How To Make A Front Post Double Crochet Stitch (fpdc)

The Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) stitch is a versatile technique that adds texture and dimension to your crochet projects. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, mastering the FPDC stitch is a valuable skill to have in your repertoire.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating the FPDC stitch, providing you with clear instructions and helpful tips along the way.

It may sound complicated, but don’t let that scare you! If you can make a double crochet stitch, you can easily make a front post double crochet stitch as well. The only difference between the two is where you initially begin the stitch.

Get ready to add more details to your crochet creations with the beautiful FPDC stitch!

What is a Front Post Double Crochet Stitch?

The front post double stitch is almost the same as the basic double crochet stitch with one exception and that is where the stitch starts.

With the dc stitch, you start by inserting the crochet hook into the top of a stitch. However, with the front post dc, you insert the hook into the ‘post’ part of a double stitch from the row below.

This makes the post of the stitch pushed forward, creating a more three dimensional texture in your work.

The abbreviation for Front Post Double Crochet stitch is fpdc.

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What is the Post of a Double Crochet Stitch?

The post part of the double crochet is the tall, vertical part of the stitch underneath the top. This is the area you will work your fpdc stitch around instead of inserting the hook into the top.

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Making the FPDC Stitch (Step by Step)

This tutorial teaches you how to work this stitch if you are right handed.

In order to show you how to work a fpdc, I have to begin with a row of double crochet stitches. Technically, these are not a part of the actual stitch, but they are necessary as you have to work into these stitches.

Note: I also worked a double crochet into the first stitch and each one in between the fpdc stitches. This will make the fpdc stitches easier to see.

To begin, crochet a chain and then a row of double crochet stitches.

If you need a refresher on these crochet stitches, see our guides for making a slip knot, chain of stitches and double crochets.

1. Yarn Over

Begin your fpdc the same way as a regular dc, with a Yarn Over. (Grab the working yarn with the crochet hook, from front to back.)

2. Insert Crochet Hook Under Post

Next, you will take the hook and insert it under the post of the double stitch from the row below and push it through on the other side (left to right).

3. Yarn Over a Second Time

With your crochet hook, grab the working yarn in a second Yarn Over from front to back.

4. Pull Yarn Through the Stitch

Now, pull the hook with the yarn backwards through the double stitch. This will leave you with three loops on the hook.

5. Yarn Over a Third Time

Once again, pass your hook under the yarn from front to back and grab a loop. This is the third yarn over.

6. Pull Yarn Through

Then, pull the yarn backwards through only two of the loops on your hook. This should leave you with two more loops.

7. Yarn Over a Fourth Time

Once more, grab the working yarn in a yarn over with your hook.

8. Pull Yarn Through the Last Loops

Finally, pull your yarn backwards through the remaining two loops that are left on your hook. You should now have only one loop on the hook.

This completes the Front Post Double Crochet stitch.

In this photo, you can clearly see the fpdc stitches are pushed forward and the regular double crochets in between are further back.

As you can probably see by now, the steps for making a front post double crochet stitch are exactly the same as for a standard double crochet stitch. The only difference is that you change where you begin the stitch by inserting the hook into the tall vertical post of the stitch instead of in the top hole.

See the entire stitch tutorial, including a slow-motion tutorial, in our YouTube video below:

What is a Back Post Double Crochet?

The bpdc is the same as the fpdc but instead of placing the hook under the post from the front, you insert the hook under the post from the back of the work.

Be sure to Pin This tutorial for later when you need to know how to make a front post double crochet stitch!