Learn to Crochet – Lesson #5
June 19th, 2007 by HeatherSee all the posts in the Crochet School…
First of all, I apologize for not getting another pattern up last week. It was a crazy week for me, and in all honesty I forgot.
This week, we are going to learn about ribbing.
Ribbing is often used as a stretchy edging for clothing items, such as waistbands of pants (for babies / children) or the edge of a sweater. It is also used to create a bit of dimension in your projects.
Before we can learn about ribbing, there are two stitches that we must learn, front post double crochet (FPDC) and back post double crochet (BPDC). Front and back post stitches can be made from any type of basic crochet stitch, but are most often created with double or treble crochet stitches. Front post stitches will make a raised effect, while back post stitches will cause a recessed effect.
Here is an excellent video describing both stitches at nexstitch.com.
Another popular application for a combination of front and back post stitches is a basket weave pattern, where a series front and back posts are a carefully arranged to create a basket-like effect.
Another way to create ribbing is to work in only one of the loops on the top of the stitch. If you can recall, in previous lessons I’ve taught that when you are working your stitches into the row below, you will slip your hook under both loops of the stitch:
Look here to see how to work into only the front or back loops. By working all stitches into the front loops or back loops only, you will get a ribbed effect.
Patterns
FPDC and BPDC #1: Nooks & Crannies This square doesn’t have ribbing, but it does allow you to practice your FPDC and BPDC. There is a new stitch introduced (double treble) but I am sure you will be able to figure it out no problem 
Ribbing Method #2: Ribbed Dishcloth This pattern says to use cotton, you can use your acrylic yarn And the finished size stated on the pattern is 7.5″ x 7″. I would just repeat the rows until you reach a length of 7″, then bind off.
Basketweave: Basketweave Dishcloth This is another great pattern to practice your FPDC and BPDC, and also gives you an idea of what the basketweave pattern looks like. The final size isn’t stated in the pattern, so I am not sure it it will be 7″, it will probably be pretty close (most dishcloths are in my experience). Also, you can use worsted weight acrylic instead of cotton yarn.
If you are feeling up to it, and want to try ribbing with FPDC, then try this easy slipper pattern! Not a requirement for the lessons, but I wanted to put it out there if you finish early this week 
June 19th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Looking forward to trying out the new patterns, Heather
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June 20th, 2007 at 4:26 am
The ribbed dishcloth pattern turned out very nice for me. I like the ribbing effect.
June 20th, 2007 at 8:58 am
I actually really enjoyed the bag pattern from last week & forgot that you were going to post another. I modified it to make it a little bigger, and then got inspired to try a design of my own, which is about halfway finished already.
June 23rd, 2007 at 9:00 am
Love this !!! I have to post my bag pics on my blog !!! I havent posted anything yet as far as pics cant wait to get em up!
xox
Kitt
June 23rd, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Thank you for the great videos. I have been crocheting for about 30 years and really enjoy it. Recently I began helping a friend learn to crochet while on a trip out of town and due to schedule conflicts have not been able to continue. I have sent her the link to your site as the videos and instructions are excellent! Keep up the good work!
June 23rd, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Thank you for the great instructions and videos. I have been crocheting for about 30 years and really enjoy it. Recently I began helping a friend learn to crochet while on a trip out of town and due to schedule conflicts have not been able to continue. I have sent her the link to your site as the videos and instructions are excellent! Keep up the good work!
July 26th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Heather,
I have been wanting to learn to crochet. I flip through books, kits and magazines but was a little daunted. I came across your website, it’s fantastic, the videos from lesson 1 answered a lot of my confusion. You can bet I’ll be going to pick up some hooks and yarns and will be crocheting every spare minute this weekend. Thanks a Bunch!
December 4th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Hello,
This is from Lion Brand Claudette crochet pattern.
This part I understand Row 1: Double crochet in 4th chain from hook, *’;double crochet in next chain, 2 double crochet in next chain; repeat from * across.
This part I need your help with——Row 2: Chain 3, turn, double crochet in same space, *double crochet in next 2 double crochet, 2 double crochet in next double crochet; repeat from * across.
Thanks
vanessa
February 28th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Just googled this and wanted to make homemade wash and dishcloths! Thanks so much. I can’t wait to make cotton in any color I enjoy.
Easy directions too. Do you happen to have videos as well?