Advanced Techniques Intermediate

Front and Back Post Stitches (fp / bp)

Stitches worked around the 'post' (the body) of the stitch below, rather than into the top V, to create raised textures and ribbing.

Post stitches are used to create incredible texture. They are the secret to crochet cables, basketweave patterns, and stretchy ribbing for sweaters.

Front Post (fp)

Yarn Over: (Assuming a double crochet post stitch).
Insert Hook: Instead of the top V, insert your hook from the front to the back, and then back to the front, going around the vertical post of the stitch.
Complete Stitch: Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish your stitch as normal.

Back Post (bp)

Yarn Over.
Insert Hook: Insert your hook from the back to the front, and then back to the back, going around the post. This pushes the post to the back of the work.
Complete Stitch: Yarn over, pull up a loop, and finish your stitch as normal.

Common Combinations

FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet.
BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet.
Ribbing: Alternating fpdc and bpdc across a row creates a stretchy, elastic fabric.

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