Glossary / Front loop only
floFront loop only
Working under the near loop of a stitch, leaving a ridge on the back.
How to work it
The top of every crochet stitch is a V made of two loops. Instead of going under both, insert your hook under the front loop only, the one nearest you, and work the stitch as normal. The untouched back loop shows as a horizontal ridge on the reverse. Front loop only makes crisp fold lines, adds stretch, and is the standard way to work the base round of an amigurumi brim or a folded hat edge.
Common confusions
What does flo mean?
In crochet patterns, flo means Front loop only. Working under the near loop of a stitch, leaving a ridge on the back.
Which loop is the front loop?
The one closest to you as you look down at your work, not the one closest to the front of the finished garment. Hold the piece the way you crochet it and the front loop is the near half of the V. Turning the work over does not change the instruction; the pattern always means the loop nearest you at that moment.
Why does flo fabric come out stretchier and shorter?
Because only half of each stitch top is being anchored, the fabric has more give and each row sits a little lower. That is the point when a pattern uses flo for ribbing or a fold, but it means you should not swap flo for both loops without re-checking your gauge.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Front loop only | flo |
| Español | Solo hebra delantera | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Nur vorderes Maschenglied | vMg |
| Français | Brin avant seulement | no standard code |
| Italiano | Solo asola anteriore | no standard code |
| 日本語 | うね編み（手前側の半目） | 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