Are you looking to add a unique texture to your next crochet project with the back loop double crochet (BLdc)?
This stitch is simple but gives amazing results. It’s a variation on the traditional double crochet stitch that uses only the back loop of each stitch instead of going through both loops like with regular double crochet.
With this technique, you can create ribbing, ridges and different textures in your crocheted fabric that give it an entirely new look! It is great for crocheting edges like cuffs, and to create a folding line for hems.
In this crochet tutorial, I will guide you through how to back loop double crochet step-by-step so that you can confidently give it a go yourself!
What is the Back Loop Double Crochet
The back loop double crochet is one of the crochet in the back loop only stitches. These crochet stitches are a variation of basic stitches.
Crocheters often learn the regular double crochet first. Then after learning the back loop stitch, they will often learn the front loop double crochet stitch.
The back loop double crochet is a variation of the normal double crochet stitch where you insert the crochet hook into the back loop only, otherwise the steps are the same.
The steps of the Back Loop Double Crochet Stitch:
- Yarn over
- Insert crochet hook into back loop only
- Pull up a loop
- Yarn over
- Pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook
- Yarn over
- Pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook
- Repeat steps 1-7 to crochet another back loop double crochet
Materials Needed
To crochet the back loop double crochet you can use any crochet hook size and yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested.
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Back Loop Double Crochet Abbreviations
The back loop double crochet is abbreviated BLdc, sc-blo or BLO dc in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
BLdc Chart Symbol
The back loop double crochet chart symbol is related to the double crochet (dc) stitch chart symbol.
It is a “T” with one line across it representing the yarn over you do, like the regular double crochet stitch. However, it also has a half circle below it pointing downwards representing that it’s worked into the back loop only.
It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.
Photo showing the BLdc crochet stitch chart symbol.
Crochet a blanket!
Use this crochet stitch pattern to crochet a blanket! Learn more about crochet blanket sizes & making one with any size crochet hook & yarn:
Back Loop Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
In this photo tutorial (shown right handed) you will see how to crochet a back loop double crochet stitch.
Grab a crochet hook in your right hand, make a slip knot and crochet foundation chain stitches.
Back Loop Double Crochet Photo Step By Step Tutorial
1. Yarn over from back to front
To start the back loop double crochet you have to yarn over from back to front.
2. Identify the back loop
The next step is to find the back loop. On the photo you see the crochet hook inserted into the whole stitch, like you do on a regular double crochet.
The regular stitch consists of 2 loops, this is the back and front loop.
The loop furthest away from you, closest to the hook part of the crochet hook is the back loop, while the loop closest to you is the front loop.
3. Insert the crochet hook into the back loop only
The next step of the back loop dc is to insert the crochet hook into the back loop only.
The place you insert the crochet hook is the only difference between the BLdc and the regular double crochet.
4. Pull up a loop
After inserting the crochet hook into the back loop, pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the crochet hook.
5. Yarn over
Yarn over from back to front.
6. Pull yarn through the first 2 loops on the crochet hook
The next step is to pull the yarn over loop through the first two loops on the crochet hook.
You have 2 loops left on the crochet hook.
7. Yarn over
Repeating the 2 previous steps to finish the double crochet. Yarn over from back to front, ready for the final step of the BLdc.
8. Pull yarn through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook
The final step of the back loop double crochet is to pull the yarn through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.
The BLdc is now finished.
Repeat steps 1-8 to crochet the next stitch and each time you want to crochet even more stitches.
Back Loop Double Crochet Video Tutorial
How to Back Loop Double Crochet In Rows
To crochet back loop double crochet stitches in rows, follow these steps:
- Start the row with 3 turning chains.
- Work back loop double crochet in each stitch from previous row.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a row of front back double crochet stitches. Turn your work.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to crochet more rows.
How to Back Loop Double Crochet In Rounds
To crochet back loop double crochet stitches in rounds, follow these steps:
- Start the round with 3 turning chains.
- Work back loop double crochet in each stitch from previous round.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a round of back loop double crochet stitches. Do not turn your work, but slip stitch into top chain from beginning of round.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to crochet more rounds.
Back Loop Double Crochet FAQ
What is the main difference between a regular double crochet and a double crochet through the back loop only?
The main difference between a regular double crochet and a back loop only double crochet is that the regular double crochet is worked through the entire stitch, while the back loop double crochet is crocheted into the back loop only.
Does the back loop double crochet create crochet ribbing?
Yes, the back loop double crochet creates crochet ribbing when worked back and forth in rows. You will have a different look than with the back loop single crochet stitch ribbing, with a less tight and looser result.
Try crocheting a swatch to see how the crochet fabric looks before deciding on this for your crochet ribbing.
How many turning chains do you need for the back loop double crochet?
The turning chain for the back loop double crochet is 3 chains, the same as with the regular double crochet (one of the basic stitches).
How do you crochet the back loop double crochet in rows?
To crochet the back loop double crochet in rows start with 3 turning chains to start a new row. Then crochet the BLdc into each stitch until you reach the end of the row, then turn your work. To crochet the next row and more, start with 3 turning chains, then work BLdc into each stitch until the end of each row.
