Loopy PandaHow to Crochet in the Back Loop Only (BLO)
Back loop only (BLO) means inserting the hook under just the back loop of each stitch, the strand farther from you, instead of under both loops. The unworked front loop stays on the surface as a line. In amigurumi a BLO round makes a sharp edge, for example where a flat base turns up into the sides. In rows, BLO single crochet makes stretchy ribbing.
What you need
- Yarn and a crochet hook
- A few rounds or rows of single crochet to practise on
- Stitch marker
Step by step
- Look at the top of the stitchEach stitch has a V on top. The strand closer to you is the front loop; the strand farther away is the back loop.
- Insert under the back loop onlyInsert the hook from front to back under the back loop only, leaving the front loop untouched.
- Work the stitch as usualComplete the stitch the pattern asks for. For single crochet: yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through 2 loops.
- Repeat for every stitch in the round or rowPattern lines like
Rnd 7: in BLO, sc in each st around (36)mean every stitch of that round goes into the back loop only. - Return to both loopsOn the next round, go back to working under both loops unless the pattern says BLO again.
- Check the ridgeIn a round worked with the right side facing you, the unworked front loops make a ridge on the outside. If the ridge is on the inside, check that your piece is right side out.
When patterns use BLO and FLO
- Flat base to walls: after the increase rounds of a flat circle, one BLO round makes the sides turn up with a crisp edge, for example on a basket, a shoe or the bottom of a body.
- Marking a line to add something later: working a round in BLO leaves a row of free front loops. The pattern may later tell you to join yarn to these loops to add a skirt, collar or brim.
- Ribbing: single crochet worked in BLO in rows makes stretchy ribs, used for hat bands and cuffs.
- FLO (front loop only) is the opposite: the hook goes under the front loop only, and the free back loops can be used later.
How BLO appears in patterns
| Pattern style | What you will see | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| US written | BLO, blo, or in back loops only | Work into the back loop only |
| UK written | BLO or back loop only | Same term in UK patterns |
| Chinese written | 后半针, 条纹针, 只钩后半针 | Back loop only; 前半针 = front loop only |
| Chart | A small arc under the stitch symbol | See the back loop only symbol; check the chart key |
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the loops. The back loop is the one farther from you, whichever way the piece is turned. Look before you insert the hook.
- Using the third loop by accident. On half double crochet there is an extra strand below the back loop. BLO means the top back loop, not that strand.
- Forgetting to switch back. Only the rounds marked BLO are worked that way. Put a note or a different coloured marker on the BLO round.
- Fabric looks thin. BLO fabric is a little looser than stitches through both loops. This is normal.
Back Loop Only Symbol
Back loop only (BLO) means inserting the hook under just the back loop of the stitch. Charts mark it with a small arc under the stitch symbol. Chinese patterns say 后半针 or 条纹针. In amigurumi BLO makes a crisp ridge, for example where a flat base turns into the walls of a body.
| US name and abbreviation | Back Loop Only (BLO) |
|---|---|
| UK name and abbreviation | Back loop only (BLO) |
| Chinese name | 后半针 （条纹针、只钩后半针） |
| Japanese name | 筋編み |
Front loop vs back loop symbols
Most charts show loop-only stitches with a small arc under the symbol, and the direction of the arc tells front loop from back loop. Symbol conventions vary between publishers, so always check the chart key.
What is the difference between 条纹针 and 后半针?
In most Chinese amigurumi patterns both mean working in the back loop only (Japanese 筋編み). Check the pattern notes if a designer uses them differently.
Chart symbols on this page
Frequently asked questions
What does BLO mean in crochet?
Back loop only: insert the hook under just the back loop of each stitch instead of under both loops.
What is BLO in UK crochet terms?
It is also BLO (back loop only) in UK patterns. Only the stitch names change between US and UK terms, for example BLO dc in a UK pattern is BLO sc in US terms.
What does 后半针 or 条纹针 mean in a Chinese pattern?
Both usually mean back loop only (只钩后半针). 前半针 means front loop only. If a designer uses them differently, it will be in the pattern notes.
Which loop is the back loop?
The loop of the top V that is farther from you as you hold the work. The front loop is the one closer to you.
Does BLO change the stitch count?
No. You still work one stitch into each stitch; only where the hook goes changes.
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