Treble Crochet Stitch: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

The treble crochet stitch is a tall, open stitch that works up quickly and adds beautiful drape to crochet fabric. If you’re already comfortable with double crochet, treble crochet is a natural next step and uses many of the same movements with one extra yarn over.

Because of its height treble crochet create more space between stitches than shorter basic stitches. This makes it especially useful for lightweight garments, shawls, scarves, blankets and decorative stitch patterns where you want the fabric to feel less dense.

In this guide you’ll learn how to make a treble crochet stitch step by step, how to recognise and count your stitches, and how to keep your edges neat. We’ll also look at woking treble crochet in rows, rounds and a few variations you can try once you’ve mastered the basic stitch.

What is a Treble Crochet Stitch?

Treble crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches and is taller than single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet. In US terminology it is abbreviated as tr.

The extra height comes from wrapping the yarn around the hook twice before inserting the hook into the stitch. You then work the loops off the hook two at a time. That additional height gives treble crochet a noticeably different appearance from the shorter basic stitches. The individual posts of the stitches are long and easy to see, while the finishes fabric tends to have more movement and drape.

What Does Treble Crochet Look Like?

Treble crochet has a long defined post with a small V at the top of each stitch. The height of the posts gives the fabric a more elongated appearance than double crochet. You’ll generally see more space between treble crochet stitches particularly when using a larger hook or a yarn with plenty of drape. This openness can be useful when you want a project to feel light rather than thick and compact.

The tall stitches also make treble crochet particularly good for combining with chains, shells and other stitches in lace and openwork patterns.

How to Treble Crochet

Before beginning, make a foundation chain containing the number of stitches required for your project. For this tutorial we’ll make the first treble crochet into the fifth chain from the hook. The four skipped chains act as the turning chain.

Step 1: Yarn Over Twice

Wrap the working yarn over your crochet hook two times. You should have three loops sitting on your hook before you insert it into the chain.

Step 2: Insert the Hook

Insert the hook into the fifth chain from the hook

Step 3: Pull Up a Loop

Yan over and pull the yarn through the chain. You should now have four loops on your hook.

Step 4: Work Through the First Two Loops

Yarn over and pull through the first two loop on your hook. Three loops now remain.

Step 5: Work Through the Next Two Loops

Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops. You will now have two loops on the hook.

Step 6: Complete the Treble Crochet

Yarn over once more and pull through the final two loops. One loo remains on the hook and your treble crochet stitch is complete.

To continue the row, yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next chain. Repeat the same sequence across.

The Rhythm of a Treble Crochet Stitch

Once you understand the individual steps, there’s a handy rhythm that makes treble crochet much easier to remember.

Yarn over twice – insert – yarn over and pull up a loop – yarn over – pull through 2 – yarn over, pull through 2 – yarn over, pull through 2.

You begin with with four loops after pulling up your loop and gradually reduce them until only one remains.

How to Work Treble Crochet in Rows

At the end of a row, turn your work and make your turning chain. Chain 4 is commonly used for treble crochet, although you should always follow the instructions given in your particular pattern. Whether the turning chain counts as the first stitch also varies between patterns. If it counts as a stitch you will normally work your first treble crochet into the next stitch. If it doesn’t count you will work into the first stitch instead.

Continue making one treble crochet in each stitch across the row.

Working Treble Crochet in the Round

Treble crochet can be worked in the round as well as in rows, making it useful for projects such as hats, cowls, bags, circular motifs and granny style designs.

When working joined rounds, the round will usually begin with a turning chain and finish with a slip stitch into the top of that chain or another point specified by the pattern. Pay close attention to whether the beginning chain counts as a stitch. This affects both where you place your first stitch and where you join at the end of the round.

Treble Crochet FAQ

Is treble crochet difficult for beginners?

Not usually. It has more steps than the shower basic stitches, but the movement is very repetitive. If you can comfortably make a double crochet, treble crochet is a good stitch to learn next.

Is treble crochet taller than double crochet?

Yes. Treble crochet is taller because you yarn over twice before inserting the hook and work through the loops in three stages.

How many loops should I have when making a treble crochet?

After you yarn over twice, insert the hook and pull up a loop, you should have four loops on your hook. You then yarn over and pull through two loops three times until one loop remains.

Does the turning chain count as a treble crochet?

Sometimes. Crochet patterns differ on this so follow the instructions given in the pattern you’re using. When writing your own project you can choose a method and use it consistently.

What is a treble crochet in the UK?

A treble crochet is called a double treble crochet in Uk terminology.

Final Thoughts

Treble crochet is worth learning not only as a basic stitch but because its height opens the door to so many more crochet techniques. Once the yarn over and pull through sequence becomes familiar, the stitch develops a lovely natural rhythm. Practice a few simple rows first and concentrate in keeping your tension ands stitch count consistent. From there you can start experimenting with different loops, post stitches and combinations to see just how versatile this tall stitch can be.