What does BLO mean in crochet? BLO means “back loop only,” a stitch modifier that tells you to insert the hook through only the loop farthest from you instead of under the entire top V. The technique creates horizontal ridges, added flexibility, and a different stitch height in single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and other stitches.
Key Facts About Back Loop Only Crochet
- BLO means back loop only.
- The back loop is the strand farther from the crocheter when the next stitch is made.
- A normal stitch uses both top loops, while BLO uses one.
- BLO commonly creates ridges, flexible ribbing, fold lines, and amigurumi ledges.
- BLO can reduce practical row height and change the gauge of a project.
- The best working tension is loose enough for the hook to enter one strand without splitting the yarn.
The phrase appears in patterns as sc BLO, hdc BLO, or dc BLO. The first part identifies the stitch, and BLO identifies the loop placement. For example, “12 sc BLO” means make 12 single crochet stitches, inserting the hook into the back loop of each stitch.
The abbreviation remains BLO in both US and UK crochet terminology because “back loop only” describes hook placement rather than a stitch name. US and UK systems still matter for terms such as single crochet and double crochet, so check the pattern key before beginning.
How Does BLO Work?
Back loop only crochet works by isolating the rear strand of the stitch’s top V, then completing the named stitch normally. The hook does not pass beneath both strands, so the unused front loop remains visible on the surface and forms a horizontal ridge.
When viewing a completed row from above, each stitch normally resembles a small V with two strands:
- Front loop: the strand nearest your body.
- Back loop: the strand farthest from your body.
- Both loops: both strands of the V, which is standard crochet placement.
Use the loop’s position relative to your current work, not the direction of the previous row, to identify the back loop. After turning, the fabric’s front and back surfaces change position, but the back loop remains the strand farthest away from the hook at the moment of insertion.
A reliable visual test is to hold the working edge level with your eyes. Insert the hook from front to back under the strand farther from you, leaving the near strand untouched. If the hook passes below the entire V, the stitch is not BLO.
The Five-Step Method
- Locate the next stitch’s top V.
- Identify the strand farthest from your body.
- Insert the hook under that strand only.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Finish the named stitch using the usual number of yarn overs and pull-throughs.
For a single crochet, insert under the back loop, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops. For a double crochet, yarn over before insertion, pull up a loop, then complete the usual two pull-through stages.
| Pattern instruction | Hook placement | Completion method | Typical result |
|---|---|---|---|
| sc | Back loop only | Pull through 2 loops once | Firm ridge, compact fabric |
| hdc | Back loop only | Pull through 3 loops once | Taller ridge, moderate drape |
| dc | Back loop only | Pull through 2 loops twice | Open ridge, more height |
| tr | Back loop only | Pull through 2 loops three times | Tall, flexible texture |
What Does BLO Change in the Fabric?
BLO changes the fabric’s surface, flexibility, thickness, and gauge because each stitch is anchored to one top strand rather than the complete V. The unused front loops align into visible bars, while the stitch body leans slightly away from the row beneath it.
In practice, BLO fabric often bends more easily across the ridges than fabric worked through both loops. The effect is especially noticeable in single crochet ribbing, where the ridges run perpendicular to the direction of the rows.
BLO is not automatically stretchy in every yarn. Wool and wool blends usually recover more effectively than cotton because elastic fibers return toward their original shape after being pulled. Acrylic can provide moderate flexibility, but it may retain stretched dimensions when exposed to heat.
Typical Swatch Differences
The following figures are practitioner ranges for a 10 cm by 10 cm swatch using medium-weight yarn and a 4.5-5 mm hook. Yarn fiber, hook size, tension, stitch type, and blocking can change every result.
| Construction | Typical rows per 10 cm | Typical width change | Typical flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet through both loops | 16-20 rows | Reference width | Low to moderate |
| Single crochet BLO | 18-23 rows | 0-5% narrower | Moderate to high |
| Half double crochet BLO | 13-17 rows | 0-4% narrower | Moderate |
| Double crochet BLO | 9-13 rows | 0-3% narrower | Moderate to high |
BLO may require more rows to reach the same height as a both-loop fabric, particularly in single crochet. The stitch itself has not necessarily become shorter in every yarn, but the ridge structure compresses the fabric and changes how rows stack.
A swatch is therefore more useful than a generic gauge statement. Work at least 15 cm by 15 cm, measure the central 10 cm after washing or blocking, and record both stitch count and row count.
Which Stitches Can Use BLO?
BLO can modify nearly any crochet stitch with identifiable top loops, including single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, slip stitch, and many textured stitches. The modifier changes placement, while the stitch abbreviation determines height and construction.
The technique is easiest to control in single crochet because the top V is compact and the finished ridge is clear. Tall stitches can also be worked BLO, but their top loops may be looser, making accidental insertion through both strands more common.
| Stitch | Typical height per stitch | BLO handling | Suitable use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slip stitch | 0.2-0.5 cm | Easy, but tight if tension is high | Seams, folded lines |
| Single crochet | 0.7-1.0 cm | Most predictable | Ribbing, amigurumi shaping |
| Half double crochet | 1.0-1.4 cm | Moderate precision | Cuffs, textured panels |
| Double crochet | 1.5-2.2 cm | Looser top loops | Lightweight ridges, blankets |
| Treble crochet | 2.5-3.5 cm | Requires careful loop isolation | Decorative, open fabrics |
The stitch type also controls stability. Single crochet BLO produces a denser edge than double crochet BLO, while double crochet BLO creates more openness and may not hold a hat brim firmly without a smaller hook.
Where Should You Use BLO?
BLO works best when a project needs visible ridges, controlled folding, moderate flexibility, or a directional texture. Common applications include hat brims, sweater cuffs, sleeve ends, bag bases, amigurumi details, and decorative fabric panels.
Choose BLO when the design benefits from these properties:
- Stretch across the row direction.
- Raised horizontal bars.
- A fold line for shaping.
- A ledge for attaching a ruffle or separate piece.
- A flexible edge with less bulk than post stitches.
- A visual contrast between adjacent sections.
Ribbing for Hats and Cuffs
Single crochet BLO is a common ribbing method because the rows compress and expand across their width. A hat brim made from 8-12 rows of sc BLO can be joined into a tube, then worked into the crown.
The stretch direction matters. In a brim made as a flat strip, the fabric usually stretches along the row length after the strip is joined. If the brim is too short, BLO cannot compensate indefinitely. Measure the wearer or finished opening, then allow a typical negative ease of 5-15% for elastic yarns and less for cotton.
Amigurumi and Structural Details
BLO is useful in amigurumi when the designer wants a sharp boundary rather than a soft color change. A round worked BLO can leave unused front loops that form a raised ring, support a skirt or frill, or mark the transition between a foot and leg.
BLO is not always the best choice for the main body of a stuffed toy. The ridge can create small gaps if the tension is loose, and the directional texture may look uneven on curved surfaces. Use a smaller hook or tighter, consistent tension when stuffing will pull the fabric outward.
Bag Bases and Fold Lines
A BLO round can create a ledge around a bag base or a clear crease where a flat panel turns upward. The unused loop acts as a visual boundary, helping the fabric fold along a predictable line.
For load-bearing bags, BLO alone does not replace reinforcement. Cotton yarn, a dense stitch, lining, or a firm base may be necessary because flexible ridges can deform under weight.
BLO Compared With Both Loops and FLO
BLO, both-loop crochet, and FLO produce different fabric behavior because each method leaves a different strand visible and changes how the stitch anchors to its neighbors. Both loops provide the most conventional structure, BLO emphasizes ridges and flexibility, and FLO creates a subtler line or attachment point.
| Technique | Hook placement | Surface appearance | Structural behavior | Common application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Both loops | Under front and back strands | Smooth V-shaped rows | Firmest general structure | Blankets, toys, panels |
| BLO | Under back strand only | Pronounced horizontal ridges | Flexible, slightly compressible | Ribbing, fold lines |
| FLO | Under front strand only | Fine line or shallow ridge | Less pronounced than BLO | Frills, surface details |
| Third loop | Under a lower horizontal strand | Knit-like horizontal bars | Dense, directional texture | Hdc texture, modern panels |
FLO is often flatter than BLO when viewed from the front, but the result depends on the stitch and the fabric’s orientation. FLO can also expose unused back loops on the opposite side, so the reverse side may look more pronounced.
Neither BLO nor FLO is universally superior. Use both loops for predictable stitch counts and sturdy construction, BLO for ribbed flexibility, and FLO when the pattern needs a decorative line or an attachment loop.
Does BLO Affect Gauge, Yarn Use, and Working Time?
BLO affects gauge because the fabric bends around raised ridges and can compress more than a smooth, both-loop fabric. Yarn use usually changes only modestly for the same stitch count, but a BLO fabric may need additional rows or a larger finished area, increasing total yarn consumption.
Typical planning ranges are useful when making a swatch or estimating a project:
| Planning factor | Both loops | BLO | Practical consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional rows for equal height | 0% reference | 5-20% typical | Measure row gauge before sizing |
| Width change in medium yarn | Reference | 0-5% narrower | Check finished circumference |
| Yarn change for equal area | Reference | 0-10% typical | Buy one extra small skein for large projects |
| Beginner speed after practice | 8-12 sc/min | 6-11 sc/min | Slower at first, often comparable later |
| Swatch preparation time | 10-15 minutes | 15-25 minutes | Include washing and drying time |
These are typical practitioner ranges, not universal standards. A loose BLO stitch can use less yarn per square centimeter than a dense one, while a tight stitch can use more. The project’s dimensions and row count matter more than the abbreviation alone.
A counterintuitive rule is that BLO may feel faster after practice because the insertion strand is visually separated. Beginners usually lose time by stopping to inspect every stitch, then regain speed once their hand recognizes the back strand automatically.
How Can You Prevent Common BLO Errors?
Most BLO mistakes come from misidentifying the rear strand, tightening the working loop, or losing the first and last stitch at row edges. Correcting tension and counting the top V after each row prevents more failures than simply crocheting faster.
| Error | Visible symptom | Likely cause | Correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both loops used | Ridge disappears | Hook entered beneath the full V | Leave the front strand untouched |
| Front loop used | Texture appears on the wrong side | Hook entered under the near strand | Rotate the work and reassess distance |
| Tight insertion | Split yarn or distorted stitches | Working loop pulled too small | Keep a hook-sized loop |
| Missing edge stitch | Row count drops by one | Turning chain mistaken for a stitch | Mark the first or last actual stitch |
| Uneven ridges | Bars change height | Mixed tension or mixed loop placement | Inspect the top V before each stitch |
The turning problem deserves special attention. After turning a row, do not assume the same physical strand is the back loop. The correct strand is determined by the current position of the work relative to your hook.
What Happens If You Accidentally Use Both Loops?
One accidental both-loop stitch creates a small interruption in the ridge rather than ruining the entire row. If the mistake is within the last few stitches, pull back to that stitch and redo it; if discovered several rows later, leave it when the project is decorative or unravel it when the ridge controls fit.
Do not force the hook into a tight stitch. A smaller insertion hole increases yarn splitting and can distort neighboring stitches. Instead, loosen the working loop, rotate the hook slightly downward, and enter under the rear strand from front to back.
Edge Stitch and Turning-Chain Rules
Patterns differ on whether the turning chain counts as a stitch. If the pattern says the chain does not count, work BLO into the first actual stitch and place a marker there. If the chain counts, follow the pattern’s stated placement for the final stitch.
For a ribbing strip, count stitches after every row. A strip intended to contain 20 stitches should still contain 20 top Vs, even if the ridges make the edge appear irregular.
A Practical Swatch Test for Yarn and Fit
A BLO swatch should measure stitch gauge, row gauge, stretch recovery, and post-wash dimensions rather than appearance alone. This test takes approximately 20-35 minutes of active work, followed by the drying time required by the yarn label.
- Chain enough stitches to create a square at least 15 cm wide.
- Work 15 cm of rows in the intended stitch, using BLO consistently.
- Record the relaxed width and height.
- Stretch the swatch gently across the ridge direction and record the maximum comfortable width.
- Release it, wait 10 minutes, and measure recovery.
- Wash or block it according to the yarn label.
- Measure the central 10 cm for final gauge.
If a 10 cm section measures 18 stitches before washing and 19 stitches afterward, the fabric became narrower by about 5.6%. Recalculate the project’s starting chain or round count rather than assuming the original gauge will hold.
Expert insight: stretch recovery matters more than maximum stretch for hats and cuffs. A swatch that expands from 10 cm to 14 cm but returns only to 12 cm may produce a loose, permanently enlarged brim.
When Should You Choose a Different Technique?
Choose another construction when BLO’s ridges, flexibility, or altered gauge conflicts with the project’s purpose. Both-loop crochet is usually better for smooth panels, firm bases, and stitch-count-sensitive motifs, while post stitches or slip-stitch ribbing may provide stronger compression.
| Project requirement | Recommended method | Why it fits | BLO limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth blanket panel | Both loops | Even surface and predictable gauge | Ridges may disrupt motif clarity |
| Firm basket base | Both loops or tight slip stitch | Better resistance to spreading | BLO can flex under weight |
| Elastic hat brim | sc BLO or slip-stitch ribbing | Horizontal stretch | Must test recovery |
| Raised cable texture | Front or back post stitches | Adds vertical relief | BLO creates horizontal texture |
| Decorative frill | FLO | Leaves an attachment line | BLO may make the edge too prominent |
BLO is also a poor choice when the pattern depends on reversible appearance. One side usually emphasizes the ridge more strongly, so inspect both faces before using the technique for a scarf, placemat, or reversible blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Does BLO Mean in Crochet
Is BLO the Same in US and UK Crochet Patterns?
BLO means back loop only in both US and UK patterns. The abbreviation identifies hook placement, not stitch terminology. However, “sc” means single crochet in US terminology and may correspond to double crochet in UK terminology, so confirm the pattern’s abbreviation key before choosing the stitch.
Which Loop Is the Back Loop After Turning?
The back loop is the strand farthest from you when you are ready to make the next stitch. Turning the work changes which physical strand occupies that position, so do not follow a fixed strand from the previous row. Recheck the top V after every turn.
Is BLO Good for Beginners?
BLO is suitable for beginners after they can identify the two strands of a normal stitch. Practice 10-15 rows of single crochet BLO with a light-colored, medium-weight yarn before attempting a dark yarn, fuzzy fiber, or fitted garment.
Does BLO Make Crochet More Stretchy?
BLO often makes crochet more flexible across the ridges, but stretch depends on fiber, tension, stitch type, and direction. Wool blends generally recover better than cotton. A 15 cm swatch provides a more reliable answer than the BLO abbreviation alone.
Does BLO Use More Yarn Than Normal Crochet?
BLO does not have a fixed yarn penalty. For equal stitch counts, yarn use is often close to both-loop crochet, but BLO may require 5-20% more rows to reach the same height. Buy extra yarn when the project has strict dimensions or uses a dense single crochet fabric.
Can I Substitute BLO for Both Loops in a Pattern?
You can substitute BLO only when the changed texture, gauge, and flexibility suit the design. The substitution may narrow the fabric, alter row height, expose ridges, and affect stitch placement in later rounds. Make a swatch and recalculate the stitch and row counts before replacing the instructed method.
Conclusion
What does BLO mean in crochet? It means back loop only, a placement instruction that uses the strand farthest from you and leaves the front loop visible. The result is typically a ridged, flexible fabric suited to ribbing, cuffs, amigurumi boundaries, fold lines, and selected decorative textures.
For reliable results, identify the current back loop after turning, keep the working loop relaxed, count every top V, and measure a washed swatch before sizing a fitted project. Use both loops for smooth stability, FLO for fine decorative lines, and BLO when horizontal texture and controlled flexibility are the desired properties.