Crochet FLO BLO And 3rd Loop FAQs

This might seem like a new crochet language, but truly, it’s not. Acronyms or abbreviations make patterns so much quicker and easier to write. If you don’t know what they mean, it takes a little learning, but it’s really not that hard. Basically, crochet FLO BLO and 3rd loop are all slightly different locations where you can place your hook to form a stitch. Each one gives a different look to your crochet fabric as it pushes the stitches already worked to one or the other side of the fabric.

Because abbreviations are the way to go in pattern writing, there’s always a list of those terms used within each pattern (or there should be). If you come across a pattern that doesn’t have an abbreviations list, it’s likely not been written by a professional crocheter. So, let’s take a look at a few common questions about FLO and BLO. We’ll tackle 3rd loop in a little bit.

What is FLO in crochet?

FLO in crochet means Front Loop Only. This might not be immediately useful to you, but it will become clearer once you see this in the picture below. 

What does BLO mean in crochet?

BLO in crochet means Back Loop Only. See the image below for the positions of FLO and BLO.

Which loops are the front loops?

The front loop is the leg of the top V that is closest to you as you work. This means that the back loop is the leg of the top V that is farthest away from you as you work along the row. The front loops and back loops switch names once you turn to work along the next row. What was the front becomes the back, and vice versa.

What’s the difference between back and front loop crochet?

Working into the back loop along a row means that the front loop of the row you’re working into stands out as a line along the side of the work facing you. Working into the front loops makes the back loop line along the row you’re working into stand out away from you. You’ll often find that this technique of alternating rows of FLO and BLO is used as ribbing or cuffs. It’s another way to create lines and texture in crochet.

How do you crochet front and back loops?

Instead of working under both loops of the top V, you can work into one or the other (front or back loop of each V) along the row or alternate your hook placement. Just follow the instructions of whatever is called for in the pattern.

Here’s a video of crocheting FLO. You’ll see that you insert your hook under only the front loop from the bottom upward so your hook comes out between the front and back loops, splitting the top V. 

This video shows how to crochet BLO. Here, your hook goes from the center of the top V downward and out behind your work catching only the back loop.

Does the loop on your crochet hook count as a stitch?

No – the loop already on your crochet hook (the working loop) is NEVER counted as a stitch, no matter which crochet stitch you’re working.

Do you crochet through both loops or just one?

Unless stated otherwise in the pattern (e.g., FLO, BLO, post, 3rd loop, between), all crochet stitches call for you to work under both loops of the top V. It’s only when the pattern tells you specifically to work into, between, or around some other part of the stitch that you change where you place your hook to begin your stitch.

What is the front loop on a crochet chain?

Since there are always stacked Vs along the top of your crochet piece, you can assume that the V should sit on the top of the crochet chain with the bump sitting underneath. As above, this would make the leg of the V nearest to you the front loop.

But, in order to get a nice neat line of Vs on the beginning edge of your work, I like to flip the chain over and work my first row of stitches into the back bumps of the crochet chain.

But what’s the 3rd loop?

The 3rd loop only appears in half double crochet stitches. Once you complete a half double crochet stitch, flip your work around and check out the back side of the stitch. Just below the top V, you’ll see a bar or 3rd loop. Half double crochet is the only crochet stitch that has this obvious horizontal bar directly below the top V.

For more information on these interesting crochet stitch techniques, check out this post on crochet stitch anatomy. In addition to BLO, FLO, and 3rd loop, you’ll also find information about crochet post stitches which you need for working crochet cables.

I hope you’ve found this crochet FLO BLO and 3rd Loop FAQ post useful!

If you need more information about crochet stitches or terminology, check out our page of crochet definitions.

Scroll a little way down this page for common crochet techniques.

And, if you want to search for a specific video, then try my Marly Bird YouTube channel.

Happy Crocheting!