How to crochet in Back Loop Only (BLO)

Crocheting is full of abbreviations and terms.  It may seem overwhelming but once you begin crocheting you will become familiar with them and get to know them.  BLO is one of these abbreviations.  BLO crochet is a useful technique known as back loop only.

What is back loop only crochet?  When is back loop only crochet used?  How do you crochet back loop only crochet?  Read on for the answers to these questions.

crochet in back loop tutorial

When you learn to crochet, to make crochet stitches you are instructed to insert the crochet hook underneath both loops of a stitch. 

As you crochet more and more, you will find patterns telling you to work in only one of the loops using a basic crochet stitch.  BLO or back loop only is one of the times you stitch in only one loop. 

The best part is back loop only crochet is simple to do and is a great beginner technique for expanding your crochet skills.

When you crochet in back loops only, there is a nice line formed on the right side of the crocheted piece by the unstitched loop. Below is a list of reasons you may want to use this technique.

If you are interested in learning other crochet stitches, head over to our Crochet Stitches page for lots of crochet stitch tutorials.

To get started, I promise learning to crochet in the back loop will be easy with our BLO crochet video lesson and this step-by-step picture tutorial.

What does BLO mean in crochet?

BLO in crochet means back loop only.  In crochet patterns, you may see the back loop abbreviation referred to as bl or bls which means back loop and back loops.

ways to use the back loop crochet

• A ridged look on a crochet project creating a decorative element 
• Ribbing and ribbed texture in hats, garments, afghans, etc.
• Mark a transition or a fold line
• The horizontal bar (free front loop) used later to anchor a stitch
• Overlay crochet
• Amigurumi used as a texture, direction change or shaping effect

WHAT YOU NEED to practice the BLO crochet:

• Yarn
• Crochet Hook Appropriate for Yarn

SKILL LEVEL

Easy

BLO CROCHET PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS 

To demonstrate the back loop crochet, we are using a single crochet stitch.  However, this technique can be used with any basic crochet stitch.

1. Stitch Loops

Let's first get familiar with the loops of a crochet stitch. 

If you hold the row of crochet and look at it from the top, you will see two loops forming a V shape.  Normally as you crochet, the hook is inserted under both loops.   

The front loop is the loop closest to you.  The back loop is the loop farthest away from you.

2. Determine Where to Insert Hook

To crochet in the back loop only, insert the hook in the center of the V and exit underneath the back loop.  Then, make the stitch as instructed in the pattern.  

3. Complete Designated Stitch

Since we are demonstrating using a single crochet stitch, wrap the yarn over the hook.

Draw the loop through.

Yarn over and draw through the last two stitches on the hook.

That's how to crochet in the back loop.

If you look closely at the next picture, you can see the horizontal front bar, the free front loop.

The following picture is an example of the horizontal front bar being used to anchor shell stitches.

Although I've showcased the  BLO in single crochet, this technique can be used for half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet stitches. When you work half double, double, and treble crochet, work into the back loop and complete the stitch in the usual manner. 

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m happy to help or clarify anything.

Pin or bookmark this page so you will always have it as a reference.

Happy Stitching,
Annette

LEARN TO CROCHET SERIES:

• Slip Knot: Learn the Slip Knot
• Chain Stitch: Learn to Chain Stitch
• Single Crochet: Learn to Single Crochet
• Double Crochet: Learn to Double Crochet
• Split Single Crochet: Learn to Crochet the Split Single Crochet
• Turning Chain: Learn the Turning Chain
• Shell Stitch: Learn to Crochet the Shell Stitch