Do you want to enhance the texture of your basic crochet stitches in simple steps? Then crochet post stitches does the trick. With just your single-ended crochet hook you can create an enhanced look and texture. Crochet post stitches are basic crochet stitches made in a different location than regular stitches. Easy to learn and versatile to use, post stitches can be used to create highly textured fabric, add unique decorative details and strengthen the functionality for projects such as hat brims. They are definitely a technique worth mastering. What’s wonderful is that is only basic crochet stitches and the trick is all about the location. Let’s take a look at the guide to crochet post stitches. Get your favorite crochet hooks and let’s get started.
What are Crochet Post Stitches?
Well, post stitches are basic crochet stitches but made in a different location. Instead of the regular loops at the top of the stitch on the previous row/ round or the chain they are worked through a "post" of another stitch in the previous row or round. For post stitches, insert the crochet hook into an empty space, not a loop, and work around the post of the stitch. You may crochet into both loops or into just the front loop (FLO) or just the back loop (BLO) of the post of the crochet stitch.
What you’ll need to work on crochet post stitches?
Crochet Hooks - Given the careful placement of your crochet hooks, it’s recommended to choose crochet hooks that you are comfortable with. Zing with its vibrant colors and smooth aluminium is a good choice. Waves 2.0 are ergonomic designs with rubber handles that fit in the hands. If you prefer wood or bamboo, you have options such as Ginger and Dreamz. If you are a proud owner of Tunisian crochet hooks or even a crochet hook set, you can explore all kinds of projects.
Yarn – Choose any yarn according to your project requirements. For practice, a dk-weight or worsted-weight yarn is perfect.
Accessories – Keep stitch markers, wool needles, repair hook and measuring tapes handy.
Types of Crochet Post Stitches
Crochet post stitches can be any basic stitch single, double, half crochet or even treble stitches (US terms) that are known as double, half treble and treble crochet stitches. Our guide on UK vs. US crochet terminology will assist you in learning about this subject in detail.
The double crochet (US terms) is by far a very common stitch to use for post stitches, but it’s not the only one that you can use. For post stitches, taller stitches are preferred as shorter stitches are more difficult to use for their challenging placement. If you know how to dc then you can make a dc post stitch and also explore two options: a front post double crochet (FPDC) or a back post double crochet (BPDC).
Front Post vs. Back Post Crochet
For post stitches in crochet there are two different directions you can go, creating either "front post" or "back post" stitches. The difference is in the direction of the crochet project; RS (right side) or WS (wrong side) where you insert the hook around the post. Front post and back posts are similar to FLO and BLO. Our blog on how to crochet in front and back loops only will help you learn more on the subject.
Front Post Crochet
Insert the crochet hook from the front of your work to the back and make a post stitch. To make it easy to remember, when you first insert your hook, the post that you want to crochet around should be sitting right in the "front" of your hook.
Back Post Crochet
Insert the crochet hook from the back of the work towards the front of the work and work on the post stitch. The trick to remember the stitch is when you first insert your hook, the post that you want to crochet around should be sitting in the "back" of your hook.
Increasing and Decreasing Post Stitches
Like all basic crochet stitches, a pattern may instruct to increase or decrease crochet post stitches. Sounds challenging? Well, not that much. Just remember that you're doing the same thing as with a normal stitch only placing it in a different location.
Where to Use Crochet Post Stitches?
Crochet post stitches are more textured fabric than traditional stitches. The dense fabric created works beautifully for various kinds of projects. Be it a dishcloth or a sweater, the stitch technique adds to the visual appeal and feel.
Some of the types of techniques that use post stitches include:
Vertical Ribbing- When you alternate front post and back post stitches across the row, you create a fabric with thick vertical ribbing, richly textured and cushy. It’s a good fit for cozy cushions, blankets and warm winter wear.
Basketweave Stitch - Using alternate front and back post stitches with alternating placement, you can create the desired basketweave pattern. Refer to our blog on how to crochet a basketweave stitch pattern for a blanket project.
Crochet Cables - Post stitches in crochet create intricate textures that crisscross each other to create a beautiful cable work design.
Crocodile Stitch – Creating a unique texture of scaled design, post stitches in crochet are worked up and down. This interesting stitch technique deserves its own chapter which we’ll cover another time.
Now that you’ve mastered crochet post stitches, all that you’ve to do is pick up a crochet hook and work on the beautiful textured designs. Our blog on creating different textures with crochet will guide you through.
