Back Loop Only (BLO) for Crochet

Are you trying to find the "back loop only", or BLO, of your crochet stitches? Let me show you! We'll take a detailed look at the anatomy of the stitches. I want to start out by telling you that this technique is the same for all of the basic crochet stitches. This includes: chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and so on. The portion of the stitch that we are working into will always be in the same position.

To find the back loop of your stitch, look closely at the "v" along the top loops of the row (or round). The back loop is the part of the "v" that is farthest from you. It's at the back of the stitch, relative to you. To work into the BLO, begin your stitch as usual. Then, insert your hook under the portion of the "v" that is farthest from you. Push the hook out through the back of the "v". Complete your stitch as usual.

We use this technique to create variations in the fabric of the project that we are making. What happens when you work into one half of the "v" is that the unworked portion of the stitch creates a ridge in the fabric. That ridge creates dimensions in the fabric. That can be really helpful if you're working on a basket or similar 3D project. Finally, if we work each row into one half of the "v" it creates an interesting pattern in the fabric.

Back Loop Only (BLO)

Yield: A stitch worked into the BLO

Active Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

This tutorial details how to work stitches into the back loop only. Please note: The technique is the same for all of the basic crochet stitches.

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Materials

• Any yarn

Tools

• Corresponding crochet hook
• Scissors

Instructions

Step 1:

Begin your stitch as usual. This is a swatch of double crochet so I'm going to begin by yarning over.

Step 2:

Insert your hook under the portion of the "v" that is farthest from you. Push the hook out through the back of the "v".

Step 3:

Complete your stitch as usual.