DETAILED Bpdc Tutorial – How to Crochet Back Post Double Crochet

The back post double crochet is an essential stitch to know if you want to make intricate, delightfully textured patterns in crocheting. Known as the “bpdc” this stitch is easy enough to learn. Today I will teach you not only the basics of back post double crochet, but also more techniques like back post decreases, standing bpdc, and more!

What Does Bpdc Mean?

Just the abbreviation “bpdc” can seem strange if you’ve never encountered it before. Bpdc stands for “back post double crochet.” It refers to a specific way of working a double crochet stitch. This stitch creates amazing texture on the front side of the work (And by the way, it is the opposite of the FRONT post double crochet!)

Before you Begin

I do highly recommend learning the front post double crochet BEFORE you learn the back post double crochet. It is just slightly easier. If you haven’t learned the fpdc yet, make sure to check out this tutorial.

Once you do that, you’re ready to get started!

How To Work The Front Post Double Crochet Stitch

We’re not wasting any time today—let’s get right into the back post double crochet stitch instructions! You can view the video tutorial below, or keep reading for written instructions and photos.

Materials

You can use any hook and yarn combination to practice making bpdc stitches. In the following tutorial, I used worsted weight yarn (Caron Simply Soft) and a G/4.5mm hook. Feel free to use your personal favorite though!

Video Tutorial:

(coming soon!)

Step 1:

First, you need a row of regular double crochet. We never work post stitches on the very first row. So make a chain and 1 row of double crochet before you get started. (It doens’t matter how many dc you work. It can be a multiple of any number!) Then, chain 3 and turn your work.

Step 2:

Next, you need to learn how to insert your hook. We will still be going around the POST of the stitch (like in fpdc) but from a different direction this time. So, start by inserting your hook from back to front in between the first 2 stitches (top right photo).

Continue pushing your hook to the left on the work, so that you’re going AROUND the post of the stitch. Finally, stick the hook out the back of the work on the other side. You should not be able to see the hook on the front side of the work.

Step 3:

Now, at this point you’ll want to flip your work over a bit so you can see what you’re doing. (middle left photo). Yarn over, and pull up a loop through the post of the double crochet your hook is around. From here, simply finish the double crochet like normal! Yarn over, and pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Take a look at the bottom photos for what a bpdc looks like finished.

Doing Regular Double Crochet & Bpdc

It’s easy enough to do a bpdc on its own, but it gets a little bit tougher when you have to alternate between a bpdc and a regular dc. Why? Well, because you are alternating between working in posts and working in the tops of stitches. If you don’t understand stitch anatomy enough, you may accidentally increase a stitch.

Here are my best tips for understanding this concept so you don’t make this mistake:

1/ Look for the horizontal bars going around the posts of stitches (this is where you worked a post stitch), then follow this stitch up to the TOP, v part of the stitch. In the first photo below you can see the top of the last post stitch I made. You do NOT want to work into this or you will increase a stitch.

2/ Instead, find the NEXT stitch that does NOT have any horizontal bars around the post. That is the stitch you want to work into the top of. See the second photo.

In the last photo, you can see a regular dc and a bpdc next to each other all finished.

Bpdc2Tog (Back Post Double Crochet Decrease)

Another helpful back post technique to learn is bpdc2tog. This abbreviation may sound intimidating, but don’t worry. It’s easier than it sounds. A bpdc2tog is a way of decreasing—turning 2 bpdc into just 1 stitch. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1:

To begin, start making a bpdc just like normal. Insert your hook around the back of the post, pull up a loop. Then, YO and pull through 2 loops. You now have one unfinished bpdc, and 2 loops on your hook.

Step 2:

Leaving those 2 loops on your hook, yarn over and begin ANOTHER bpdc into the NEXT stitch. (middle center photo). Pull up a loop like normal (4 loops on hook) then yarn over and draw through 2 loops (3 loops on hook).

Step 3:

To finish the decrease, simply yarn over and pull through the last 3 loops on your hook. And there you have a bpdc2tog!

Bpdc Standing Stitch

The last back post technique that is helpful to know is a back post double crochet standing stitch, plus working bpdc in the round. A standing bpdc is a helpful way to change colors in the round or just join a new yarn to a design. While you may not use this technique on your own, you may find it within a pattern.

Step 1:

To start a standing stitch, make a slip knot on your hook with a new yarn. Yarn over. Keep the knot facing down as much as possible. This will make the whole stitch easier.

Step 2:

Place your thumb on the side of your hook, anchoring the slip knot and yarn over so they won’t slide everywhere.

Step 3:

Then, start a bpdc like normal in any stitch. Insert your hook around the back of the post, pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pull through 2 loops) twice. The key during this step is keeping your thumb on the original slip knot and YO so they don’t get all wonky.

Step 4:

After you finish your standing stitch, working in the round is easy. Simply work in your desired pattern around! When you get back to the beginning, join with a slip stitch to that standing stitch.

Bpdc FAQ

Here are some more bpdc questions answered!

How do I start a new round in bpdc?

Once you make a standing stitch round, you may need to start a NEW round without a standing stitch. I recommend chaining 2 to start the round, and NOT counting the chain as a stitch. Instead, work a bpdc into the very first stitch. When you get all the way around back to the beginning, join to that first bpdc, not the chain.

How do you make bpdc fpdc ribbing?

Post stitch ribbing is made by alternating bdpdc and fpdc stitches. It is not too hard to do. You just start by making the first stitch around the front of the post, then the second around the back of the post.

What types of stitches use bpdc?

Back post double crochet is most often used in cables, or in pretty raised textured stitches. Some of my favorites are the Mini Cable Stitch, Triangle Post Stitch, and Trellis Stitch. These would be some great stitches for you to try next!

Conclusion

Back post double crochet is a versatile stitch that can be used in many ways. Learning not only the standard bdpc, but also more advanced techniques like bdc2tog can be so helpful! So now it’s your turn—grab a hook and yarn, and start practicing all the different techniques! You won’t regret it.