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!
What is the Back Loop Half Double Crochet
The back loop half 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 half double crochet first. Then after learning the back loop stitch, they will often learn the front loop half double crochet stitch.
The back loop half double crochet is a variation of the normal half 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 Half Double Crochet Stitch:
- 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
Materials Needed
To crochet the back loop hdc stitches 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 Half Double Crochet 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.
BLhdc 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.
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 Half Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
In this photo tutorial (shown right handed) you will see how to crochet a back loop half double crochet stitch.
Grab a crochet hook in your right hand, make a slip knot and crochet foundation chain(s).
If you start crocheting directly into the foundation chains, work the first stitch into the 3rd chain from hook.
Back Loop Half Double Crochet Photo Step By Step Tutorial
The step by step instructions below will show how to crochet one hdc through the back loop only and can be repeated to crochet more stitches.
1. Yarn over from back to front to start the BLhdc
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.
2. Identify the front and back loop
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 through the back loop only, you will insert the crochet hook through only one loop, not the whole stitch.
3. Insert crochet hook through the back loop only
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.
4. Pull up a loop
Pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
5. Yarn Over
Yarn over from back to front, ready for the final step of the BLhdc.
6. Pull hook through all 3 loops – BLhdc is finished
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 Video Tutorial
How to 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.
How to 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.
Back Loop Half Double Crochet FAQ
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.
Back Loop Crochet Stitches – Step-By-Step Tutorials
- Back Loop Single Crochet (BLsc / BLO sc)
- Back Loop Half Double Crochet (this tutorial)
- Back Loop Double Crochet (BLdc / BLO dc)
- Back Loop Treble Crochet (BLtr / BLO tr)
