This week we will be posting but not to Social Media. We are going to learn all about crochet around posts.
Our crochet along is finished, but you can start anytime and work at your own pace.
If you would like the entire series in one convenient PDF, you may purchase the e-book in my Etsy shop!
This is the sixth part of the twelve-month series. See Part One for all the links to all the prior posts.
Let’s start crocheting!!
Last month, we went “loopy” by creating ridge stitches. When you work in the different loops, ridge stitches are created. As you saw there is quite a big difference between working in back loops and working in front loops.
This month, we are going to learn to crochet a different type of raised stitch – the post stitch. Post stitches are worked around posts, not in loops. Post stitches can be worked around the front or the back of the post and, like the loops, gives a different look to your work depending on whether you work around the front or back post.
The vertical part of the DC stitch is called the “post.” So you’re not going into the top of the stitch when you make a post stitch, you are either inserting your hook from the back of the post to the front, or front to back.
The abbreviation for front post stitches is FP and for back post stitches is BP. This is put in front of the basic stitch. So a Front Post Half Double Crochet would be FPHDC.
FRONT POST
To work a front post stitch, instead of inserting your hook through the loops, you will insert the hook from FRONT to BACK and UNDER the post of the stitch from the previous row.
Then complete the stitch as normal.
The video shows you how to learn to crochet the FPHDC.
BACK POST
As with the FP stitch, you will work around the post NOT the loops. Insert your hook from BACK to FRONT and OVER the post of the previous row.
The video shows you how to learn to crochet the BPDC.
Because crocheting around the post causes a thicker, shorter stitch most often you will see it used with a double crochet.
A simple way to remember how to work a front post double crochet (FPDC) versus a back post double crochet (BPDC)is that a FPDC is always worked by inserting your hook from the front of your work around the back. A BPDC is worked by inserting your hook from the back around to the front of the post.
Turning chain
Because the stitch is shorter than a basic double crochet, the turning chain will be a Chain 2.
ALWAYS, ALWAYS make a basic double crochet in the turning chain at the end of the row. This keeps your work even!!
BLOCK 13 – RIB STITCH
This stitch is normally used whenever you need stretch. For example cuffs, brims of hats, etc. Personally, I find this stitch very dense and thick and would not likely use it for an afghan but our purpose in this series is to learn stitches. So here it is!
One Front Post Double Crochet followed by One Back Post Double Crochet. Easy Peasy!!
MAKING THE BLOCK
When checking your gauge, be sure to make a larger sample as the width of your work will shrink up quite a bit from your first row worked. Gently stretch when checking the gauge but do not pull.
Foundation chain – Chain an even number of chains plus 2 (turning chain). My gauge was 36 stitches plus 2 = 38 chains
ROW 1 – Double Crochet (DC) in 3rd Chain (CH) from the hook. DC across the row. We need this row because in order to stitch around a post, we need the posts!
ROW 2 – CH 2 (Turning chain). DC in first stitch. *FPDC in the next stitch, BPDC in the next stitch* repeat from *to* until the last stitch, DC in the last stitch (Turning chain).
Repeat Row 2 until work measures 10 inches. Finish off.
You will see a pattern emerge. You will FPDC in the post that is raised up toward you and BPDC around the post that is farther back.
EDGING
As the post stitches result in a shorter row, you will SC only once down the rows. SC across top, 3 SC into corner, SC into each row down the side, 3 SC into corner, SC across bottom, 3 SC into corner and SC into each row of remaining side. End with 3 SC into last corner, then slip stitch to first stitch. Finish off.
BLOCK 14 – Waffle Stitch
The waffle stitch is a very popular stitch often used in baby blankets. It uses the front and back posts to create the look of a waffle. The right side and wrong side have different looks.
I found this stitch works up quickly but uses a lot of yarn.
MAKING THE BLOCK
Foundation chain – Each waffle requires 3 stitches in a “set”. Therefore, your chain will be in multiples of 3 + 2 for the turning chain. My gauge was 11 sets of 3 or 33 + 2- = 35.
ROW 1 – Double Crochet (DC) in 3rd Chain (CH) from the hook. DC across the row. Turn
ROW 2 – CH 2 (Turning chain). *1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in next 2 sts*. Repeat from the * all across until 2 stitches remain. 1 FPDC in next st, 1 DC in last stitch. Turn
ROW 3 – Ch 2. 1 DC in next st. *1 FPDC in next 2 sts, 1 DC in next st.* Repeat from the * all across to last stitch. 1 DC in last stitch. Turn
REPEAT ROWS 2 and 3 until work measures 10 inches. Finish off.
Did you see the pattern? You were DC into the FPDC of the previous row and FPDC into the DC of the previous row!
EDGING – SC across top, 3 SC into corner, SC into each row down the side (2 SC per waffle), 3 SC into corner, SC across bottom, 3 SC into corner and SC into each row of remaining side. End with 3 SC into last corner, then slip stitch to first stitch. Finish off.
BLOCK 14 – BASKET WEAVE
The Basket Weave Stitch creates woven looking fabric similar to a basket. This is a fabulous stitch to use for an afghan as there is right side or wrong side, the pattern looks the same no matter which way you look at the square.
The Basket Weave stitch is completed using front-post double crochet and back-post double crochet. We will be crocheting in fours. Four FP stitches Four BP stitches for four rows, then alternating the stitches (4 BP followed by 4 FP) for four rows.
WARNING – This stitch does require counting!
MAKING THE BLOCK
Foundation Chain – The crochet basket weave stitch is worked in multiples of 8 + 2, and add 2 for the turning chain. Once again I wanted 34 stitches (8 x 4 = 32 +2 =34) plus 2 for the turning chain, therefore, my chain was 36 stitches. If you have trouble with your gauge you can change your hook size or there is an option of using a 4 stitch pattern. Let me know in the comments, in the Facebook group or message me.
ROW 1 – Double Crochet (DC) in 3rd Chain (CH) from the hook. DC across the row. Turn
ROW 2 – CH 2 (turning chain), *FPDC around the next 4 sts, then BPDC around each of next 4 sts; repeat from the * to end of row, one regular DC in last stitch (the turning chain), turn.
ROWS 3-5 REPEAT ROW 2 three times.
ROW 6 is basically reversing the last four rows – CH 2, BPDC around the post of the next 4 stitches, then FPDC around the post of the next four stitches. The ends will always finish with one DC into the top of the turning chain.
ROWS 7 – 9 Repeat Row 6 three times.
ROW 10 – Continue repeating these 8 rows 2 to 9 (4 rows that start with the FPDC followed by 4 rows that start with a BPDC) until work measures 10 inches ending with Row 5 or Row 9. It does not matter whether you end with a set of Row 2 or Row 6 as long as you have completed 4 rows of pattern to end (Row 5 or 9). Finish off.
EDGING
SC across top, 3 SC into corner, SC into each row down the side, 3 SC into corner, SC across bottom, 3 SC into corner and SC into each row of remaining side. End with 3 SC into last corner, then slip stitch to first stitch. Finish off.
WHICH STITCH DID YOU LIKE BEST?? Show me your progress in the Facebook Group.
Remember if you have any questions or need any help, send me an email or PM me on Facebook.
FINISHED? Here are some patterns using these stitches to keep you busy
This crocheted shawl uses the FPDC along with double crochet and some chains
By using chunky yarn, this Basket Weave throw is quick and easy to crochet
How about this buttery soft waffle pillow? Doesn’t it look comfy?
Finally, this hat and scarf combination uses both a Back Loop Stitch and a Front Post stitch. Perfect for practicing the raised stitches you just learned!
Yeah! We are halfway there. I hope you enjoy this month’s squares.
HAPPY HOOKING! And remember to share your blocks with us on Facebook! And if you have any questions, please comment below or send me an email.
The first Monday in July is July 1 which is Canada Day. Canada Day is the date of Canada’s independence and is the Canadian equivalent of the American July 4 celebration.
As this is a holiday Monday for us in Canada, Part 7 of the Learn to Crochet series will not be released until July 8.
See you July 8!
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Those are all cool looking stitches, very pretty! Wish my foggy brain could understand the instructions.
You really should try again. Skip the ones you have trouble with. These stitches are pretty easy. After all, you bought all that lovely yarn.
I love crocheting, but still a beginner. Love the look of the weave stitch
Natasha, If you can double crochet you can do these stitches! They are easier than they look.
Thanks so much for linking up at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 38! Shared x 3 ♥
Absolutely loving this challenge. I am learning so much. Thanks.
So glad you are joining in!