Front Post Double Crochet: How to Do It Step by Step
Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) is a intermediate-level crochet stitch that makes raised column on the front; used for ribbing and cables. Stitchers use it for crochet ribbing, cables, basketweave. To start, yarn over and insert the hook around the post of the stitch below from the front. It is usually learned alongside back post double crochet.
Front Post Double Crochet is a intermediate-level crochet stitch that makes raised column on the front; used for ribbing and cables. Patterns abbreviate it as FPdc in US terms and FPtr in UK terms. Makers use it for crochet ribbing, cables, basketweave, waffle stitch.
The table below sums up front post double crochet in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Crochet |
|---|---|
| US abbreviation | FPdc |
| UK abbreviation | FPtr |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Look and feel | Raised column on the front; used for ribbing and cables |
| Best for | Crochet ribbing, Cables, Basketweave, Waffle stitch |
How do you work front post double crochet?
- Yarn over.
- Insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, not into its top.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop around the post. There are 3 loops.
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through the last 2.
Front Post Double Crochet is one of the stitches covered in crochet for beginners. When you are ready to plan a project in it, the crochet chain calculator will size a ribbed brim or cuff.
What are the most common front post double crochet mistakes?
- Inserting back to front, which makes a back post stitch
- Working posts too tight so the fabric puckers
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does front post double crochet lead next? Waffle Stitch is the natural step up: waffle stitch is the everyday use for front post stitches, alternating them with plain ones to build a grid.
Which stitches are related to front post double crochet?
The 3 stitches below are the closest relatives of front post double crochet, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Post Double Crochet | BPdc | Intermediate | Recessed column on the front; pairs with FPdc for ribbing |
| Waffle Stitch | n/a | Intermediate | Deep grid of raised squares; thick, warm, uses a lot of yarn |
| Double Crochet | dc | Beginner | Tall, open, drapey; works up quickly |
What other intermediate crochet stitches should you learn?
- Treble Crochet: lace, shawls
- Magic Ring: amigurumi, hats worked top down
- Granny Square Cluster: granny squares, blankets
- Shell Stitch: blanket borders, shawls
- Puff Stitch: blankets, baby items
- Bobble Stitch: textured blankets, picture designs
- Popcorn Stitch: textured blankets, borders
- Back Post Double Crochet: ribbed cuffs and brims, cables
- Waffle Stitch: blankets, dishcloths
- Corner to Corner (C2C): graph blankets, pixel art
- Herringbone Half Double Crochet: hats, scarves
Tools for crochet
Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set, 10 sizes
Under $50Soft-grip hooks in the sizes most patterns use, gentle on the hands for long sessions.
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Clover Quick Locking Stitch Marker Set
Under $25Mark the first stitch of a round or row so counts stay right.
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Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set
Under $250A premium ergonomic hook set with smooth heads that glide through dense stitches.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is front post double crochet?
Front Post Double Crochet is a crochet stitch that makes raised column on the front; used for ribbing and cables. Makers reach for it for crochet ribbing, cables, basketweave, waffle stitch. It is rated intermediate here, so it helps to be comfortable with the basic stitches first and to practice on a swatch before a project.
How do you do front post double crochet step by step?
1. Yarn over. 2. Insert the hook from front to back to front around the post of the stitch below, not into its top. 3. Yarn over and pull up a loop around the post. There are 3 loops. 4. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops, then yarn over and pull through the last 2. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What is the abbreviation for front post double crochet?
US patterns abbreviate front post double crochet as FPdc. UK patterns write it as FPtr, so always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start, because the same abbreviation can mean a different stitch. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.
What projects use front post double crochet?
Front Post Double Crochet suits crochet ribbing, cables, basketweave, waffle stitch. To size a project before you start, the crochet chain calculator will size a ribbed brim or cuff, and crochet for beginners walks through a full project from the beginning.
What are common mistakes with front post double crochet?
The most common problems are: inserting back to front, which makes a back post stitch; working posts too tight so the fabric puckers. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after front post double crochet?
Waffle Stitch is the usual next step, because waffle stitch is the everyday use for front post stitches, alternating them with plain ones to build a grid. It is rated intermediate here, against intermediate for front post double crochet. Its own step-by-step page is at waffle stitch.
What stitches are similar to front post double crochet?
Stitches closely related to front post double crochet include Back Post Double Crochet, Waffle Stitch, Double Crochet. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
