I’m so excited to share with you this free crochet tutorial for working into the back bump of a chain! When I first learned to crochet, I was taught by a more traditional teacher and did not learn to work into the back bump of the chain. Once I learned this simple technique I’ve never stopped using it! The perfectionist in me absolutely loves this technique because it gives a beautifully finished edge at the beginning of your crochet. Bonus, it also matches the top of your crochet piece too!
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Tutorial Details
For this tutorial I’m using Brava Worsted Weight yarn in the colorway Silver. This is a great yarn for practicing stitches. It is sturdy enough to show great stitch definition, but soft and flexible enough to glide easily through the hook. I’ve saved this skein just for practicing stitches and it has held up super well to lots of frogging!
Whenever I’m practicing a new stitch, I like to use a hook that’s super comfortable in my hand. No sense fighting the hook while you’re perfecting your stitches. I love wooden hooks and the Furls Streamline hooks are a favorite and are priced fairly reasonably. For this tutorial I’m using one of my most beloved hooks, Furls Alpha Series. They are my absolute favorite and an extra special treat! For this tutorial, I used a US J-10 (6.0mm) hook.
Working into the back bump can be substituted for working into the chain in almost any pattern. However, not all patterns start with a chain. Please be sure to read all directions carefully when you’re working a pattern as another starting method may be important to the construction of the piece.
Working into the Back Bump
Working into the back bump of a chain can be done at the beginning to most projects as a substitute for the traditional way. Any stitch can be worked into the back bump of a chain and all stitches are worked into the back bump using the same technique.
Photo Tutorial
To practice, I recommend starting with a shorter chain of 10-15 chains. Long chains can get twisty and cumbersome. Best to make a short chain several times to practice rather than getting frustrated by a longer chain. Be sure you work into the 2nd chain from the hook for single and half double crochet stitches, and work into the 3rd chain from the hook for double crochet stitches. Work whatever stitch you’re most comfortable with when working into the back bumps. Also, be sure to chain loosely. If you find that you have difficulty keeping your chain loose, go up a hook size to work your chain, then go back to your original hook to work into the chain.
Video Tutorial
Now that you’ve learned to work into the back bump of a chain, you can go crazy, working it in almost any project you crochet! Working into the back bump is also part of the technique used to work Tunisian Crochet. If you’ve always wanted to learn Tunisian crochet, congratulations, you’ve started! While working into the back bump isn’t always required for patterns, sometimes it is. Be sure to read all instructions carefully. Check out my many patterns featuring this stitch to use this stitch again and again!
Patterns
Ellery Hat – Tier 3
This pattern starts working the brim in the back bump to create a seamless looking brim. Designed for Hat Not Hate, this pattern is perfect for donating. With two sizes and lots of customization options it’s also perfect for selling at craft markets or giving as gifts!
Tamzin Hat – Tier 3
This classic, unisex hat pattern uses working in the back bump to create a seamless looking brim. Designed for the Crochet Cancer Challenge, this pattern is perfect for donating. This pattern includes adult and child sizes so you can make one for the whole family!
Popcorn Stitch Cozy – Tier 1
If you’re looking for a quick project to practice working in the back bump, the Popcorn Stitch Cozy is the perfect pattern. This pattern uses working in the back bump to create a decorative seam adding the perfect detail to this totally textured cozy!
Tunisian Crochet Patterns
Beginner Tunisian Necklace – Tier 1
The perfect beginner Tunisian Crochet project, this necklace will expand your skills of working into the back bump of the chain and teaches you Tunisian crochet! This unique, speedy pattern will make you a Tunisian crochet pro in no time!
Beginner Tunisian Bracelet – Tier 1
Matchy-matchy! I love a good set. Just like the Beginner Tunisian Necklace, this pattern will teach you Tunisian crochet if a fun, modern, stylist project!
All of the links above will take you to my Ravelry shop. If you’d like to shop my patterns on Etsy, shop here!
Read more about my tiered pattern system here!
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