Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) and Back Post: Ribbing and Basketweave
Post stitches are worked around the post of the stitch below instead of into its top loops, pushing it forward (FPdc) or back (BPdc). Learn both, then make stretchy ribbing and the basketweave stitch.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) acrylic or wool blend, about 40 yd for both swatches
- Hook
- 5 mm (H-8)
- Time
- About 45 minutes
- Finished size
- Swatches about 5 × 4 in (13 × 10 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) yarn — about 40 yd
- 5 mm (H-8) hook
- Tapestry needle
In this post
A front post double crochet (FPdc) is a double crochet worked around the post (the vertical body) of the stitch below, from the front. Instead of going into the top loops, you insert the hook from front to back to front around the post, so the new stitch pushes forward. A back post double crochet (BPdc) is worked from the back and pushes back. Alternate them and you get ribbing that stretches like a sweater cuff.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
How to work the post stitches
- FPdc: Yarn over. Insert the hook from the front, behind the post of the next stitch, and back out to the front. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops), then (yarn over, pull through 2) twice.
- BPdc: Yarn over. Insert the hook from the back, in front of the post, and out to the back again. Yarn over, pull up a loop, then (yarn over, pull through 2) twice.
- Height: Post stitches are slightly shorter than regular dc. Use a ch-2 turning chain, not ch-3.
Swatch 1: ribbing
- Row 1: Ch 22. Dc in the 4th ch from the hook and across. Turn. (20)
- Row 2: Ch 2 (doesn't count). *FPdc around the next st, BPdc around the next* across. Turn. (20)
- Row 3 onwards: Ch 2. Work FPdc around every stitch that sticks out toward you and BPdc around every stitch that sits back. The ribs stack into columns. (20)
In the round (hats, cuffs), you never turn, so you simply repeat the same sequence — FPdc over FPdc, BPdc over BPdc.
Swatch 2: basketweave
- Row 1: Ch 26. Dc in the 4th ch and across. Turn. (24)
- Rows 2–3: Ch 2, (4 FPdc, 4 BPdc) × 3. Turn — on the return row, work the post stitch that keeps each block raised or sunken on the right side.
- Rows 4–5: Swap the blocks: (4 BPdc, 4 FPdc) × 3.
- Repeat Rows 2–5. The blocks alternate like a woven basket.
Where post stitches are used
| Use | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Hat bands | football hat, beanie |
| Stretchy necks | hot water bottle cover, golf club covers |
| Thick fabric | tea cozy, waffle stitch |
| Cables | Crossed FPtr stitches over FPdc ribbing |
Common questions
What does FPdc mean in crochet?
Front post double crochet: a double crochet worked around the post of the stitch below, inserting the hook from the front. It makes the stitch stand out on the front of the fabric.
How do you make crochet ribbing stretchy?
Alternate front post and back post double crochet, and stack FPdc over FPdc and BPdc over BPdc. Working loosely helps too.
Why does my post stitch fabric get narrower?
Usually you've skipped the first or last stitch. Count your stitches every row and use a ch-2 turning chain that doesn't count as a stitch.
Ribbing or basketweave first? 🧺
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