Are you interested in learning how to easily crochet the beautiful Back Loop Half Double Crochet (BLhdc) stitch?
This versatile stitch can be used for crochet sweaters, blankets and other crochet patterns.
Whether you’re a crochet beginner or an experienced crocheter, this crochet tutorial will provide you with all the necessary information, including abbreviations, step by step photos and video tutorial, and materials needed to get started.
Let’s take a closer look at how to back loop half double crochet!
Find more: Easy Crochet Stitches.
Table of Contents
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The steps of Back Loop Half Double Crochet
A quick written description:
- Yarn over
- Insert crochet hook into back loop only
- Pull up a loop
- Yarn over
- Pull through the 3 loops on the crochet hook
- Repeat steps 1-5 to crochet another back loop half double crochet
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About the Back Loop Half Double Crochet
Learn how to crochet the back loop half double crochet stitch. The back loop half double crochet is one of the crochet in the back loop only stitches.
Are you interested in learning how to easily crochet the beautiful Back Loop Half Double Crochet (BLhdc) stitch?
Project level: Easy
Materials
Crochet Hook
Use any crochet hook size that works with your yarn.
Yarn
Use any yarn you like for this stitch.
If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested to get the correct gauge.
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:
Abbreviations
The back loop half double crochet is abbreviated BLhdc, hdc-blo or BLO hdc in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Instructions for the Back Loop Half Double Crochet
Step-by-step Photo Instructions
The first step of the half double crochet through the back loop only is to yarn over from back to front like you would a regular half double crochet.
The next step is shown to help you identify the front and back loop of a crochet stitch. When you insert the crochet hook through a regular stitch like shown on this photo you insert the crochet hook through both the front and back loop.
The loop nearest you is the front loop, while the loop the furthest away from you is the back loop.
To crochet the BLhdc you will insert hook through the back loop only. This is actually the only difference between a regular hdc and the BLhdc.
Pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
Yarn over from back to front, ready for the final step of the BLhdc.
The final step of the BLhdc is to pull the crochet hook through all 3 loops on the crochet hook.
The first stitch is now finished.
Repeat step 1-6 to crochet the second stitch or next stitch of even more back loop half double stitches.
Back Loop Half Double Crochet Crochet Chart Symbol
The back loop half double crochet chart symbol is related to the half double crochet (hdc) stitch chart symbol.
It is a “T” like the regular half double crochet stitch, but 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 BLhdc crochet stitch chart symbol.
Turning Chains for Back Loop Half Double Crochet
For the back loop half double crochet you will need the same amount of turning chains as the regular half double crochet. You will need 2 turning chains, counting as the first hdc.
Back Loop Half Double Crochet in Rows
To crochet back loop half double crochet stitches in rows, follow these steps:
- Start the row with 2 turning chains.
- Work back loop half double crochet in each stitch from previous row.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a row of back loop half double crochet stitches. Turn your work.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to crochet more rows.
Back Loop Half Double Crochet in Rounds
To crochet back loop half double crochet stitches in rounds, follow these steps:
- Start the round with 2 turning chains.
- Work back loop half double crochet in each stitch from previous round.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a round of back loop half 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many turning chains for the back loop half double crochet?
For the back loop half double crochet you will need the same amount of turning chains as the regular half double crochet. You will need 2 turning chains, counting as the first hdc.
How is the back loop half double crochet different from the half double basic crochet stitch?
The difference between the basic crochet stitches and the back loop crochet stitches are the fact that you crochet into the back loop only, instead of into the whole stitch, like for the BLhdc.
How do you crochet the half double crochet into the back loop only in rows?
To crochet the BL through the back loops only you crochet it as with regular hdc-stitches.
Start the row with 2 chains as turning chains and crochet half double crochet stitches into the back loop of the stitches from the previous row. Continue until you reach the last stitch at the end of the row.
Turn and crochet turning chains and repeat the steps to crochet another row.
Will the back loop half double crochet create a ribbing fabric?
Yes, by crocheting consecutive rows of the BLhdc you will create a ribbing fabric.
Is there a right side or wrong side of the BLhdc?
No, crocheting rows of the BLhdc will create a reversible fabric with no right or wrong side.
What is the back loop half double crochet called in UK terms?
The back loop half double crochet (US terms) is called the back loop half-treble crochet in UK terms. Abbreviated bl htr.
Is the back loop half double crochet the same as the 3rd loop half double crochet?
No, the third loop half double crochet is not the same as the back loop hdc. The third loop is a loop created by the yarn over of the half double crochet.
If crocheting in rows, the third loop will be in front of the front loop, while if you are crocheting in rounds, the third loop will be behind the back loop.
