BLO & FLO Crochet – What Does It Actually Mean?

When you see BLO or FLO in a crochet pattern, it simply means:
you do not work into both loops of the stitch, but only into one... 

At the top of most crochet stitches, you'll see a small "V" shape.
This "V" consists of two loops:

• Front Loop – the loop closer to you

• Back Loop – the loop further away from you

And here's the key:

✅ FLO (Front Loop Only) = work into the front loop only
✅ BLO (Back Loop Only) = work into the back loop only

Using just one loop completely changes the look and structure of your crochet fabric.

👀 Why Use BLO or FLO?

BLO and FLO are not decorative gimmicks – they are powerful shaping and texture techniques.

They help you create:

• Ribs and elastic edges (classic: BLO single crochet)

• Visible lines and ridges in your fabric

• More flexibility and stretch

• Clean fold lines (perfect for bag bases or edges)

• 3D texture effects with very simple stitches

In short:
You crochet the same stitch – but the result looks like a design feature.

🧭 How to Identify the Front and Back Loop

Imagine the top of your stitch as a small "V":

• The loop closer to you → Front Loop (FLO)

• The loop further away → Back Loop (BLO)

💡 Quick tip:
If you slightly tilt your work toward yourself, the back loop is often easier to see.

🧶 Step by Step: How to Crochet BLO (Back Loop Only)

Let's use single crochet (UK: double crochet) as an example.

1. Crochet up to the next stitch.

2. Look at the "V" on top of the stitch.

3. Insert your hook only under the back loop.

4. Complete the stitch as usual.

✅ Result: Clear ridges on the front of your work.

🧶 Step by Step: How to Crochet FLO (Front Loop Only)

Same idea, different loop:

1. Crochet up to the next stitch.

2. Identify the two loops on top.

3. Insert your hook only under the front loop.

4. Finish the stitch normally.

✅ Result: The ridge appears on the back side, while the front stays smoother.

💡 When to Use BLO and FLO  

✅ BLO is perfect for:

• Ribbed cuffs, hems and brims

• Beanies and headbands

• Elastic edges on garments

• Creating a knit-like texture with crochet

✅ FLO works well for:

• Creating fold lines (e.g. bag base to sides)

• Decorative horizontal lines

• Patterns where the front should stay calm and clean

⚠️ Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

1) "I can't see the loops clearly!"
→ Use a smooth, light-coloured yarn for practice. Cotton is ideal.

2) "My piece looks narrower or tighter."
→ BLO/FLO can make fabric more elastic.
✔ Try a slightly larger hook or make a small swatch first.

3) "I accidentally caught both loops."
→ Happens to everyone.
✔ Quick check before pulling through: Is only one loop on the hook? Perfect.

🧪 A 3-Minute Practice Swatch

To really feel the difference:

1. Chain 21

2. Work 20 single crochets

3. From row 2 onwards: single crochet in BLO only

4. After a few rows, the ribbing will be clearly visible

That's usually the "aha!" moment 😊

🧩 How BLO & FLO Appear in Patterns

You'll often see instructions like:

• "sc in BLO"

• "hdc FLO"

• "work in back loop only"

💡 Important:
If nothing is specified, you usually work through both loops.

👉 My Conclusion

BLO and FLO are small techniques with a big impact.
You're still using basic stitches – but you gain structure, flexibility and clean lines.

Grab a small yarn scrap today and try a BLO swatch.
You'll be surprised how much texture you can create with such a simple change. 

#crochettips #crochettechniques #blo #flo #backlooponly #frontlooponly

Sometimes, one loop makes all the difference. 

With love,
Kathrin 🌸

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