Foundational Stitches...
Crochet 101: Treble Crochet (TR)
Treble Crochet is the final and most complex of the four, foundational crochet stitches. A tall, openwork crochet stitch, sometimes referred to as Triple Crochet, this stitch is abbreviated as TR in US patterns. In UK terminology, it's called Double Treble Crochet.
Following after Single Crochet, Half Double Crochet and Double Crochet -- this stitch is the last basic crochet stitch that most beginners will learn before advancing on to pattern reading and more advanced techniques. It can be used for a variety of projects, from bags and blankets to wearable items such as scarves and summer tops.
To demonstrate this technique, we used Paintbox Cotton Aran yarn in color #609 Light Caramel -- part of the Tudor Garden Collection, with a US G (4mm) hook. This durable, cotton yarn is perfect for beginners because it's easy to work with, affordable and comes in a large selection of colors.
When first learning to crochet, it's important to stick to light colored yarns, which make it easier to see the stitches and help you avoid mistakes in your work.
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What We'll Cover:
> The Characteristics of Treble Crochet
To begin, create a foundation chain 4 stitches longer than you want your finished piece to be.
For our example, we wanted 14 stitches, so we've started with an 18-stitch foundation chain:
To begin your first stitch, yarn over twice by wrapping the yarn clockwise around the hook two times. This is different than Half Double and Double Crochet where you only yarn over once.
For your first stitch, insert your hook into the 5th stitch in the chain. As always, the loop on the hook (indicated by brown arrow) does not count as a stitch. Beginning with the next chain to the left, count to the fifth chain (blue arrow). This is where you insert your hook.
Insert your hook into that 5th stitch:
Yarn over again (only once this time)...
...and pull the yarn-over loop through the first loop on the hook. You will now have 4 loops on the hook:
Yarn over again...
...and pull through the first 2 loops on the hook. You should now have 3 loops remaining:
Yarn over again...
...and pull through the first 2 loops. You now have 2 loops remaining:
Yarn over once more...
...and draw through both loops to complete the stitch. Your first Treble Crochet stitch is done!
To finish your row, TR into each stitch in the foundation chain until you reach the end of the row.
When first learning to crochet, it's easy to overlook the final stitch of the row, which results in the work becoming smaller as you begin to lose stitches.
In the image below, there is still 1 stitch remaining to be worked:
Once your row is properly completed, it should look like this:
In the comparison below, we see the unfinished row (at left) where the final stitch (circled) has yet to be worked, versus the completed row (at right) where all the stitches have been worked.
Before you can begin the next row, you must work the turning chain. Turning chains are used in crochet to bring the yarn up to the level necessary to begin the next row. While used for all types of crochet stitches, it is especially essential with Treble Crochet because of the height of the stitches.
For Treble Crochet, the turning chain consists of 4 chains:
Once the turning chain is complete, turn the work around so the hook is on the right side:
For the second row (and all subsequent rows), work the same as the first row, skipping the first 4 stitches and inserting your hook into the 5th stitch, to begin the row. Then TR into each stitch until you reach the end of the row.
In Treble Crochet, the turning chain (indicated by the arrow) counts as your first stitch:
Treble Crochet fabric grows quickly, because of the height of the stitches. In the image below, of a partially completed row, we can see just how tall Treble Crochet stitches are.
Once the piece measures the desired length, cut the yarn leaving a short tail. Then pull on the hook to draw the tail through.
Once you've woven in the ends, your piece will be complete!
Characteristics of Treble Crochet
Treble Crochet yields a fence-like, openwork fabric with distinct spaces visible between the stitches. This semi-mesh fabric makes Treble Crochet perfect for market bags, light summer tops or even some blanket designs. When combined with other stitches, Treble Crochet can also be used to create many other fun stitch patterns.
Below, compare Single Crochet (left), Double Crochet (middle) and Treble Crochet (right). Single Crochet is a very dense fabric, with nearly invisible spaces between the stitches. Double Crochet is similar to Treble Crochet, but with smaller spaces, as shown.
How To Practice Treble Crochet
While not quite as versatile on its own as Single or Double Crochet, there are many fun projects you can make using Treble Crochet to give you a feel for the stitch. Even if you've already mastered Double Crochet, it's good to practice Treble Crochet as well. With just a little practice, you'll be crocheting like a pro!
BULKY COWL:
Although Treble Crochet is an airy stitch, it can still be used to make warm, cozy accessories, such a squishy winter cowl. Choose a bulky weight wool or wool/acrylic yarn such as Paintbox Simply Chunky, Malabrigo Chunky, Cascade Pacific Chunky and a size US J (6mm) or US L (8mm) hook. Determine the circumference for your cowl and create a foundation chain of that length, plus 4 stitches. Treble Crochet every row until the cowl is the height you want. Then cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Use the tail to seam the two short ends of the piece together to finish your cowl.
BASIC SCARF:
Basic scarves are, without a doubt, the most common and traditional projects for beginners. Easy to make, they will surely come in handy during the cold, winter months. Choose a soft, worsted weight, wool yarn such as Cascade 220 or Ella Rae Classic Wool along with a US G (4mm) or US H (5mm) hook.
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Make a 30-stitch foundation chain. Work in Treble Crochet until the scarf measures your desired length. Then cut the yarn and weave in the tails. If you like fringe, add some spice to your scarf by cutting 12-inch lengths of a contrasting color yarn and attaching them to the ends of the scarf.
Quick Visual: Treble Crochet
A quick, 'at-a-glance' reference for working Treble Crochet:
​Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found helpful information for your next crochet project.
If you have questions, comments or ideas for tutorials you’d like to see, please leave us a comment below.