TIP: crochet in Back Loops with NO Holes



Do you like to crochet in back loops only? Have you tried it? If you participate in Circles of the Sun Mystery CAL – you’ve definitely tried it already. Are you satisfied with the result? Does your crochet work look neat? As for me I became totally addicted to crochet in back loops. And not only because I am totally addicted to overlay crochet. But also because I like the result very much. When you crochet in back loops only, there is a nice line formed on the right side of crocheted piece. And it gives additional charm to the crocheted project, in my opinion. But what is also true – when you crochet in back loops only, there are often many holes seen. Especially if you are not a tight crocheter. But I’ve come up with a tip on how to avoid this. And today’s post is about my own experience.

TIP: How to crochet in back loops only with no holes
Most likely this is not my own invention and you’ve probably seen it before. But I truly “discovered” this tip from my own crochet experience. My idea (shortly) is that while crocheting in back loops you can avoid holes and make your project look neat, if you insert the hook in back loop and in third loop (of stitches on previous round) at the same time. This tip is not very actual for single crochet stitches, as normally you don’t get large holes while working in back loop of them. But the problem is getting more obvious when it comes to half double crochet stitches, double crochet, treble crochet and longer stitches. So my tip will work well especially with them.


Copyright LillaBjornCrochet 2014-2015. All rights reserved. This tutorial is for unlimited personal use only. Do not reproduce or sell it. The tutorial may not be copied in any way (print or digitally), in part or in full. Please, read Copyright page for more information.


To explain the idea let’s first look at the anatomy of stitch’s loops. As you probably know, each stitch has a post (vertical part) and two loops on the top: a front loop and a back loop. They form a kind of “V” on the top of the stitch. And when you crochet in “classical” way you normally insert the hook under these both loops, and this gives your crochet work needed tension.

But if you look on the wrong side of your double crochet stitches (for example), you will see a third loop – on the back of the stitch and it’s top. I called it “third loop” because I haven’t come across any other definition in crochet theory.

Anatomy of crochet stitch

So my idea is that you should insert the hook under back AND third loop while crocheting in back loops. You can see it in the picture. This will help you to “diminish” the holes, or they may totally disappear, and your crochet piece will be neat and not so stretchy.

TIP: How to crochet in back loops only with no holes

Let’s see on the example how crochet circle looks in both cases. On the first two pictures you can see the holes under beige double crochet stitches (right side), and on the wrong side “third loops” stay visible.

TIP: How to crochet in back loops only with no holes

And on next pictures you can see no holes (right side) and also no “third loops” visible on the wrong side.

TIP: How to crochet in back loops only with no holes

This small crochet tip is very easy. And if you master it, you will be able to obtain perfect gauge for (not only) your projects in overlay crochet, and they will always look very neat.

Remember to subscribe to a weekly newsletter not to miss a single pattern and tutorial. And you can also follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

Happy crocheting,


You may also like:

17 comments

  1. I'm going to try this for Block #3 - I tend to get some holes when I crochet into BL, so this would be a nice fix. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your blocks might become a bit small with this tip. As when you crochet through back and third loop, your crochet piece becomes a bit tighter.

      Delete
  2. Thanks, Tatsiana...só well illustrated and explained...going to try it😀

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you! I use this tip very often and I am very satisfied with the result.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you! I will try this with Block #3.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Marvellous explanation!!! Thanks a lot, Tatsiana. I'm going to do another block 2

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would have never thought of that! Thank you for sharing that tip. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for clarifying this for us. I've tried that when I'm doing dc in back loop or tr, since I have trouble not stretching the stitch. I really appreciate you sharing information with us so we can better learn new techniques :) Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you so much for this explendid technique, I would have never thougt of that!👍🏼😊

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is *genius*! Thank you so much for sharing this little gem. I'm new to your blog. Love your mandala designs!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you. The back also looks so much cleaner this way.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I also would like to thank you for this tip. I will be using it in my next
    project.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Excellent tip thank you, it really does work!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Brilliant! I have had patterns that use this method for causing that line to stand out more, but going to try it today on my next Mandalay - your Joana mandala!

    ReplyDelete
  14. BuenIsimo el consejo !!!!!!!!!!
    Gracias !!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete

© LillaBjörn's Crochet World. Design by MangoBlogs.