Updated: 16 September 2026 by Sylwia (MyCrochetory)
I wanted this treble crochet post to go beyond just the mechanics of the stitch, showing you everything you can actually do with it once you’ve got the basics down.
Treble crochet needs more yarn overs than you’re probably used to. Single crochet has one, double crochet has two, treble jumps up to three, so your hands are doing a bit more work before each stitch clicks into place.
Stick with it, though, and it opens up a lot. Taller, more open fabric. Lace patterns that actually look intentional instead of accidental. Increases and decreases that shape your project instead of just filling space. Even taller variations, like extended or double treble, if you want to push further once this one feels easy.
I didn’t want to just show you the stitch and call it done, either. A lot of tutorials stop right there, but knowing how to make one treble crochet stitch isn’t the same as knowing how to actually use it in a project.
So below, you’ll find the basic treble crochet stitch worked in rows, how to work it in the round, increasing and decreasing, a handful of stitch variations, and the mistakes that trip people up most when they’re starting out.
How To Treble Crochet
Here’s the quick version of treble crochet:
- Yarn over twice, creating a loop on your hook.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You’ll have three loops on your hook.
- Yarn over again and pull through the first two loops. Two loops left.
- Yarn over one more time and pull through the remaining two loops.
That’s a treble crochet. Repeat it a few times and it starts to feel automatic.
What is Treble Crochet
Treble crochet is closely related to double crochet, just with one extra yarn over added to the mix. That small difference is what gives it more height and versatility.
Once you’ve got one crochet stitch down, the others tend to click faster than you’d expect, treble included.
Symbol in Stitch Chart and Abbreviations
In the US, we call it treble crochet, abbreviated as TR. Over in the UK, it’s known as double crochet, abbreviated as DC.
When checking crochet charts, the treble crochet is represented by a tall “T” with two diagonal crosses.
Height
Treble crochet is a tall stitch, taller than both single crochet and double crochet, but not quite as tall as double treble (dtr).
It stands about three times as tall as single crochet, which changes how open and airy your finished fabric looks.
Turning Chain
To start a new row of treble crochet, create a turning chain using four chain stitches. This turning chain often counts as a treble crochet stitch, prompting you to skip the first stitch and smoothly transition into the second one with your first treble crochet.
Pay attention to your pattern, some may use a three-chain turning chain, while others might not include it in the stitch count.
Applications
Once you’ve got the hang of treble crochet, it becomes a useful stitch to reach for in a variety of projects.
It’s especially good for lace patterns, since it produces a delicate, open fabric. It also shows up a lot in shawls, market bags, and other designs that need some drape and airiness.
It works well for summer garments too, tops and light layers where you want breathability more than warmth.
HOW TO TREBLE CROCHET: VIDEO TUTORIAL
To learn how to tr, watch the step-by-step video tutorial below or scroll down for the written instructions.
This video teaches you step by step:
- How to crochet a treble crochet
- How to increase in treble crochet
- How to decrease in treble crochet, two ways: the regular way and the invisible way
Quick tip: if the video won’t load right, try turning off your ad blocker.
HOW TO TREBLE CROCHET STEP-BY-STEP
Time to make a practice swatch, working treble crochet in rows.
The first row or two takes a bit of focus. After that, it clicks.
Step 1: Make a slip knot and work a chain any length.
Step 2: Yarn over twice and insert your crochet hook into the 6th chain from the hook (if you’re unsure, count five chains away from your hook).
Step 3: Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have four loops on the hook.
Step 4: Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops again. Three loops left.
Step 5: Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops again. Two loops left.
Step 6: Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops. That’s your treble crochet!
Step 7: Continue across, making one treble crochet in each chain.
Count them up at the end – you should have as many treble crochet stitches as the number of chains you made at the beginning, minus 4 stitches that count as the turning chain.
For example, if you made 10 chains, you should have 6 treble crochet stitches, ensuring a neat and balanced row.
ROW 2
Step 1: Turn your work and make turning ch4 – it’s counts as a first treble crochet.
Step 2: Skip the first stitch (right under the turning chain) and yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch, under both top loops.
Tip: Turning chain counts as a stitch, so your first “true” treble crochet goes into the second stitch from the previous row.
Step 3: Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have four loops on the hook.
Step 4: Yarn over again, pull through the first two loops again. Three loops left.
Step 5: Again, yarn over and pull through the next two loops. Two loops left.
Step 6: Yarn over one last time and pull through the remaining two loops.
Step 7: Keep going across, making one treble crochet in each stitch.
Step 8: End the row with the last treble crochet in the top chain of the turning chain from the previous row.
Repeat these steps for more rows.
After the last row, cut the yarn, leaving a little tail. Pull the hook up, draw the yarn tail through, and tighten. Weave in the ends.
And there you have it – you’re now a treble crochet pro! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be creating beautiful crochet projects effortlessly.
How to Treble Crochet in the Round
When it comes to working treble crochet in the round, the most common method is using joined rounds.
Unlike some stitches, it’s not as common to work treble crochet in a spiral.
Joined rounds give your project a neater appearance, making it easier to keep track of your stitches.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Create a magic ring if you want a tight center for your project. Insert your hook, pull up a loop, and chain 4.
Step 2: Yarn over twice (yes, twice!), insert your hook into the ring, yarn over and pull up a loop. You’ll have four loops on your hook.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook – you’ll have three loops remaining.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through the next two loops, then yarn over one more time and pull through the final two loops. Congratulations! You’ve just treble crocheted.
Step 5: Repeat the treble crochet steps into the magic ring or the center of your joined round until you achieve the desired round size (between 14 and 18 treble crochet worked in the round).
Step 6: When you reach the end of your round, slip stitch into the top of the first treble crochet to join the round. Chain one to secure.
Once you’ve got treble crochet in the round down, try playing around with colors, stitch combinations, whatever you’re curious about. That’s really how you get a feel for what this stitch can do.
How to Increase in Treble Crochet
Increasing in treble crochet just means working two stitches into the same spot. It’s straightforward once you know what the pattern is asking for.
Look out for abbreviations like “tr inc,” “2tr,” “3tr,” or “4tr” in patterns. “Tr inc” is a treble crochet increase, “2tr” means two stitches in one spot, and “3tr” or “4tr” means three or four in the same spot.
Increasing shapes your project, this is how you’d add width to a triangle shawl or build out a circle, for example.
How to Decrease in Treble Crochet
Decreasing in treble crochet is how you shape your projects, tapering an edge or closing up a round.
The most common method is “tr2tog,” treble crochet two together. Here’s how it works:
- Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the first stitch, and start a treble crochet, leaving two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the next stitch, work another treble crochet, leaving three loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all three loops. That’s your treble crochet decrease.
If your pattern calls for “tr3tog” instead, it’s the same idea, just with a third stitch added before that final pull-through.
Invisible Treble Crochet Decrease
There’s also an invisible version, which shapes the bottom of the stitch instead of the top, so it blends in more:
- Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the front loop of the first stitch.
- Without yarning over, insert the hook into the front loop of the next stitch.
- Finish the stitch as usual, yarn over and pull through the loops. This version is a lot less noticeable than the regular decrease.
Treble Crochet Stitch Variations
Once you’ve got the basic treble crochet stitch down, there are a few variations worth knowing.
Extended Treble Crochet (ETR)
This one’s a taller version of regular treble crochet. Yarn over twice, insert the hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through the first loop only. Then repeat “yarn over, pull through two loops” three times to finish.
Front-Post Treble Crochet (FPTR)
Instead of working into the top of the stitch, you work around the post. Yarn over twice, insert the hook around the post from front to back, and finish the stitch as usual. This creates texture that sits raised on the front of your work.
Back-Post Treble Crochet (BPTR)
Same idea, opposite direction. Yarn over twice, insert the hook around the post from back to front, and finish the treble crochet as usual.
Double Treble Crochet (DTR)
An even taller stitch. Yarn over three times, insert the hook, pull up a loop, then work through the yarn overs and loops two at a time until you’re left with one loop.
Triple Treble Crochet (TTR)
The tallest of the bunch. Yarn over four times, insert the hook, pull up a loop, and work through the yarn overs the same way, two loops at a time, until you finish the stitch.
Common Mistakes in Treble Crochet (and How to Fix Them)
A few things trip people up when they’re learning treble crochet. Here’s what usually goes wrong and how to fix it.
Stitches too loose. Your yarn tension is probably too relaxed. Pay attention to how tight you’re pulling as you work, you want it snug but not tight.
Stitches at different heights. Pull your loops up to the same height every time. Consistency here is what keeps rows looking even.
Losing count of stitches. Easy to do, especially on bigger projects. A stitch marker at the start of each row keeps you on track.
Twisted stitches. Usually comes down to which direction you’re inserting your hook. Double-check the direction if your fabric looks twisted.
Missing or extra yarn overs. With three yarn overs per stitch, it’s easy to lose count. Counting out loud as you go helps catch mistakes early.
Tangled yarn. Untangle before starting a new row, it saves frustration later.
Everyone runs into a few of these while learning. Once you spot the pattern behind each mistake, treble crochet gets a lot easier.
FAQ
What does “tr” mean in a crochet pattern?
“Tr” stands for treble crochet, sometimes written as “trc.” In UK patterns, this same stitch is usually called double crochet (dc), which can get confusing if you’re following a mix of US and UK patterns.
How many chains do I need for a treble crochet turning chain?
Most patterns use a chain of 4 to start a new row of treble crochet, and it usually counts as the first stitch. Always check your specific pattern though, some count it differently.
Is treble crochet harder than double crochet?
Not really harder, just one extra yarn over and one extra step. If you’re comfortable with double crochet, treble crochet is a small jump, not a big one.
Can I use treble crochet for amigurumi?
It’s possible, but not common. Treble crochet creates a more open, taller fabric, which isn’t ideal for holding stuffing in place. Single crochet is the usual choice for amigurumi instead.
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