Note: These tutorials use UK crochet terms for stitches. Where necessary, the US terms for stitches will be given in brackets the first time they’re mentioned, then the UK terms will be used from then on.

TFBL vs TBL in Crochet

In some crochet patterns, the instructions might tell you to work “TFBL”, “through front and back loops” or “through both loops”; conversely, they might tell you to work “TBL” or “through back loops only”. They might even tell you to alternate between the two.

So What Are They Talking About?

Let’s take a look at a row of double crochet (US single crochet) stitches. Looking at the top of each stitch, you will see there are two strands of yarn running almost parallel to each other. These are the “loops” that you’re working with:

Hands holding a row of blue double crochet stitches and a crochet hook. The loops on top of the stitches are accented by to wavy lines, labelled "Front loops" and "Back loops"

Learn how to make a double crochet stitch here.

So, to work through front and back loops (TFBL), when you make a new row of doubles into these stitches, put your hook under BOTH loops of the stitch in the previous row:

Hands working a crochet hook into a stitch of crochet under both of the top loops
Hands holding two loops of yarn and some rows of crochet on a crochet hook
A completed double crochet stitch with rows of crochet on a crochet hook

Usually, if a pattern doesn’t specify either way, you’ll probably be expected to work through both loops like this.

To work through back loops only (TBL), when making your new row of doubles, put your hook through ONLY the loop on the “wrong side” of the piece (the side that will be at the back/underneath/inside the piece):

Hands working a crochet hook into a stitch of crochet under only one of the top loops
Hands holding two loops of yarn and some rows of crochet on a crochet hook
Hands holding two rows of blue double crochet stitches and a crochet hook. Crocheting through back loops only has created a visible ridge in the crochet.

You’ll notice this produces a ridge on your piece of crochet, comprising of the unworked front loops from the previous row.

If you’re working in spiral rounds, the “wrong side” will usually be the one furthest away from you, and this will stay the same as you work. For working in back-and-forth rows, the loop on the “wrong side” will alternate between the loop closest to you and the loop furthest away from you, so keep an eye on which side is which, so the ridges are all on the same side.

Some rounds of blue crochet on a crochet hook

Spiral rounds

Hands working a crochet hook into a stitch of crochet under only one of the top loops. This top loop is labelled "Only through the loop furthest from you".
Hands working a crochet hook into a stitch of crochet under only one of the top loops. This top loop is labelled "Only through the loop closest to you".
Hands holding rows of blue double crochet stitches and a crochet hook. Crocheting through back loops only has created visible ridges in the crochet.

Back-and-forth rows

You can learn how to make the double crochet and other fundamental stitches here.

If you’ve got the hang of this, check out some guides for other useful crochet techniques here.

Got a question? Get in touch at koalamea.crafts@gmail.com.