Learn how easy it is to work a FPDC or Front Post Double Crochet stitch, even for complete beginners

It may sound complicated, but don’t let that scare you! If you can make a double crochet stitch, you can easily make a front post double crochet stitch also. The only difference between the two is where you initially begin the stitch.

As a new crocheter, you have probably learned the single and double stitches first. The front post dc stitch is very similar to the basic dc and therefore a good one for you to learn next.

image of front post double crochet fpdc stitches

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In this tutorial:

What is a FPDC?

As I said above, the front post double is almost the same as the plain double with one exception … where the stitch starts.

With the dc stitch, you start by inserting the crochet hook into the top of a stitch. However, with the front post dc, you insert the hook into the ‘post’ part of a double stitch from the row below.

This results in the post of the stitch being pushed forward, creating a more three dimensional texture in your work.

This tutorial teaches you how to work this stitch if you are right handed. This video shows you how to make the fpdc if you are left handed.

Useful Supplies

Yarn
Crochet hook (to match yarn weight)
Scissors

What is the post of a double crochet stitch?

The post part of the double is the tall, vertical part of the stitch underneath the top. This is the area you will work your fpdc stitch around instead of inserting the hook into the top.

purple crochet work with a crochet hook showing the post

Making the fpdc stitch, step by step

In order to show you how to work a fpdc, I have to begin with a row of double crochet stitches. Technically, these are not a part of the actual stitch, but they are necessary as you have to work into these stitches.

Note: I also worked a double crochet into the first stitch and each one in between the fpdc stitches. This will make the fpdc stitches easier to see.

So, to begin, crochet a chain and then a row of double crochet stitches. If you need a refresher, here is making a slip knot, how to make a chain and how to make dc’s.

1. Yarn Over

Begin your fpdc the same way as a regular dc, with a Yarn Over. (Grab the working yarn with the crochet hook, from front to back.)

image of hands making a crochet yarn over

2. Insert crochet hook under post

Next, you will take the hook and insert it under the post of the double stitch from the row below and push it through on the other side (left to right).

image of hands moving crochet hook under a double stitch

3. Yarn Over a second time

With your crochet hook, grab the working yarn in a second Yarn Over from front to back.

4. Pull yarn through the stitch

Now, pull the hook with the yarn backwards through the double stitch. This will leave you with three loops on the hook.

image of hands holding crochet work and a hook

5. Yarn Over a third time

Once again, pass your hook under the yarn from front to back and grab a loop. This is the third yarn over.

6. Pull yarn through

Then, pull the yarn backwards through only two of the loops on your hook. This should leave you with two more loops.

image of hands holding a crochet hook with two loops

7. Yarn Over a fourth time

Once more, grab the working yarn in a yarn over with your hook.

image of hands holding crochet work and doing a yarn over

8. Pull yarn through the last loops

And finally, pull your yarn backwards through the remaining two loops that are left on your hook. You should now have only one loop on the hook. This completes the Front Post Double Crochet stitch.

image of hands holding purple yarn crochet work

In this image, you can clearly see the fpdc stitches are pushed forward and the regular double crochets in between are further back.

As you can see, the steps for making a front post double crochet stitch are exactly the same as for a standard double crochet stitch. The only different is that you change where you begin the stitch by inserting the hook into the tall vertical post of the stitch instead of in the top hole.

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What is a Back Post Double Crochet?

The bpdc is the same as the fpdc but instead of placing the hook under the post from the front, you insert the hook under the post from the back of the work. This video shows you how to make this stitch.

Yield: a fpdc or front post double crochet stitch

How to make a Front Post Double Crochet Stitch (Step by step guide)

Learn how to easily work a FPDC or Front Post Double Crochet stitch, even for complete beginners.

To make a fpdc stitch, you need to work into double crochet stitches from the row below. Therefore, begin by crocheting a row of double (dc) stitches.

I also started the row with one dc stitch.

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty easy

Materials

Yarn

Tools

Crochet hook
Scissors

Instructions

Yarn Over: Begin your fpdc the same way as a regular dc, with a Yarn Over.
Insert hook: Next, you will take the hook and insert it under the post of the double stitch from the row below and push it through on the other side (left to right)
Yarn Over: With your crochet hook, grab the working yarn in a second Yarn Over from front to back.
Pull yarn through stitch: Now, pull the hook with the yarn backwards through the double stitch. This will leave you with three loops on the hook.
Yarn Over: Once again, pass your hook under the yarn from front to back and grab a loop. This is the third yarn over.
Pull yarn through: Then, pull the yarn backwards through only two of the loops on your hook. This should leave you with two more loops.
Yarn Over: Once more, grab the working yarn in a yarn over with your hook.
Pull yarn through: And finally, pull your yarn backwards through the remaining two loops that are left on your hook. You should now have only one loop on the hook. This completes the Front Post Double Crochet stitch.