Front Loop Single Stitch Crochet

Q: What's the difference between front loop only and regular single crochet?

Regular single crochet is worked through both loops at the top of the stitch, creating a dense, uniform block of fabric. Front loop only single crochet inserts the hook through just the front loop, leaving the back loop unused. The unused loop shows up as a visible line on both sides of the work, giving the fabric a striped, textured look instead of a solid block.

Q: What does front loop only single crochet look like once it's finished?

Front loop only single crochet produces rows of stitches separated by a visible line running along each row, where the unworked back loop sits. This gives the fabric a stripy, more textured appearance compared to standard single crochet, which looks like one dense, solid block of stitches with no visible separation between rows.

Q: Is front loop only single crochet as strong as regular single crochet?

No — front loop only single crochet is worked through a single loop instead of two, so it has a bit more stretch but less structural strength than regular single crochet. Regular single crochet, worked through both loops, holds up better to heavy wear, while the front loop variation is better suited to projects like gloves or sleeves where some stretch and texture are desirable.

Materials & tools you'll need

4mm metal crochet hook · 4-weight cotton yarn · Scissors · Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)

Step 1 — Make a slip knot and chain 30

Start by making a slip knot and placing it loosely on your hook. Chain stitch 30 times to create your foundation chain for this sampler swatch. This is the same starting point used across this stitch series, so if you'd like a refresher on the back loop only single crochet stitch or the related easiest rib stitch, those tutorials cover the same foundation.

Step 2 — Work the first row in standard single crochet

Work your first row exactly as you would a regular single crochet stitch, inserting your hook through both loops at the top of each chain stitch. Wrap your yarn around the hook and pull through, then wrap and pull through again to complete each stitch. At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work — this first row is identical to standard single crochet, so the variation won't appear until the second row.

Step 3 — Switch to front loop only on the second row

On the second row, instead of inserting your hook through both loops at the top of each stitch, insert it through the front loop only — the loop closest to you. Wrap your yarn around the hook and pull through, then wrap and pull through again, just like a regular single crochet stitch, but anchored only in that front loop. Continue across the row this way, then chain one and turn at the end as usual. Repeat this front-loop-only single crochet across every row from here on, working several rows until the pattern becomes clearly visible.

Step 4 — Finish and compare the texture

Once you've completed your rows, fasten off and weave in your ends with a tapestry needle. Compare your finished swatch to a standard single crochet sample: because the back loop is left unworked on every stitch, it shows up as a visible line running along each row on both sides of the fabric, giving the piece a striped, more textured look rather than one dense, solid block. This stitch also has a bit more give than standard single crochet, though it's slightly less structurally secure, making it a nice choice for gloves, sleeves, or anywhere a little stretch and texture are welcome.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between front loop only and regular single crochet?
Regular single crochet is worked through both loops, creating a dense, uniform block of fabric. Front loop only single crochet inserts the hook through just the front loop, leaving the back loop unused — it shows up as a visible line on both sides of the work, giving the fabric a striped, textured look.

What does front loop only single crochet look like once it's finished?
It produces rows of stitches separated by a visible line along each row, where the unworked back loop sits. This gives the fabric a stripy, textured appearance compared to standard single crochet's solid, dense block of stitches.

Is front loop only single crochet as strong as regular single crochet?
No — it's worked through a single loop instead of two, so it has more stretch but less structural strength than regular single crochet. Regular single crochet holds up better to heavy wear, while this variation suits projects like gloves or sleeves where stretch and texture matter more.

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