook underneath the back loop, or leg of the V farthest from you, only and make the stitch as indicated in your pattern.

Working in the Front Loop (abbreviated front lp)

To crochet in the front loop of a chain, insert your hook underneath the front loop, or leg of the V closest to you, only and make the stitch as indicated in your pattern.

To crochet in the front loop of a stitch, insert your hook underneath the front loop, or leg of the V closest to you, only and make the stitch as indicated in your pattern.