How to Crochet the Front Post Double Crochet (Easy Tutorial & Washcloth Pattern)

Want to get straight to the dishcloth pattern?

If you’re ready to level up your crochet skills, it’s the perfect time to learn the front post double crochet stitch(fpdc). While this stitch may seem challenging at first, it’s actually a simple variation of the traditional double crochet.

The beauty of the front post double crochet is that it’s easy to learn, but it has the ability to make your work look more advanced. Whether you’re working on a cozy blanket, a scarf, or even a sweater, fpdc stitches give your project a beautiful, textured effect that’s perfect for creating ribbing, borders, or just some extra visual interest.

While I’ve done my best to simplify these steps, reading the instructions might make you feel like this stitch is too challenging for you. I encourage you to watch the video tutorial before you make that call. If you have mastered the double crochet, you can master this stitch!

See the Stitch in Action

FPDC stitches add beautiful texture to crochet projects. Alternating 3 double crochet stitches with fpdc stitches helped me to make one of my favorite blankets ever.

How to Front Post Double Crochet (FPDC)

Let me walk you through the steps for this stitch. After few tries, you’ll be looking for ways to add front post double crochets to your projects.

Step 1: Yarn over.

Step 2: Insert your hook beside the post and back out the front. To do this, insert your hook from the front to back of your project, behind the post of the stitch, and back out the front on the other side of the post.

Tip: The post of the stitch (the vertical part) should be sitting on top of your hook .

Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have 3 loops on your hook.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should have 2 loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.

You’ve just completed a fpdc!!

Here are the video instructions:

Now that you’ve learned how to make the fpdc, you’re ready to put this stitch to use! The fpdc is used in fun stitches like the waffle stitch and the alpine stitch. It’s also used to do ribbing and add texture.

Let’s grab some cotton yarn and make a washcloth/dishcloth so you can practice your new skill! I love making something useful as I master a new stitch.

Front Post Double Crochet Washcloth Pattern

Materials

• Hook Size: H/8 (5.50 mm)
• Approximately 100 yards of worsted weight yarn. If you’re making a dishcloth, use 100% cotton yarn. If you’re just making a swatch, any type of yarn will do.
• I used Dishie Cotton in the shade Lilac Mist (NOTE: this shade came across darker in photos than it looks in real life)
• Tapestry Needle & Scissors

Pattern Notes

• Finished squares measure approximately 8.5-9 inches square. 
• Ch 1 does not count as a stitch. 
• To adjust the size, chain a multiple of 4.
• This pattern uses US terms
• You can find a video tutorial for this stitch here. 
• Use #daisycottagedesigns to share your work with me on Instagram! I’d love to see it. 

If you prefer ad-free PDF patterns, you can purchase a printable copy on Etsy. 

Abbreviations

• ch – Chain 
• st – stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• fpdc – front post double crochet

Chain 32.

Row 1: dc in the second chain and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn. (31 dc)

Row 2: dc in the first 3 stitches. *fpdc in the next stitch, dc in the next 3 stitches* across. Ch 1, turn. (31 dc)

Row 3: dc in the first stitch and in each stitch across. (31 dc)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for a total of 18 rows. Proceed to border without cutting ends.

Border Pattern

Round 1: Single crochet evenly around the entire project, working 3 sc in each corner. Sl st to the top of the first stitch to join.

Other Project Ideas Using the Front Post Double Crochet

This textured stitch is incredibly versatile. If you’re hooked and want to try making something else with it, grab your favorite yarn and create one of these other projects.

I’ve given suggested size information below, but feel free to experiment. Remember, crocheting is an art, not a science!

• Dishtowel – I’d start with a chain of 52 and crochet until my towel was 18 inches long. 
• Scarf – alternating fpdc and traditional dc stitches would make the coziest scarf. I’d start with a chain of about 28 and work until my project was about 70 inches long.
• Blanket – good news! I’ve already written this pattern for you. You can find it here.

If you make one of these projects, be sure to work an even number of rows.

This stitch is eye-catching on its own, but it would look just as stunning with stripes!