The Front Post Double Crochet (A Photo Tutorial)

In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I’ll show you how to front post double crochet step by step, with clear instructions and photographs to guide you through the process.

Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be able to use it in all sorts of crochet projects!

How to Front Post Double Crochet – Step-by-Step Instructions

Before getting started, you’ll need some yarn and a crochet hook suitable for your chosen yarn weight. For example: a DK (8ply) yarn and G (4mm) hook or worsted (aran / 10ply) yarn and a H (5mm) hook.

You’ll need to make a small crochet swatch to practise on. I recommend working a foundation chain followed by a row of regular double crochet stitches. This will give you a row of stitch posts to work around.

Notes

• Abbreviation: FPdc – Front Post Double Crochet (US terms)
• In my sample piece below, I’ve worked two rows of regular double crochet stitches to better highlight what the completed FPdc will look like.

Step 1.

Yarn over hook: Begin by wrapping the yarn over your crochet hook, just as you would when making a regular double crochet stitch:

Step 2.

Place the hook at the front of your work, next to the post of the stitch you will be working around:

Step 3.

Insert Your Hook Around the Post: Instead of inserting your hook into the top loops of the next stitch, insert your hook through to the back of your work, then bring it back through to the front on the other side of the stitch post.

The post of the stitch should now be sitting in front of your crochet hook:

Step 4.

Yarn Over:

Step 5.

Pull up a loop through the post of the stitch. You will have 3 loops on your hook:

Step 6.

Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You will have 2 loops left on your hook:

Step 7.

Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops. You have just completed the FPdc:

Step 8: Continue Working Front Post Double Crochet Stitches

To work another front post double crochet, simply repeat steps 1–7 around the post of the next stitch.

As you continue, you’ll begin to see the raised texture created by working around the stitch posts.

That’s it! You’ve completed a front post double crochet stitch. I hope that you’ll no longer be intimidated by any crochet pattern that includes this stitch… it’s really easy to do, as I’m hoping this tutorial has demonstrated 😊

In the image below, I’ve worked a few stitches to give you a better idea of what they look like in a row:

What’s the Difference Between a Front Post and Back Post Double Crochet?

Front post double crochet (FPdc) and back post double crochet (BPdc) stitches are worked in a very similar way, but the direction in which you insert your hook makes all the difference.

With a front post double crochet, you insert your hook from the front of your work, around the back of the stitch post, and back out to the front. This pushes the stitch forward, creating a raised appearance.

With a back post double crochet, you insert your hook from the back of your work, around the front of the stitch post, and back out to the back. This pushes the stitch towards the back of your work. You can see the step-by-step tutorial here.

When these two stitches are combined, they can create a lovely stretchy, ribbed texture that’s perfect for crochet hat brims, sweater cuffs, and blanket borders.

Tips for Working Front Post Double Crochet

If you’re new to front post stitches, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Use a light-coloured yarn. This makes it much easier to see the individual stitch posts while you’re learning.
• Keep your tension relaxed. Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly when working around the post.
• Make sure you’re working around the correct stitch. Your hook should pass around the vertical post, rather than through the top loops.
• Practise on a simple swatch. A row of regular double crochet stitches provides a great foundation for learning this technique.
• Check your stitch count. Working around the posts can make it easier to accidentally skip a stitch, particularly at the beginning or end of a row.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is front post double crochet difficult?

Not at all! If you already know how to work a regular double crochet stitch, you’ll find the front post double crochet fairly straightforward.

The main difference is where you insert your hook. Once you’ve practised working around the stitch post a few times, the technique should start to feel much more natural.

What is FPdc in crochet?

FPdc is the standard abbreviation for front post double crochet in US crochet terminology. You’ll often see this abbreviation in crochet patterns that use textured stitches or ribbing.

Is front post double crochet the same as double crochet?

Both stitches use the same basic yarn-over and pull-through movements. However, a regular double crochet is worked into the top loops of a stitch, while a front post double crochet is worked around the vertical post of the stitch below.

This difference creates the raised texture associated with front post crochet stitches.

Can I use front post double crochet for ribbing?

Yes! Front post double crochet is often combined with back post double crochet to create crochet ribbing.

Alternating these stitches creates raised and recessed columns that resemble knitted ribbing.

Can beginners learn front post double crochet?

Absolutely! I’d recommend learning the basic double crochet stitch first, but once you’re comfortable with that, front post double crochet is a great technique to try next.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found this how to work the front post double crochet photo tutorial helpful!

It’s such a useful stitch to have in your crochet toolkit. And once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be able to add beautiful texture and detail to all sorts of crochet projects.

Whether you’re making a cozy blanket, a textured scarf, or a ribbed hat, the front post double crochet is a wonderful technique to learn.

Happy crocheting!

MORE CROCHET TUTORIALS

• The Back Post Double Crochet Stitch
• Join Granny Squares with the Flat Slip Stitch Seam
• Crochet Diamond Trellis Stitch

USEFUL RESOURCES

• Craft Yarn Council
• Knitting and Crochet Guild (UK)