- CraftCrochet
- US abbreviationBLO
- UK abbreviationBLO
- Most loops on hook2
What is back loop only?
Working into only the back loop at the top of each stitch. Row after row, this makes raised ridges that look and stretch a lot like knitted ribbing. It is great for brims, cuffs, ear warmers and textured dishcloths.
In a pattern you will see it written as BLO in both US and UK patterns.
How to do it, step by step
- Find the V at the top of the stitch.
- The loop farther from you is the back loop.
- Insert under only that loop and work the stitch.
- Rows of BLO make ridges that stretch like ribbing.
The mistake to watch for
The edge stitches are easy to work through both loops by accident. Check the first and last stitch of each row.
If you are left-handed
Hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right. Work rows from left to right, and read any chart diagram as a mirror image.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use back loop only:
Related stitches
Questions
What is the most common mistake with back loop only?
The edge stitches are easy to work through both loops by accident. Check the first and last stitch of each row.
How many loops are on the hook?
At the busiest moment of back loop only there are 2 loops on the hook.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
