As a crocheter, I’m sure you’ve heard of front loop single crochet (FLsc). This versatile stitch can be used to create textured effects or give your fabric a different look than regular crochet.
Learning how to single crochet through the front loop only (FLsc) will open up a world of new possibilities for your projects. From creating the perfect texture for crochet accessories like hats and scarves to adding an extra dimension to garments and crochet for the home, there are so many things that FLsc can help you achieve.
In this blog post, I’ll cover all the topics related to learning how to do this stitch including materials needed, abbreviations used in patterns, chart symbols and step by step instructions with photos and even a video tutorial!
What is the Front Loop Single Crochet
The front loop single crochet is one of the crochet in the front loop only stitches.
Crocheters often learn either the regular single crochet and then the back loop single crochet before learning this front loop stitch.
The front loop single crochet is a variation of the normal single 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 Single Crochet Stitch:
- Insert crochet hook into front loop only
- Pull up a loop
- Yarn over
- Pull through the 2 loops on the crochet hook
- Repeat steps 1-4 to crochet another front loop single crochet
Materials Needed
To crochet the front loop single crochet you can use any mm crochet hook size and yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn weights suggested.
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Front Loop Single Crochet Abbreviations
The front loop single crochet is abbreviated FLsc or FLO sc in crochet patterns.
Learn more about crochet abbreviations & find a complete list on our Crochet Abbreviations & Terms post.
Front Loop Single Crochet Chart Symbol
The front loop single crochet chart symbol is related to the single crochet (sc) stitch chart symbol.
It is a “x” or “+” like the regular single crochet stitch, but also has a half circle below it 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 FLsc 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 Single Crochet Stitch Tutorial
In this photo tutorial (shown right handed) you will see how to crochet a front loop single 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 chain stitch, work the first stitch into the 2nd ch from hook.
Front Loop Single Crochet Photo Step By Step Tutorial
1. Identify the front & the back loop
In this picture you can see the crochet hook inserted into a whole stitch as for regular single crochet stitches. With a regular stitch you have 2 loops, the front loop and the back loop.
The loop closest to you is the front loop, while the loop furthest away from you is the back loop.
For the single crochet FLO you will insert the crochet hook into the front loop only.
2. Insert hook in front loop
Insert crochet hook in the front loop from front to back.
3. Pull up a loop
Pull up a loop. You have 2 loops on your crochet hook.
4. Yarn over
Yarn over from back to front.
5. Pull through both loops on the crochet hook
Pull through both loops on the crochet hook.
The single crochet through the front loop only is now finished. Repeat step 2-5 to crochet more FLsc stitches.
Front Loop Single Crochet Video Tutorial
FLsc FAQ
How do you crochet a front loop single?
To crochet a front loop single crochet, insert the crochet hook into the front loop and pull up a loop, yarn over and go through the 2 loops on the crochet hook.
What does it mean to crochet in front loops only for the single crochet?
The only difference between this stitch and the regular single crochet is the fact that you insert the crochet hook into the front loop only.
How to Front Loop Single Crochet In Rows
To crochet front loop single crochet stitches in rows, follow these steps:
- Start the row with 1 turning chain.
- Work front loop single crochet in each stitch from previous row.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a row of front loop single crochet stitches. Turn your work.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to crochet more rows.
How to Front Loop Single Crochet In Rounds
To crochet front loop single crochet stitches in rounds, follow these steps:
- Start the round with 1 turning chain.
- Work front loop single crochet in each stitch from previous round.
- After working into final stitch, you have finished a round of front loop single crochet stitches. Do not turn your work, but slip stitch into chain from beginning of round.
- Repeat steps 1-3 to crochet more rounds.
Front Loop Crochet Stitches – Step-By-Step Tutorials
- Front Loop Single Crochet (this tutorial)
- Front Loop Half Double Crochet
- Front Loop Double Crochet
- Front Loop Treble Crochet
