Crochet Front Post Ribbing: A Simple Guide
Ribbing is a common feature in both knitting and crochet. It’s used to add stretch, structure, and a clean finish to edges. You’ll often see it on cuffs, hems, brims, waistbands, and necklines.
There are several ways to create ribbing in crochet. Some methods rely on working into specific loops for elasticity, while others use post stitches to build texture. In this post, we’ll briefly look at ribbing in general, then focus on crocheting front post ribbing - how it works, what it looks like, and when to use it.
If knitting is more your thing, take a look at our previous posts:
A Guide to Ribbing Techniques in Knitting and Crochet
Exploring the Art of Decorative Knitting Ribbing
Perfecting the Knitted Rib
What Is Ribbing?
Ribbing is a textured pattern made up of raised and recessed columns. It is usually created by repeating stitches in a way that encourages the fabric to stretch and recover or provide stability and prevent curling.
Ribbing is commonly used for:
- Sleeves and cuffs
- Hat brims
- Sock tops
- Sweater hems
- Decorative borders on blankets
Common Types of Crochet Ribbing
Some of the most popular crochet ribbing techniques include:
- Slip stitch ribbing – using the back loop, this is dense and very stretchy, often worked sideways, and closely resembles knitted ribbing
- Brioche style ribbing - very similar to slip stitch ribbing but also uses a Yarn Over Slip Stitch (see our previous post)
- Half treble or double crochet ribbing – another technique worked sideways and in the back loop, good for texture and stretch
- Post stitch ribbing – uses front post and/or back post stitches to form vertical ribs
Today, we’re focusing on front post ribbing, a clean and structured option that works well when you want defined texture.
What Is Front Post Ribbing?
Front post ribbing is created by working stitches around the post of a stitch from the previous row, rather than into the top loops. When worked consistently, this creates raised vertical columns that stand out clearly on the surface of the fabric.
Most commonly, front post ribbing is made by alternating:
- Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTR)
- Standard double or half treble crochet stitches worked between the post stitches
The contrast between raised and flat stitches forms the ribbed effect.
Steps to Crochet Front Post Ribbing
This technique most commonly uses treble crochet stitches worked as front post stitches, alternating with a half treble. I like to use the herringbone half treble (HBHTR) to reduce the gaps that can sometimes appear with a standard half treble. The post stitches are always worked around the treble stitches from the previous row, while the in-between stitch (here, the HBHTR) is worked into the top of the same stitch type from the previous row.
For a fully reversible fabric, alternate front post and back post trebles instead of the HBHTR. On the reverse side, work front post trebles around the previous row's back post stitches and back post around the front post.
A full step-by-step demonstration is available in our video.
Abbreviations used - All UK Terms:
TR – Treble crochet
HTR – Half treble crochet
HBHTR – Herringbone half treble crochet
FPTR – Front post treble
BPTR – Back post treble
Step 1: Create a Set-up Row
Whether working bottom up from a starting chain, or top down from a textured stitch, the first step is to create a foundation row. (If your piece is already made of solely treble stitches you can skip this step.) Our foundation row consists of alternating treble (TR) and herringbone half treble crochet stitches (HBHTR). This base row sets up the posts that you’ll work around in the next step.
(In our example we are using an odd number of stitches.)
- HTR in the first stitch (to add stability at the edge), then TR in the next stitch and HBHTR in the next. Continue to alternate TR, HBHTR along to the last 2 sts. Work one more TR then make a HTR in the last st.
Step 2: Identify the Post and Work a Front Post Treble (FPTR)
Look at the vertical part of the treble crochet stitch from the previous row. This is the post. Front post stitches are worked from the front of the fabric, inserting the hook around this post.
- Ch1 and HTR in the first edge stitch.
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the gap at the right of the treble post from front to back, then behind the post and back to the front at the other side of the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop, then complete the treble as usual.
- This stitch will pop forward, creating a raised column.
Step 3: Work a Herringbone Half Treble
- Insert your hook into the top of the next stitch as normal - ensure you have skipped the top of the treble that you just worked around - and work a HBHTR. This ensures the ribbing stays aligned and prevents accidental increases.
Step 4: Alternate Stitches to Form Ribbing
Continue alternating the front post treble with the HBHTR (or chosen stitch).
- 1 FPTR, 1 HBHTR.
- Repeat to the last 2 sts. Work one more FPTR then make a HTR in the last st.
Step 5: Work a Wrong Side Row - Back Post Treble (BPTR)
If working in the round, you can continue to simply add a FPTR to every treble and HBHTR in every herringbone half treble around. If working flat, we need to introduce just one more stitch - the back post treble.
- Ch1 and HTR in the first edge stitch.
- Yarn over, insert your hook into the gap at the right of the post this time from back to front, then around the front of the post, returning to the back at the other side of the post.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop, then complete the treble as usual.
- This stitch will be pulled backwards, continuing the raised vertical columns.
Step 6: Alternate Stitches to Form Ribbing
Continue alternating the back post treble with the HBHTR (or chosen stitch).
- 1 BPTR, 1 HBHTR
- Repeat to the last 2 sts. Work one more BPTR then make a HTR in the last st.
Step 7: Simply Repeat
Continue to work the right and wrong side rows as required, ensuring your front and back post trebles are worked around the previous row's treble post and the HBHTR is worked in the top of the previous row's HBHTR stitch.
Characteristics of Front Post Ribbing
Front post ribbing has a few clear qualities:
- Defined vertical texture – the ribs are bold and visible
- Structured feel – less floppy than some back loop-based ribbing
- Moderate stretch – stretches best horizontally
- Reversibility - Depending on the stitch sequence, it can look identical on both sides
- Great stitch definition – works well with solid or lightly textured yarns
Because of its structure, this type of ribbing is ideal when you want ribbing that holds its shape and is perfect worked sideways for button bands.
When to Use Front Post Ribbing
Front post ribbing works especially well for:
- Sweater hems and cuffs
- Cardigans and garments with vertical lines
- Edges that need to stay in place
- Projects where texture is a design feature
It may not be the best choice for very tight or highly elastic edges, but it excels when clean structure is the goal.
Tips for Success
- Go down a hook size for your ribbing.
- Practice on a small swatch - post stitches can feel tricky at first.
- Maintain even tension; post stitches can tighten up if pulled too hard.
- If your ribbing curls, add a row of single crochet at the edges for stability.
Final Notes
Front post ribbing is a versatile technique that adds stability and texture to crochet projects. Once you’re comfortable identifying stitch posts, the method becomes easy to adjust for different stitch counts and widths.
In future articles, we’ll explore other ribbing styles and how to choose the right one for your project.
FAQ's
Is front post ribbing stretchy?
Front post ribbing has moderate stretch, mainly across the width rather than the length. It is less elastic than slip stitch or back-loop-only ribbing, but it holds its shape well over time.
Can I use stitches other than treble crochet?
Yes. Although this tutorial uses treble crochet, front post ribbing can be worked with other stitch heights. Taller stitches will create deeper, more pronounced ribs.
Do I have to use herringbone half treble stitches between the ribs?
No. The HBHTR adds texture and definition, but it can be replaced with a standard half treble, double crochet, or another stitch depending on the look and density you want.
Why does my ribbing look uneven or wavy?
This usually happens when the top of a stitch is accidentally worked into instead of skipped, or when the wrong post is used. Checking stitch placement regularly helps keep the ribs aligned.
Should front post ribbing be blocked?
Light blocking can help even out tension, but heavy blocking may flatten the ribs. Gentle wet blocking or steam blocking is usually enough.
Is front post ribbing reversible?
It can be. Depending on the stitch used between the post stitches, the ribbing may look similar on both sides or have a more defined right side.
Can front post ribbing be worked in the round?
Yes. When working in the round, you can continue working front post stitches around the posts without needing back post stitches, as the right side of the fabric always faces you.
Is front post ribbing suitable for beginners?
Front post ribbing is suitable once you are comfortable identifying stitch posts. Practising on a small swatch before using it in a project is recommended.
How do I adjust front post ribbing for different widths?
You can adjust the width by adding or removing stitch repeats. Just ensure your stitch count works with your chosen repeat and that edge stitches remain consistent.
When should I avoid using front post ribbing?
Front post ribbing may not be ideal for areas that require high elasticity, such as tight sock cuffs, or for very lightweight yarns where stitch definition is less visible.