How to Crochet Post Stitches (Front & Back Post)

Crochet post stitches create raised textures by working around the post of the stitch instead of through the top loops. Front and back post stitches are commonly used for crochet ribbing, basketweave patterns, textured blankets, cuffs, and cables. This tutorial explains the difference between front and back post stitches and shows how to crochet the most common post-stitch variations step by step.

What is a Crochet Post Stitch?

A crochet post is the vertical part of a stitch that runs up and down between the loops on the previous row. Depending on where you put your hook to make the stitch, a crochet post can be either front or back. The crochet post stitch is a regular crochet stitch in which you insert the hook into either the back or front of the post from the previous row.

Want to learn more stitches? Get the full guide to crochet stitch types and patterns.

Crochet post stitches may feel awkward at first because the hook is inserted around the stitch post instead of into the top loops. After a few rows, the movement becomes much easier and the texture becomes more visible.

Front Post vs Back Post Crochet

The main difference between the two crochet post stitches is the direction in which the hook is put around the post of the stitch from the previous row.

Front Post Crochet	Back Post Crochet
Raised ridge on front	Raised ridge on back
Creates texture	Creates ribbing
Decorative	Structural
Often used in cables	Often used in cuffs

How to Crochet Front Post Double Crochet

A front post stitch, on the other hand, is made by putting the hook from the front of the work to the back, around the post of the stitch from the previous row, and then finishing the stitch. This creates a ridge that sticks up on the front of the work and a valley that goes down on the back.

Here is a rundown of how to crochet a post stitch in double crochet:

1. Yarn over the hook.
2. Insert the hook from front to back around the post.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
4. Complete the double crochet stitch normally.

When you make a front post crochet stitch, you move your hook from the front to the back of the work and then around the post of the stitch from the row before. This makes the front of the work have a raised ridge.

How to Crochet a Back Post Double Crochet

A back post crochet stitch is made by inserting the hook from the back of the work to the front, around the post of the previous row, and then finishing the stitch. This gives the back of the work a ridge that sticks up and the front a valley that goes down. Back post stitches often give crochet projects like cables, ribbing, and basket-weave patterns texture and definition.

When you do a back post crochet stitch, you move your hook from the back of the work to the front and then around the post of the stitch from the row before. This leaves a raised ridge on the back of the work.

Post Stitch Abbreviations

Post stitches use all the conventional crochet abbreviations, but usually with ‘fp’ or ‘bp’ in front of them. So dc (double crochet) becomes fpdc, for example. All instructions in this article use US terms.

• fpsc = front post single crochet
• fphdc = front post half double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• fptc = front post treble crochet
• bpsc = back post single crochet
• bphdc = back post half double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• bptc = back post treble crochet

Why Use Crochet Post Stitches?

You might want to use post stitches in your crochet projects for the following reasons:

• Texture: Crochet post stitches give your fabric a raised texture.
• Structure: Post stitches are stronger and more stable.
• Height: Post stitches can be used to make tall stitches.
• Decorative effect: They can make your crochet fancier.

Best Crochet Projects for Post Stitches

Crochet post stitches are commonly used for:

• hat brims
• ribbed cuffs
• blankets
• basketweave crochet
• crochet cables
• textured scarves
• sweater trims

I find post stitches especially useful for hat brims because they create stretchy ribbing without knitting.

Types of Front Post Stitches

Front post crochet stitches are created by working around the post of the stitch from the previous row rather than into the top loops. Here are some types of and a brief description of how to do front post crochet stitches:

• Front Post Single Crochet (FPSC): This stitch is made by inserting the hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, then completing a single crochet.
• Front Post Half Double Crochet (FPHDC): This stitch works similarly to the FPSC, but you complete a half double crochet instead.
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC): This is the most common front post stitch. It is worked by yarning over, inserting the hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarning over again, pulling up a loop, and completing a double crochet.
• Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTC): This stitch is made by yarning over twice, inserting the hook from front to back around the post of the stitch below, yarning over again, pulling up a loop, and completing a treble crochet.

Types of Back Post Stitches

Back post crochet stitches are created by working around the back of the post of the stitch from the previous row rather than into the top loops. Here are some types of and a brief description of how to do back post crochet stitches:

• Back Post Single Crochet (BPSC): Insert the hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, then complete a single crochet.
• Back Post Half Double Crochet (BPHDC): Work this stitch by yarning over, inserting the hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarning over again, pulling up a loop, and completing a half double crochet.
• Back Post Double Crochet (BPDC): Yarn over, insert the hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over again, pull up a loop, and complete a double crochet.
• Back Post Treble Crochet (BPTC): Yarn over twice, insert the hook from back to front around the post of the stitch below, yarn over again, pull up a loop, and complete a treble crochet.

Common Crochet Post Stitch Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes people make when crocheting around posts and how to fix them:

Problem	Tip
Tight stitches	Loosen tension
Uneven ribbing	Keep stitch height even
Twisted stitches	Insert hook correctly
Gaps in fabric	Maintain even spacing
Confusing front/back	Practice slowly first

Crochet Post Stitch FAQs

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Crochet Post Stitches – In Conclusion

Crochet post stitches are a simple way to add texture, ribbing, and dimension to crochet projects. By working around the post of the stitch instead of through the top loops, you can create raised patterns that are perfect for cuffs, hat brims, basketweave crochet, and decorative borders. Front and back post stitches may feel awkward at first, but once you understand where to place the hook, they quickly become much easier. With a little practice, crochet post stitches can add beautiful texture and structure to many crochet patterns.