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!
What is the Front Loop Double Crochet
The front loop double crochet is one of the crochet in the front loop only stitches.
Crocheters often learn either the regular double crochet and then the back loop stitches before learning this front loop stitch.
The front loop double crochet is a variation of the normal double crochet stitch where you insert the crochet hook into the front loop only, otherwise the steps are the same.
The steps of the Front Loop Double Crochet Stitch:
- 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
Materials Needed
To crochet the front 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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Front Loop Double Crochet 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.
FLdc 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.
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:
Front Loop Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial
In this photo tutorial (shown right handed) you will see how to crochet a front loop 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 4th chain from hook.
Front Loop Double Crochet Photo Step By Step Tutorial
1. Yarn over from back to front
To start the front loop double crochet you have to yarn over from back to front.
2. Identify the front loop
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.
3. Insert the crochet hook into the front loop only
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.
4. Pull up a loop
After inserting the crochet hook into the front 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 FLdc.
8. Pull yarn through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook
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 Video Tutorial
How to 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.
How to 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.
Front Loop Double Crochet FAQ
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.
Front Loop Crochet Stitches – Step-By-Step Tutorials
- Front Loop Single Crochet Stitch
- Front Loop Half Double Crochet Stitch
- Front Loop Double Crochet Stitch (this tutorial)
- Front Loop Treble Crochet Stitch
