How to Crochet the Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) – Right-Handed Stitch Tutorial

2024 Countdown to Summer Event – Enjoy this photo tutorial. It’s going to come in handy for an upcoming pattern!

How to Make the Back Post Double Crochet or BPdc Stitch Right-Handed

Have you come across post stitches in your crochet journey yet? It’s time for a Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) right-handed stitch tutorial so you can create some beautiful texture in your projects! The back post double crochet stitch is used by itself, or sometimes in clusters with other stitches to add textured ridges, or an allover texture such as a basketweave.

I’m going to walk you through each of the steps, but first, you need to understand what a Back Post Double Crochet stitch is. Then the directions should make a bit more sense.

Looking for a left-handed tutorial instead? Visit this page.

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What is a Back Post Double Crochet (BPdc) Stitch?

The Back Post Double Crochet a stitch that can be used by crocheters of all skill levels and it creates texture. After you’ve conquered the basic double crochet stitch, the BPdc should be one of the next stitches you attempt to learn.

The key to successful BPdc stitches is understanding where to insert your hook. The photos below will show you in better detail, but let’s review the written instructions 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.

Also note that in UK terminology, this stitch is would be called the Back Post Single Crochet (BPsc) stitch.

How to Get Started with the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch (for Righties)

First, get some yarn and a coordinating crochet hook. If you have a specific pattern you’re using, follow those recommendations, otherwise, anything you have in your stash will work. 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 right-handed tutorial.

Tips for Successfully Making the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Right-Handed

As you learn the BPdc stitch, consider these tips for success.

1. You will be crocheting around the post of a stitch, so be sure you identify the post correctly. The posts in single crochet (sc) stitches are a little tricky to see because they are short, but the rest of the stitches should have easily identifiable posts.
2. Keep an eye on your tension. If you are a tight crocheter, loosen your grip on the yarn as you pull up the loop in step 3. It will help to ensure your stitch height remains consistent.

Time for the photo tutorial!

Photo Tutorial: Steps for Making the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch Right-Handed

Make the Foundation for a Back Post Double Crochet Stitch

The Back Post Double Crochet stitch can be made around any stitch with a post, including all of the beginner basic crochet stitches (sc, hdc, tc, etc.). You probably won’t find the BPdc used on stitches like puff stitch or bobble stitch because there isn’t really a post to crochet around.

When you are practicing the BPdc without a pattern, I recommend starting with a swatch of 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 show you how the BPdc looks going around 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 continue to finish your double crochet stitch as you normally would.

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

Because the BPdc pushes the post to the back side of your project, 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 does the BPdc chart symbol look like?

It looks like the symbol for a double crochet stitch (a tall T with one slash/wrap line through the middle) and a hook on the bottom. The direction of the hook is what will inform you whether it is a Front Post or Back Post stitch.

What is the Difference Between FPdc and BPdc Stitches?

There only difference between front post (FPdc) and back post double crochet stitches is where you insert your hook at the start. Refer to step one of the BPdc where you insert your hook from the back. When making a FPdc stitch, you will insert your hook into the same holes on either side of the post, but from the front side of your work instead. The rest of the steps are exactly the same – finish out your stitch as you would a regular double crochet.

How to Count Rows in Back Post Double Crochet?

With BPdc stitches, you will count the rows exactly the same as regular double crochet rows. Counting rows can get tricky when BPdc stitches are made multiple times in a row. If it’s hard to tell the rows apart, I recommend counting along one of the edges. That may help you see each of the rows more clearly.

What Kinds of Crochet Projects Use Back Post Double Crochet BPdc Stitches?

BPdc stitches can be used in a variety of projects, especially things with a lot of texture. Think blankets, scarves, garments, accessories, hat brims or edging, and more. 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

Are There Variations of the Back Post Double Crochet Stitch?

BPdc stitches can be used in both increasing and decreasing stitches, where you might make multiple BPdc stitches around a single stitch. Some fun textures often involve alternating BPdc and FPdc stitches in the same pattern.

What’s the Difference Between Right-handed vs Left-handed Back Post Double Crochet Stitches?

For BPdc stitches, right-handed and left-handed crocheters are going to make mirror images of one another. There is no difference when following the directions for how to make the BPdc stitch.

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.