In this free step-by-step crochet stitch tutorial I show how to make the alternating back and front loop only single crochet. This stitch is a solid crochet stitch. It is also a reversible crochet stitch that looks the same on both sides. It creates dense, textured, durable fabric and works great for potholders, washcloths, blankets, cardigans, scarves, hats, and other projects that need warmth, structure, and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes photo instructions and a video tutorial (see below). The crochet stitch is a repeat of one row. For this crochet stitch you should know how to make single crochet. The tutorial below shows how to work in the back and in the front loop only. This stitch is very easy to make and suitable for beginners.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Soft FRAYA Cotton 8/4 100% Organic cotton 50g – 180 m yarn, color: sand. However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
This free crochet tutorial includes detailed photo instructions and written steps. If, in addition to photo instructions, you would like a short written pattern and a chart, join Nordic Hook Club and get access to one of the largest crochet stitch libraries! There you will find hundreds of ad-free downloadable crochet stitch tutorials that include detailed step-by-step photo instructions, concise written patterns and member-exclusive charts. Plus, you can download all Nordic Hook patterns, stitches and e-books for free! Read more about all the membership benefits here and sign up today.
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Video tutorial
The video tutorial below shows how to make the alternating back and front loop only single crochet.
Photo instructions for the alternating back and front loop only single crochet
Row 1
1. Start by chaining an odd number of chains. You will start working in the second chain from your hook.
2. So, make a single crochet in the second chain from your hook.
3. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 2
4. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
5. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
6. Next you will make a single crochet back loop only.
7. So, insert your hook grabbing just the back loop of the next stitch.
8. Yarn over.
9. Pull the yarn through. Now you have two loops on your hook.
10. Yarn over.
11. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a single crochet back loop only!
12. Next you will make a single crochet front loop only.
13. So, insert your hook grabbing only the front loop of the next stitch.
14. Yarn over.
15. Pull the yarn through. Now you have two loops on your hook.
16. Yarn over.
17. Pull the yarn through both loops on your hook. You have just made a single crochet front loop only!
18. Make a single crochet back loop only in the next stitch.
19. Make a single crochet front loop only in the next stitch.
20. Then repeat: make a single crochet back loop only, then make a single crochet front loop only. Continue working in the same way until you have one stitch left.
21. At the end of the row make a single crochet in the last stitch. Then repeat row 2.
Row 3
22. So, chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
23. Make a single crochet in the very first stitch.
24. Make a single crochet back loop only in the next stitch.
25. Then make a single crochet front loop only.
26. Continue working in the same way until the end of the row. At the end of the row make a single crochet in the last stitch. For the rest of the pattern repeat row 2.
Finished alternating back and front loop only single crochet
27. Done!
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