When you crochet, you'll usually insert your hook under both loops of a stitch. But sometimes a pattern will ask you to crochet through only the front loop or back loop (FLO or BLO). Both loops are on top of your stitch and together they form a "V" shape. The front loop is the loop closest to you, and the back loop is the loop furthest from you. We have the top view of your stitch below only one or two loops. This page shows to you how they look, so that you'll know where you're looking for.
Crochet through both loops
Here's the top view of your stitch. When you look at it from above, you'll see two loops that form a "V" shape—both the front and back loops.
This is how it looks when you insert your hook through both loops of your stitch.
Crochet through front loops only (FLO)
The front loop is the loop closest to you. When you crochet through the front loop only, insert your hook under only the front loop.
This will create a ridge on the other side of your work.
Crochet through back loops only (BLO)
With the right side of your work facing you, insert your hook under only the back loop.
This will create a ridge on the right side of your work. BLO is great for amigurumi because it creates a cleaner, more defined look compared to crocheting through both loops.
How do you tell where to insert your hook into next? Here's a helpful tip: the last stitch you made sits on your hook, so it doesn't count. If you're ever unsure, you can always count the "V"s on top of your piece. Starting from the completed stitch closest to the hook, count to the left. The first "V" is where you'll insert your hook next. If you're still unsure, count your stitches at the end of every row to make sure you have the right number.
Still have questions?
There are many crochet stitches, but the most common ones are: chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and treble crochet (tr). Once you master these basics, you can combine them to create hundreds of stitch patterns!
Double crochet and treble crochet work up the fastest because they're taller stitches, meaning you cover more ground with each stitch. However, they also use more yarn and create a more open, drapey fabric compared to single crochet.
FLO (front loop only) and BLO (back loop only) are used to create texture and ribbing effects. BLO is commonly used for stretchy ribbing on hat brims and cuffs. FLO creates a similar effect on the opposite side. Patterns will always specify when to use these techniques.
This is very common for beginners! Make sure you're working in good lighting and try using stitch markers to mark the first and last stitch of each row. Also, gently stretch your work to make the stitches more visible. With practice, identifying stitches becomes second nature.
The right side (RS) is the "public" side of your work—the side that will show when your project is finished. The wrong side (WS) is the back. In some stitches, both sides look the same, but techniques like FLO and BLO create different textures on each side.
