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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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Happy crocheting,