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How to Make the Back Post Double Crochet or BPdc Stitch Left-Handed
In your crochet journey, post stitches are bound to appear in your projects, so it’s time for a Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) left-handed stitch tutorial! The BPdc is used in a variety of projects and stitch patterns, like a basketweave or to add textured ridges.
But before we get to the steps, you need to understand what a Back Post Double Crochet stitch is. Let’s run through that really quick.
Looking for a right-handed tutorial instead? Visit this page.
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What is a Back Post Double Crochet Stitch?
The Back Post Double Crochet stitch is a texture creating stitch that can be used by crocheters of all skill levels. Once you master the basic double crochet stitch, the BPdc is one of the next stitches you should feel confident in mastering.
In UK terms, this stitch is would be called the Back Post Single Crochet (BPsc) stitch.
In order to make the BPdc, you must understand where to insert your hook. There are photos below that will show you in better detail, but here are the written instructions to review first:
Yarn over and insert your hook from the back of your work. When you insert your hook, instead of inserting under the top loops, you will insert it around the post of the stitch you are stitching into. After that, you pull up a loop and continue with the rest of the regular double crochet steps.
How to Get Started with the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (for Lefties)
To begin, grab your yarn and coordinating hook. If you have a specific pattern, follow those recommendations. In this tutorial, I used my H-8 (5mm) hook and some Caron Simply Soft yarn.
If you need help with your double crochet stitches first, check out the left-handed and right-handed tutorials.
Tips for Successfully Making the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Left-Handed
As you learn the BPdc stitch, I have a few tips for you to consider. First, because you are going around the post of a stitch, be sure you identify the post correctly. Single crochet stitches are a little tricky to see because the post is so short, but the rest of the stitches are pretty identifiable.
Next, I recommend keeping an eye on your tension. If you are a tight crocheter, try to loosen up your grip on the yarn as you are pulling up the loop after inserting your hook. It will help ensure your stitch height remains consistent and gives you some wiggle room if you need to massage the yarn into place.
Photo Tutorial: Steps for Making the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Left-Handed
Make the Foundation for a Back Post Double Crochet Stitch
The Back Post Double Crochet stitch can be made around any stitch that has a post. That includes all of the basic crochet stitches, other post stitches. So, you won’t find this stitch used to go around stitches like puffs or popcorns. If you’re making a practice swatch, I recommend something simple like double crochet stitches. Ready to make your first BPdc?
Step 1: Locate the designated stitch to work into
Once you are to the point where you’re ready to make your first BPdc, you need to know where you’re going to insert your hook. In this example, I’m going to show you how it’s going to look going into both a single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitch so that you can see the difference.
Step 2: Yarn over and insert your hook from the back, around the post of the designated stitch, then insert it on the other side of the stitch
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over
Here’s where you will continue to make finish your stitch just as a regular double crochet stitch.
Step 4: Pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops on your hook to complete the stitch
And there’s your completed stitch!
Finished look of the stitch after you turn your work
You have to turn your work in order to see that the raised look of the stitch.
Common Questions About the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch
What Kinds of Projects Can Use Back Post Double Crochet BPdc Stitches?
BPdc stitches can be used in a variety of projects, especially things with a lot of texture. Here are some examples
- Rustic Christmas Tree Skirt
- Cozy Ridges Blanket Strip in the Harmony Throw CAL
- Bobble Bouquet Blanket Strip in the Blossoming Blanket CAL
What is the Difference Between Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet Stitches?
There is only one step in the process that is different between front post (FPdc) and back post double crochet stitches. It’s all in where you insert your hook! In step one, for the BPdc you insert your hook from the back. For a FPdc stitch, insert your hook around the post from the front of your work. The rest of the steps are exactly the same!
What does the BPdc chart symbol look like?
The BPdc symbol is almost identical to the double crochet stitch symbol (a tall T with one slash/wrap line through the middle), but it adds a hook on the bottom that sort of resembles an upside down question mark. The direction of the hook is what will inform you whether it is a Front Post or Back Post stitch.
How to Count the Rows in Back Post Double Crochet?
Counting rows can start to get tricky when stitches are going in different places. I recommend counting rows along one of the edges, since you may see a turning chain or other easily identifiable part of the row. Otherwise, you can count the rows exactly the same as you would regular double crochet rows.
What Are the Variations That Can Be Done With the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch?
BPdc stitches can be used in both increasing and decreasing stitches, where you might make multiple stitches around the same post. You might often find BPdc and FPdc stitches in the same pattern, alternating between the two.
What’s the Difference Between Left-handed vs Right-handed Back Post Double Crochet Stitches?
The only difference between these two stitches is that they are made with the opposite hand, and therefore going in the opposite direction. All of the steps are the exact same just starting from the right or the left.
The Last Thing You Need to Know About the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch
Just remember that it’s all about hook placement for the BPdc stitch. Make sure you insert your hook from the back and around the post of the designated stitch rather than under the top loops. And don’t forget to keep your tension relaxed. You can do it! And be sure to let me know whether this tutorial was helpful.
Want more practice with the Back Post Double Crochet stitch? Check out these fun crochet projects
- Rustic Christmas Tree Skirt
- Cozy Ridges Blanket Strip in the Harmony Throw CAL
- Bobble Bouquet Blanket Strip in the Blossoming Blanket CAL
I’d love to see what you make with the Back Post Double Crochet stitch! Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram and show me your work. To learn more crochet stitches, be sure to visit the stitch tutorial library.
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