What Does BLO Mean in Crochet

Crochet is full of abbreviations and codes. In the beginning, it can be overwhelming, but once you get to know them, you will find yourself using them like a total pro that you are!

BLO is one of those abbreviations in crochet that at first might throw you off, but fear not! Let’s learn what does BLO mean in crochet.

What is a BLO in crochet

BLO in crochet means Back Loop Only. When we talk about Back Loop Only, it means that when we begin a stitch we insert the hook under the back loop out of the two loops you usually see at the top of each stitch. There is also a sister stitch of BLO, an FLO, which means Front Loop Only. Back Loop Only is one of the basic stitches you will find yourself using all the time once you get the hang of it.

Let’s look into this BLO situation a bit more. When you look at a chain or crochet stitch from the top side, you see these V’s, almost like a braid. Those Vs are 2 loops that are being created at the top of almost every stitch.

When we insert a crochet hook to start a new stitch, we have several places where it can go.

• Under both top loops is your most regular place, this is the place most of the standard and especially beginner patterns will have. Since this is the most standard place, it’s implied and you will almost never see pattern mentioning it.
• Between and around the stitches is a more advanced location and it creates a very textured crochet fabric. These stitches get wrapped around the body of the stitch and are called Post Stitches, like FP (front post) and BP (back post)
• Under one of the loops of the top V. Since there are two loops, you can start either under the front one (FLO stitches) or the back one (BLO stitches).

Why insert the crochet hook under one loop only, you’d ask.

Even though it might seem like starting a stitch by inserting under one loop or both should be the same thing, it actually is not. By starting the stitch under just one loop, for example, the Back Loop Only, you create a different texture, different look to the crochet fabric.

When you use BLO stitch, the other, unused loop creates a horizontal bar on the other side of the fabric that is really reminiscent of the knitted stitch, that ribbed fabric you get with purl one/knit one.

Things to know about BLO

I must note that BLO is a variety of stitch, but not a single stitch. BLO technique can be used with a variety of basic crochet stitches you might already use all the time.

There is SLST BLO, or slip stitch in back loop only, which gives you a nice braided detail while keeping a low profile in height.

There is SC BLO, or single crochet in back loop only, which creates a total knitted ‘purl one/knit one’ kind of look.

There is also HDC BLO, or half double crochet back loop only that creates a braid kind of look because of its third loop.

There is DC BLO, or double crochet back loop only with a great horizontal line detail to add some interest to your crochet piece.

And of course, each of these stitches can also be done as a BLO crochet in the round.

FLO stitches are similar to BLO stitches an are done through the front loop of the stitch instead of the back loop of the stitch.

With all these different back loop crochet stitches, you can use this technique in so many fun ways.

What can you make with BLO stitch

With an SC BLO, you can totally fake a knitted 1×1 fabric and make crochet patterns like a beanie, a scarf, or a blanket and everyone will think you knitted it.

With an HDC BLO, you can create a fabric that looks like a ribbing that can be used on the tops of the gloves, ends of sleeves, and brims of the hats.

With DC BLO, you can create a really pretty crochet fabric with horizontal ridges running across.

When you use crochet in the back loop only in the round, like a cowl, beanie, or even a coffee cup cozy, you can create a really cool braided ridge effect.

Here is how to crochet BLO stitch

SL ST BLO (Slip Stitch Back Loop Only) crochet:

Insert your hook (front to back) under the back loop of the next stitch, yarn over and pull through both loop of the stitch and loop on the hook.

SC BLO (Single Crochet Back Loop Only) crochet:

Insert your hook (front to back) under the back loop of the next stitch, yarn over, and pull through a loop.

You now have 2 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull the yarn through both of these loops.

HDC BLO (Half Double Crochet Back Loop Only) crochet:

Yarn over and insert your hook (front to back) under the back loop of the next stitch, yarn over and pull through a loop.

You now have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull the yarn through all three loops at the same time.

DC BLO (Double Crochet Back Loop Only) crochet:

Yarn over and insert your hook (front to back) under the back loop of the next stitch, yarn over and pull through a loop.

You now have 3 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull yarn through first 2 loops. You now have 2 loops on your hook.

Yarn over and pull the yarn through both of these loops.

Here is great video tutorial to help you see BLO in action. In this case, it’s SC BLO or Single Crochet Back Loop Only stitch:

Here are some examples of BLO stitches used in the crochet designs.

Slip Stitch BLO:

Half Double Crochet BLO:

Half Double Crochet in FLO:

Back Loop Only HDC stitch is a great stitch to use in a variety of projects. If gives your project a nice textured details by forming little ridges that run across the fabric, works great in creating knit-like ribbing for the flexible fabric you need in your hats and sweaters, and is really simple to make. You can practice this stitch by finding free patterns online and following the step. In no time you will find yourself using this stitch more and more.

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