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How to Crochet into the Back Bumps of a Chain

Link easily to this tutorial in your patterns: www.planetjune.com/backbumps

Crochet patterns will often tell you to work into the ‘back bumps’ of the starting (foundation) chain. But what are the back bumps? Let me explain…

If you look at the front of a crocheted chain, you’ll see it looks like a row of V shapes:

the front of a crocheted chain, showing the V shapes

Flip the chain over and you’ll see a bump at the back of each chain stitch:

the back of a crocheted chain, showing the line of back bumps

To work into the back bumps of a starting chain, simply turn the chain over so you can see the bumps instead of the Vs on the front, then insert your hook under the next bump to begin each stitch.

The result is a neat edge across the bottom of the work, with a row of Vs visible (from the front of the chain) that matches the top edge of your work.

You can see the technique in action (with my tips on how to make sure you’re starting from the correct back bump) in the videos below:

Video Tutorial (right-handed)

Video Tutorial (left-handed)

Note: The videos may look a little small embedded in the blog: if so, you can fullscreen them or click through to YouTube (links: right-handed; left-handed) to watch them full-sized 🙂

Why Crochet into the Back Bumps?

As well as making a neat edge for scarves, blankets, etc with a straight bottom edge, this is also a great technique to use when making amigurumi, appliques and other crocheted pieces that use chains to make small details.

examples of PlanetJune crochet patterns that make use of crocheting into the back bumps of chains

You can find crocheting into the back bumps of chains in lots of my PlanetJune patterns, for example Cephalopod tentacles, Snow Star snowflakes, Iguana toes and spikes, Maple Leaves.


The Essential Guide to Amigurumi book by June Gilbank

Loved this tutorial? I have so many more amigurumi tips and tricks to share with you!

Boost your amigurumi skills with my latest book, The Essential Guide to Amigurumi, your comprehensive guide to amigurumi techniques and tips.


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See more helpful PlanetJune crochet tips and technique tutorials

4 Comments »

  1. Lesley Innes said

    Recently purchased the Baby Cephalopod Collection 1 pattern after making the Prem Baby Octopus because I wanted a more realistic Octopus. Excellent pattern well written and easy to follow. Whenever I am looking for an Amigurumi pattern that is more realistic and accurate I know it will always be available on Planet June and it will be technically correct and a pleasure to make.
    Thank you June.

    • June said

      Aww, thank you so much for this review, Lesley! I’m so glad you enjoyed my octopus 🙂

  2. Rheata said

    Thank you. Thank you for sharing. The sample looks beautiful!
    From An elderly grandma who still tries to crochet
    I still get confused about a simple granny square
    I guess I

    • June said

      Don’t give up, Rheata – it’s all just a matter of time and practice until it clicks 🙂

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