How To Make A Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPDC)

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This blog post will show you how to make a back post double crochet stitch (bpdc).

The back post double crochet stitch is a crochet technique used to create a textured fabric. 

This creates a ribbed effect that can be used for a variety of projects, such as blankets, scarves, and even sweaters. 

Follow these simple steps, and with a little practice, you can master this stitch and add it to your crochet repertoire. 

This blog post provides step-by-step instructions on how to make a back post double crochet stitch (bpdc).

What Does Back Post Mean In Crochet?  

In crochet, the term “back post” refers to a technique used to work stitches around the post or stem of a stitch from a previous row rather than into the top loops of the stitch. 

When you work a back post stitch, you insert your crochet hook from back to front around the post of the stitch (the vertical part of the stitch) instead of into the top loops as you normally would for a regular stitch.

This technique allows you to create textured or raised stitches on the surface of your crochet fabric.

For example, a common back post stitch is the “back post double crochet” (bpdc). 

To work a bpdc, you yarn over, then insert your hook from back to front and then from front to back around the post of the designated stitch. 

Yarn over (yo) again and pull up a loop, then complete the double crochet as normal by yarning over and pulling through two loops twice. 

This method results in the stitch appearing on the back side of the fabric, creating a raised ridge or ribbed effect on the front side. 

Back post stitches are often used in combination with front post stitches to create textured patterns, cables, or relief designs in crochet projects.

Time needed: 15 minutes

How To Make A Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (BPDC)

  1. Step 1 – Insert the hook

    To work a bpdc, you yarn over, then insert your hook from back to front and then from front to back around the post of the designated stitch. 
    (The photo below shows you the front view/right side of the work with front post double crochets)back post double crochet step 1

  2. Step 2 – Yarn over again

    Yarn over (yo) again and pull up a loop, stretching it to be as tall as the stitch next to it.
    (The photo below shows you the back view/wrong side of the work)back post double crochet step 2

  3. Step 3 – Complete the stitch

    Complete the double crochet as normal by yarning over and pulling through two loops twice. 
    (The photo below shows you the back view/wrong side of the work)
    back post double crochet step 3

Video Tutorial

Watch this video tutorial to learn How to crochet a back post double crochet stitch.

What Is The Difference Between Back Post And Front Post Crochet?  

The only difference between front post and back post crochet stitches lies in how you work around the post of a stitch from the previous row. 

In both techniques, you’re not inserting your hook into the top loops of the stitch as usual but instead around the post itself.

The choice between front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet stitches (bpdc) allows you to manipulate the texture and appearance of your crochet fabric. 

Front post stitches are often used to create cables or textured patterns that stand out on the front side of the fabric, while back post stitches can be used to create ribbing or relief designs that are prominent on the backside. 

Both techniques offer versatility in crochet and can be combined in various ways to achieve different visual effects in your projects.

Is The Back Post Double Crochet A Reversible Stitch?

The back post double crochet (bpdc) is not inherently a reversible stitch because it creates a distinct texture and appearance on the front and back sides of the fabric. 

When you work a bpdc, the front of the work (often considered the right side of the fabric) shows raised ridges or ribs where the bpdc stitches are worked around the posts of the stitches from the previous row. 

These ridges give the fabric a textured and three-dimensional look.

On the back of the work (wrong side), the bpdc stitches typically create indentations or troughs where the posts of the stitches are pulled to the back of the fabric. 

This difference in texture between the front and back of the fabric means that the bpdc is not reversible in the sense that both sides look identical.

What Is The Best Yarn Weight For A Back Post Double Crochet Stitch? 

The best yarn weight for a back post double crochet (bpdc) stitch depends on the desired outcome of your project and the level of detail you want to achieve. 

Generally, using a medium-weight, like worsted weight yarn or slightly lighter yarn such as DK (double knit) weight can work well with bpdc stitches. 

These yarn weights provide enough substance and structure to highlight the texture created by the bpdc without making the fabric too bulky or stiff.

For more intricate or detailed projects where you want the bpdc stitches to stand out prominently, using a lighter weight yarn such as sport weight or even lace weight can be suitable. 

Thinner yarns allow for more definition in the raised texture of the bpdc stitches, resulting in a delicate and refined appearance. 

Conversely, using heavier yarn weights like bulky or super bulky (categories 5 and 6) may diminish the definition of the bpdc stitches, making them less pronounced in the fabric.

Ultimately, the choice of yarn weight for bpdc stitches depends on the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your crochet project. 

Experimenting with different yarn weights and the appropriate hook size will help you determine the best combination to showcase the texture and beauty of the bpdc stitch according to your creative vision.

What Can You Make With The Back Post Double Crochet Stitch? 

The back post double crochet (bpdc) is a versatile stitch and opens up a range of possibilities for creating a visually striking crochet project with a unique texture. 

With bpdc, you can craft items such as textured blankets or afghans that feature raised ribs and a cozy feel, making them perfect for adding warmth and style to any space. 

Garments like sweaters, cardigans, or scarves can be embellished with bpdc to create intricate cable patterns or ribbed textures, adding depth and interest to your wardrobe. 

Accessories like hats, cowls, and fingerless gloves also benefit from the bpdc stitch, offering a unique tactile quality and a snug fit. 

Additionally, incorporating bpdc into decorative items such as pillow covers, baskets, or coasters can elevate their appearance with beautiful texture, making them standout pieces in your home decor. 

The bpdc stitch’s versatility allows you to experiment with different projects, showcase its textured effects, and enhance the overall look and feel of your crochet creations.

More Crochet Tutorials

Check out the free patterns below to find a useful tutorial for a new stitch.

Crochet Lessons

If you are a new maker and need help with the crochet basics or you need a refresher, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.

There, you will find tutorial posts with a photo tutorial or a YouTube video tutorial for all the crochet techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to make a slip knot, how to create foundation chain stitches (ch), and how to crochet the basic stitches, such as single crochet stitches (sc), half double crochet stitches (hdc), double crochet stitches (dc).

It also includes how to make a single crochet decrease and all the crochet abbreviations (in UK and US terms) a maker needs to know.  

And if you need more free video instructions, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube 

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the back post double crochet stitch, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme to be featured.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Etsy, and Ravelry.

Happy Crocheting! 

Free Crochet Patterns

Check out the patterns below to make beautiful crochet projects with various types of stitches.

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