Alternating Front and Back Post Double Crochet

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure and privacy policy for details.

Front and back post double crochet stitches create wonderful ridges and texture, but have you ever tried alternating front and back post double crochet stitches in a set pattern?

The result is a stunning texture, perfect for blankets like this crochet blanket for boys!

I’ll walk you through this post stitch tutorial step by step, with plenty of tips to help you feel confident using it in any project.

A hand holds a small crocheted swatch next to a larger striped crocheted piece, with skeins of yarn nearby on a white surface.

Table of Contents

What is a Front Post or Back Post Double Crochet Stitch?

A front post or back post double crochet stitch is created by working around the post of the stitch from the row below, instead of working into the loops at the top as we would for a normal double crochet stitch.

If you’ve not worked these stitches before, make sure to read my front post and back post double crochet tutorial here, before we move onto creating this specific stitch pattern.

Front post double crochet is abbreviated to FPdc and a back post double crochet is a BPdc.

Step by Step Alternating Front and Back Post Double Crochet Tutorial

Supplies you’ll need

I used Amigo DK for the tutorial photos which is a lovely, category 3 (DK) weight yarn, but you can use any yarn that you like. If you’re a beginner I’d recommend using a category 4 weight yarn so you can see your stitches easily.

You’ll need a corresponding crochet hook for the yarn you choose. If you look at the ball band, it usually gives you the recommended hook size. The hook I’m using is a Dots hook from WeCrochet.

Here is a short description of how to make the post stitch pattern, followed by a more detailed explanation.

How to make the crochet alternating front and back post double crochet stitch –

chain a multiple of 4+1.
work a sc into the 2nd ch from the hook and each across, turn.
ch3 to start the next row.
work a dc in each st across, turn.
ch 3, *FPdc in next 2 sts.
dc in next 2 sts.
rep from * to last 3 sts, FPdc in next 2 sts, dc in last st, turn.
ch 3, *BPdc in next 2 sts.
dc in next 2 sts.
rep from * to last 3 sts, BPdc in next 2 sts, dc in last st, turn. Repeat steps 5-10 once more.
ch3, *dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn.
ch3, *dc in next 2 sts, BPdc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn. Rep steps 10-11 once more.
Steps 5-11 create the main set pattern.

And that’s it! It’s a lot easier than it looks too! Let’s have a look at some pictures!

1. Crochet chain stitch a multiple of 4+1

A person holds a crochet hook and yarn, starting a new chain next to a striped, partially finished project on a table, featuring alternating front and back post double crochet stitches.

2. work a sc (single crochet stitch) into the 2nd ch from the hook and each across, turn.

Hands are crocheting with a light blue and pink crochet hook, starting a row of beige yarn using alternating front and back post double crochet; a striped crocheted blanket and swatch are in the background.

3. ch3 to start the next row.

Hands holding a crochet hook and working with light-colored yarn next to a striped crocheted fabric in shades of brown, blue, and black featuring alternating front and back post double crochet stitches.

Step by Step Video Tutorial

Prefer to crochet along with me on video? Watch the tutorial below for a step by step tutorial on the alternating front and back post double crochet stitch:

4. work a dc in each st across, turn.

Hands holding a crochet hook and working beige yarn, demonstrating alternating front and back post double crochet; a striped crochet project in brown, blue, and cream rests on the table in the background.

Your finished dc row looks like this.

A person holds a small crocheted strip with both hands; a crochet hook and a larger striped crochet piece, featuring alternating front and back post double crochet, are on the table.

5. ch 3 to start the next row.

A person crocheting with a pink and blue crochet hook, working on a beige piece using alternating front and back post double crochet next to a striped crocheted fabric on a white surface.

Make a FPdc as follows: yo, insert hook around post from front to back to front again, yo, pull through a loop, yo, pull through 2, yo, pull through 2.

Hands holding a crochet hook and working with beige yarn in front of a striped crocheted fabric piece on a white surface, showcasing alternating front and back post double crochet stitches.

This is a completed FPdc.

Hands holding a crochet hook and yarn, working on a beige piece using alternating front and back post double crochet, next to a striped, crocheted fabric in brown, blue, and cream tones on a white surface.

Make 2 PFdc after your ch3.

Close-up of hands crocheting with a light blue and pink hook, working on a beige piece next to a striped crocheted fabric in shades of beige, blue, and dark gray using alternating front and back post double crochet stitches.

More textured crochet stitches to try

Lemon Peel Stitch – great for blankets and wearables
Twisted Cable Stitch – oodles of texture and interest for accessories in this one
Herringbone Moss Stitch – a modern take on the classic

6. dc in next 2 sts.

Two hands crochet with a blue and pink hook, working beige yarn in alternating front and back post double crochet. Nearby are a striped crocheted fabric piece and a small finished square in similar colors.

7. Repeat the last two steps to last 3 sts, FPdc in next 2 sts, dc in last st, turn.

Hands hold a small crocheted swatch made with alternating front and back post double crochet stitches and a crochet hook; a striped project and matching yarn rest in the background on a white surface.

8. ch3 to start next row.

Hands crocheting a piece of beige yarn with a pink and blue crochet hook, demonstrating alternating front and back post double crochet; a striped crocheted fabric is visible in the background.

BPdc in next 2 sts.

Hands holding a crochet hook and working with beige yarn, creating a striped crochet fabric using alternating front and back post double crochet, with a crochet swatch in the background.

9. dc in next 2 sts.

Hands crocheting with a pink and blue hook, working with beige yarn in alternating front and back post double crochet; a striped, crocheted fabric and a small swatch rest on a white surface.

10. rep last 2 steps to last 3 sts, BPdc in next 2 sts, dc in last st, turn. Repeat steps 5-10 once more.

Hands holding a beige crochet swatch with a crochet hook, showcasing alternating front and back post double crochet; a striped crochet blanket is partially visible in the background.

11. ch3, *dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn.

Hands are crocheting a piece of beige yarn with a pink and blue crochet hook, using alternating front and back post double crochet, next to a striped crochet blanket in brown, green, and beige tones.

12. ch3, *dc in next 2 sts, BPdc in next 2 sts, rep from * to last 3 sts, dc in last 3 sts, turn. Rep steps 10-11 once more.

A person holds a crochet swatch and hook, with a striped crochet project in beige, brown, and green on the table in the background, featuring alternating front and back post double crochet stitches.

13. Steps 5-11 create the main set pattern, which we can repeat as many times as desired.

A small crocheted swatch, made using alternating front and back post double crochet with two brown stripes and one beige stripe, lies on a white surface next to a striped crochet piece and two balls of yarn.

It’s really lovely, isn’t it!? Use this stitch pattern in blankets, cushions, scarves or even garments.

Top Tips for Crocheting the Alternating Front and Back Post Double Crochet Stitch

Be careful not to pull the stitches too tight, especially your foundation chain and the post stitches.
Count your stitches regularly to make sure you haven’t accidentally added or missed stitches. Watch out that you skip the correct number of stitches behind the front post double crochet and in front of the back post double crochet stitches.
The post stitches can feel quite awkward, and it can be tricky to get your hook in the right place to start, so take your time.
Make a decent sized sample to ensure you master the stitch before using it in a pattern. This will also enable you to see that the stitch pattern is coming out correctly.

Projects Using the Alternating Front and Back Post Double Crochet Stitch

A striped crochet blanket in shades of teal, black, beige, and brown draped over a cream armchair beside a plant and a lamp.

Loving this alternating front and back post double crochet stitch pattern? This crochet blanket for boys (and everybody else!) features this beautiful textured stitch and an easy border.

pattern coming soon!

A cream-colored blanket made with a thick crochet blanket pattern features geometric designs and lies on a bed beside a woven tray holding plants, candles, and a brown hat.

Or how about trying this thick crochet blanket pattern, which uses front post double crochet stitches in a different way?

ad-free pdf pattern

Next Steps in Your Crochet Journey

Now that you’ve mastered this textured stitch pattern, you really are well on your way to becoming a pro crocheter! I have a whole collection of free stitch tutorials and blanket patterns on my blog so just visit the links and see what you fancy making next.

The crossover stitch is one that I think you’ll really like!

Cover of a guide titled "Guide to Choosing and Combining Colours" by Hannah Cross, featuring a woman in a hat and colorful design splashes below.

Get your free guide!

Subscribe to get your free guide to choosing and combining colours!

Learn Some More Crochet Stitches With Me

Now that you’ve cracked the basics, it’s time to learn some more crochet stitch tutorials – here are some of my favourite beginner stitches:

35 Easy Crochet Stitches for Beginners

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning this alternating front and back post double crochet stitch pattern with me! I really hope you’ve caught the crochet bug and I’d love to share in your crochet journey with you! You can sign up to become a member of HanJan Crochet and I’ll let you know about all the fabulous crochet adventures, offers, lives and more too!

See you there!