Stitch Swatch Sampler Swatches 4 and 5: Single Crochet in Back and Front Loop

I didn't get last week's swatch post up, so I decided to include it with this week's post.  The two stitches are related...each involves inserting the hook into only one strand of the stitch of the previous row.  If you haven't done this before, start your swatch; after the first row, look at the tops of the stitches of the row you have just completed.  At the top of each stitch are two strands that look like a sideways "V".  When crocheting into the back loop, always insert your hook under the back strand, the one farthest from you, and when crocheting into the front loop, insert it under the front strand, the one closest to you.  Do this the same way on every row to work these patterns.

SWATCH 4:  SINGLE CROCHET IN BACK LOOP

This stitch creates a ridged effect, somewhat like knitted rib.  It is often used for ribbed edgings on sweaters.  Usually it is crocheted from side to side of the garment, so the ribs are oriented vertically.

Ch 15 (Multiple of 1 + 2 turning chains)

Row 1:  Sc in 3rd ch from hook and in next 12 chs.  13 sts.  Turn work.

Row 2:  Ch 1; sc in BL of each st across.  Turn work.

Rep Row 2  13 times more, until you have 15 rows total.

Abbreviations:  Ch(s)  Chain(s)     sc  single crochet    BL  back loop     st  stitch     Rep  repeat

See Single Crochet Pro Tips in Single Crochet Swatch instructions.

SWATCH 5:  SINGLE CROCHET IN FRONT LOOP

This stitch surprised me!  I had assumed that crocheting in the front loop on every row would create the exact same effect as crocheting in the back loop, but I was wrong…the fabric is totally different.  Single crochet in the back loop creates a very textured ridged fabric…a kind of corrugated effect.  Single crochet in the front loop creates a smooth, flat fabric with horizontal lines.  Quite a pretty look, but not at all what I was expecting!

Ch 15 (Multiple of 1 + 2 turning chains)

Row 1:  Sc in 3rd ch from hook and in next 12 chs.  13 sts.  Turn work.

Row 2:  Ch 1; sc in FL of each st across.  Turn work.

Rep Row 2  10 times more, until you have 12 rows total.

See Single Crochet Pro Tips in Single Crochet Swatch instructions.