How to Crochet the Back Loop Only Single Crochet Stitch (BLO SC)

Q: How does back loop only single crochet differ from regular single crochet in texture?

With back loop only single crochet, you get a straight line of loops across the front of the fabric instead of the open holes produced by regular single crochet. This creates a subtle ribbed texture that adds both visual interest and stretch to the finished piece.

Q: How do I finish off a back loop only single crochet project?

Work across the final row using back loop only single crochets throughout. At the end of the row, chain 1 and turn, or fasten off if the project is complete. Weave in all loose ends securely with a yarn needle and trim. Adjust yarn weight, hook size, and chain count as needed to suit your specific project.

Materials & tools you'll need

Weight 3 or weight 4 cotton yarn · 4.0mm–4.5mm crochet hook (adjust for your tension and yarn weight) · Scissors · Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Step 1 — Gather your materials

Before you begin, pull together everything you need. A weight 3 or weight 4 cotton yarn works particularly well for the BLO SC stitch as it shows the ribbed texture clearly and holds its shape. Choose a 4.0mm to 4.5mm crochet hook as your starting point, adjusting up or down depending on your natural tension — if your fabric feels stiff, go up a hook size; if it feels loose, go down. Having your yarn needle and scissors close at hand means you won't need to stop mid-project once you've found your rhythm.

Step 2 — Create the foundation chain

Begin by making a slip knot and forming your foundation chain. The number of chains you start with is flexible and will depend on the width of your project — 20 chains is a good starting point for practising the stitch. Keep your tension even throughout the chain so each loop is a consistent size. A tight foundation chain can make it difficult to insert your hook cleanly in the first row, so aim for a relaxed, even tension from the very first stitch.

Step 3 — Work row 1 in regular single crochet

For the first row, work regular single crochet across the entire foundation chain. Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook (counting the slip knot as one and the foundation chain as two), yarn over, and pull up a loop so you have two loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete the single crochet. Repeat across the chain, working one single crochet into each stitch. At the end of the row, insert your hook into the last stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through two loops to finish. This first row forms the base from which you'll begin the BLO SC stitch in row 2.

Step 4 — Work row 2 using back loop only single crochet

Chain 1 and turn your work. This is where the BLO SC technique begins. Rotate your work so you can clearly see the top of the stitches — you'll notice each stitch has two loops forming a V shape. For a regular single crochet you'd insert your hook through both loops, but for BLO SC you insert the hook into the back loop only — the loop furthest from you. Insert into that back loop, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through two loops to complete the stitch. Move to the next stitch and repeat, inserting into the back loop only each time. By leaving the front loop unworked, a small raised rib forms on the front face of the fabric — this is what creates the characteristic ribbed texture. Continue across the row, working BLO SC into every stitch, then chain 1 and turn to begin the next row.

Step 5 — Continue the pattern and finish

Continue working rows of back loop only single crochet, chaining 1 and turning at the end of each row. With each successive row the ribbed texture becomes more defined and the fabric gains its characteristic stretch. Work as many rows as your project requires. To finish, complete a final row of BLO SC across all stitches, then fasten off by cutting the yarn and pulling the tail through the last loop to secure it. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave it securely through several stitches in different directions, then trim close to the fabric. Weave in any other loose ends the same way.

Frequently asked questions

What yarn weight and hook size should I use for back loop only single crochet?
A weight 3 or weight 4 cotton yarn works well for BLO SC projects. Use a 4.0mm to 4.5mm crochet hook, adjusting based on your preferred tension and the specific yarn you're working with. Maintaining consistent tension throughout is key to even results.

How does back loop only single crochet differ from regular single crochet in texture?
With BLO SC you get a straight line of raised loops across the front of the fabric instead of the open holes produced by regular single crochet. This creates a subtle ribbed texture that adds both visual interest and stretch to the finished piece.

How do I finish off a back loop only single crochet project?
Work across the final row using BLO SC throughout, then fasten off by cutting the yarn and pulling the tail through the last loop. Weave all loose ends in securely with a yarn needle and trim. Adjust yarn weight, hook size, and chain count as needed for your specific project.

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