How to Crochet Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) for Ribbing

Steps

1. 1. Crochet a Foundation Row of Double Crochet Stitches

   Post stitches need posts to work around, so you start with a row of regular double crochet. Lindsey chains 12, works a double crochet in the third chain from the hook, then one in every chain across.

   Tip: A small practice swatch of 10 to 12 stitches is plenty. You can rip it out and try again fast.

   

2. 2. Work a Regular Double Crochet as the First Stitch of Row Two

   Make the first stitch of row two a normal double crochet. Yarn over and put the hook under both top loops of the stitch.

   Tip: Many patterns work the first and last stitch of a post row as plain double crochet for a neater edge.

   

3. 3. Find the Post of the Next Double Crochet Stitch

   Look at the next stitch along. The two loops on top are where you would normally go.

   Tip: Tilt the swatch toward the light. The gaps on either side of each post are easier to spot.

   

4. 4. Insert the Crochet Hook Around the Front of the Post

   Yarn over first, the same as any double crochet. Push the hook into the gap on the right of the post from the front.

   Tip: If the hook will not slide behind the post, your previous row is tight. Go up a hook size for the foundation row next time.

   

5. 5. Pull Up a Loop Around the Post for Three Loops on the Hook

   Yarn over and draw the yarn back around the post and toward you. You now have three loops on the hook.

   Tip: Lift the hook slightly as you pull through so the loop does not snag on the post.

   

6. 6. Finish the Front Post Double Crochet by Pulling Through Two Loops Twice

   Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Yarn over again and pull through the last two.

   Tip: Skip the top of the stitch you wrapped. The post stitch takes its place in the row.

   

7. 7. Repeat the Front Post Double Crochet Around the Next Post

   Work two more the same way. Yarn over, hook in from the front, behind the next post and out the front.

   Tip: Count as you go. It is easy to wrap the same post twice by accident.

   

8. 8. Make a Back Post Double Crochet From the Back of the Work

   A back post double crochet is the mirror move. Yarn over and insert the hook from the back, in front of the post and out the back again.

   Tip: Patterns write this stitch as BPdc. Some lefty videos show it reversed, so follow the direction of the post, not the hand.

   

9. 9. Check the Raised Ribbing Made by Front and Back Post Stitches

   Keep alternating three front post and three back post stitches across a few rows, and the swatch turns into wide, stretchy ribbing like this one. Work one of each for a thinner rib suited to a hat brim.

   Tip: On a wrong-side row, work FPdc around posts that stick out toward you so the ribs line up.