Glossary / Back loop only
bloBack loop only
Working into just the back loop of a stitch, leaving a ridge on the front.
How to work it
Every stitch has two top loops that look like a V. Instead of inserting your hook under both, slip it under only the back loop, the one farther from you, and work the stitch as usual. The unworked front loop stays visible as a horizontal ridge, which makes stretchy ribbing for cuffs and defines crisp fold lines in bags and baskets. Its mirror, front loop only (flo), works the same way with the near loop.
Common confusions
What does blo mean?
In crochet patterns, blo means Back loop only. Working into just the back loop of a stitch, leaving a ridge on the front.
Which loop is the back loop?
The far half of the V at the top of the stitch, the one further from you as you look down at your work. It is defined by where you are sitting, not by which side of the finished piece will show, so turning the work does not change the instruction.
What is the ridge blo leaves for?
The unused front loop stays visible as a horizontal line. Patterns use it deliberately: rows of blo make stretchy ribbing for cuffs and hat brims, and a single blo round marks a crisp fold line on baskets, bags, and amigurumi bases.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Back loop only | blo |
| Español | Solo hebra trasera | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Nur hinteres Maschenglied | hMg |
| Français | Brin arrière seulement | no standard code |
| Italiano | Solo asola posteriore | no standard code |
| 日本語 | すじ編み（向こう側の半目） | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
Get Worsted