Do you want to learn how to front loop double crochet (FLdc)? If so, this tutorial is just right for you!
This post will cover the basics of front loop double crochet stitches, materials needed, abbreviations and charts symbol, tutorials with photos and video, as well as answering frequently asked questions about this technique. In addition, I’ll provide related posts that you might find useful in mastering this stitch.
Everyone from crochet beginners to experienced crocheters can benefit from learning this versatile crochet stitch which can be used for crochet projects like garments and accessories. It is also great for creating different textures on crochet fabrics. So let’s get started!
Find more: Easy Crochet Stitches.
Table of Contents
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The steps of Front Loop Double Crochet
A quick written description:
- Yarn over
- Insert crochet hook into front 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 front loop double crochet
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About the Front Loop Double Crochet
Learn how to crochet the Front Loop Double Crochet stitch. Everyone from crochet beginners to experienced crocheters can benefit from learning this versatile crochet stitch.
Do you want to learn how to front loop double crochet (FLdc)? If so, this tutorial is just right for you!
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 front loop double crochet is abbreviated FLdc or FLO dc in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Instructions for the Front Loop Double Crochet
Step-by-step Photo Instructions
To start the front loop double crochet you have to yarn over from back to front.
The next step is to find the front 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.
The next step of the front loop dc is to insert the crochet hook into the front loop only.
The place you insert the crochet hook is the only difference between the FLdc and the regular double crochet.
After inserting the crochet hook into the front loop, pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the crochet hook.
Yarn over from back to front.
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.
Repeating the 2 previous steps to finish the double crochet. Yarn over from back to front, ready for the final step of the FLdc.
The final step of the front loop double crochet is to pull the yarn through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.
The FLdc is now finished.
Repeat steps 1-8 to crochet the next stitch and each time you want to crochet even more stitches.
Front Loop Double Crochet Crochet Chart Symbol
The front 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 upwards representing that it’s worked into the front loop only.
It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.
Photo showing the FLdc crochet stitch chart symbol.
Front Loop Double Crochet in Rows
To crochet front loop double crochet stitches in rows, follow these steps:
- Start the row with 3 turning chains.
- Work front loop double crochet in each stitch from previous row.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a row of front loop double crochet stitches. Turn your work.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to crochet more rows.
Front Loop Double Crochet in Rounds
To crochet front loop double crochet stitches in rounds, follow these steps:
- Start the round with 3 turning chains.
- Work front loop double crochet in each stitch from previous round.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a round of front 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to crochet the front loop double crochet in rows?
To crochet the front loop double crochet in rows, start with foundation chains and crochet the first stitch into the 4th chain from hook.
Work front loop double crochet in all stitches until end of the row. Turn your work. To start the second row, chain 3 turning chains, then crochet double crochet stitches in the front loop of each stitch from previous row until the very last st. Then repeat row to crochet the next row of double crochet in the front loop only and following rows.
Is there a right side and wrong side of the front loop double crochet stitch?
No, the double crochet stitch through the front loop only creates a reversible fabric that looks the same on both sides when crocheted in rows.
What creates the ridges on the front loop only double crochet?
When you crochet double crochet stitches in the front loop only you will leave the back loops as unworked loops. These create the ridges in the crochet fabric.
