How to Change From Row 1 to Row 2 in a Post Stitch in Crochet

Beginning with light-colored, worsted yarn will make stitching easier.

Creating a smooth transition from the first row of stitches to the second is a valuable technique for a crocheter who is interested in learning the basic stitches associated with clothing construction. The most common use for post stitches is to add a crocheted ribbing around the edge of a sweater or hat. However, these textural stitches also sculpt elaborate cables in more advanced applications.

Instructions

Row One: Setting Up

1. Chain twelve. Make a double crochet in the fourth chain from your hook.

2. Crochet one double crochet in each of the remaining eight chains. Counting the three skipped chains, you should have ten double crochets.

3. Chain three and turn your work horizontally to the left. The long side of your crocheted piece should be at the top.

Row Two: Turning Chain and Front Post Double Crochet

1. Skip the first stitch on the last row. Yarn over and insert your hook to the right of the post of the next double crochet on the last row.

2. Wrap your hook around the post of the double crochet, working the head of your hook to the front of the stitches.

3. Grab the yarn with your hook and pull a third loop onto your hook from behind the double crochet's post.

4. Complete the double crochet stitch. Your first front-post double crochet is finished.

Row Two: Back Post Double Crochet

1. Wrap your yarn over your hook.

2. Place your hook behind the next double crochet on the last row.

3. Insert your hook to the right of the double crochet's post.

4. Wrap your hook around the post of the double crochet, working the head of your hook to the back of the stitches.

5. Grab the yarn with your hook and pull a third loop onto your hook from the front of the double crochet's post.

6. Complete the double crochet stitch. This is the back post double crochet.

7. Alternate between front and back post double crochet up to the last stitch of the row.

8. Make one double crochet in the last stitch to complete the row. You should have four front post double crochet, four back post double crochet, and two regular double crochets.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions are written for right-handed crocheters. If you are left-handed, simply substitute "left" for "right" and "right" for "left."

• These instructions do not cover post stitching in rounds.

• These instructions assume that your pattern equates a turning chain with your first stitch and that the first and last stitches of your pattern's row are not post stitches. A different technique is required if either of those assumptions do not apply to your pattern.

• These instructions require you to know how to chain and double crochet.

References

• Crochet: Front Post Double Crochet
• Crochet: Back Post Double Crochet