Treble Crochet Stitch: Easy Beginner Tutorial

So you’ve mastered some basic crochet stitches, and you’re ready for more? The next stitch for you to add to your crochet arsenal is the treble crochet stitch! Treble crochet stitches are taller and more airy than the other basic stitches, and it really only takes a few extra steps to learn. Grab your hook and yarn, and let’s get started!

While I love to crochet all year long, summer months can be more difficult. When you are using heavy, thick yarn or dense stitches, it can become really warm to have a crochet project sitting on your lap even if you are wearing cool clothing or have the AC on. Summertime is the time for some more airy and lightweight crochet for sure.

Wait, what? Airy crochet? No, you read that right. You can definitely crochet dainty pieces, and they are just as much fun to make as your cozy winter designs. While there are several simple ways to make lighter crochet projects, today I’m going to teach you how to complete an airy stitch that could be a foundation for some summer projects. This stitch is the treble crochet!

Treble crochet is actually one of the basic stitches that every crocheter should know, but it isn’t used quite as often. However, it is a great foundation for a beginner to have, and since I know you’re probably ready for summer right now, it’s the perfect time to learn!

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Notes & Tips for Treble Crochet:

-The treble crochet stitch is abbreviated to tr for patterns in U.S. terms.

-This is a tall stitch, and the end result leaves a lot of space between rows.

-If you are new to crochet, be sure to practice your single and double crochet stitches as well as chaining and half double crochet before moving on to treble crochet!

-Not sure what you need to get started? Check out my list of beginner supplies here!

What is a treble crochet stitch?

The treble crochet stitch is a beginner level stitch that creates tall, airy projects. It is created by yarning over twice, inserting into a stitch, yarning over again, and when building, pulling through only two loops at a time. This means that the stitch is elongated and therefore, there is more space between adjoining rows.

What do you need to treble crochet?

To complete a treble crochet, you just need these two things:

-crochet hook

KnitPro – Waves Crochet Hook – 6,0mm – Blue

-yarn

Hobbii – Rainbow Cotton 8/8 – Pastel Purple (041)

I suggest you use a crochet hook in accordance to your yarn weight until you feel confident crocheting a treble crochet. It can take some time to get used to yarning over twice and only pulling through two at a time, so start with a yarn and hook combination you’re comfortable with first.

FAQs about Treble Crochet

How do you increase with treble crochet?

Whenever you increase with treble crochet, you are going to complete two treble crochet stitches in one stitch from the previous row. Patterns that call for this will specify which stitch to complete this in.

How do you decrease with treble crochet?

To decrease with the treble crochet stitch, you will start by working to complete all the steps except the last yarn over, pull through for the first stitch. Then you will work to complete all of the steps in the next stitch, but you will not pull through the final loops of the first stitch. Once you complete the last yarn over, pull through for the second stitch, you will also pull through the final loops for the first stitch at the same time. This will result in two stitches from the previous row coming together to create just one.

When do you use the treble crochet stitch?

The treble crochet stitch is used often to create lightweight, airy, or even mesh-like projects (think shawls or swimsuit covers). Also, the treble crochet stitch will sometimes be used to add height or a point in the middle of stitch combinations. Because it is a beginner skill, the possibilities for using the treble crochet are nearly limitless.

How to Treble Crochet:

The steps to treble crochet are fairly simple and repetitive:

1. Chain your desired length plus 4.
2. Yarn over twice, and insert into the fifth chain from the hook.
3. Yarn over again, and pull through. You should have 4 loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat this step 3 times. You’ve now completed a treble crochet stitch.
5. Complete one treble crochet in each chain across. At the end of the row, chain 4 and turn. Your chain 4 will count as a stitch in most cases. Continue to complete one treble crochet in the second stitch and in each stitch across.

Because each crocheter is unique, be sure to check on the notes of any pattern that calls for this stitch. Some crochet designers will alter the number of turning chains needed or will not count the turning chain as a stitch. Always defer to the pattern for best results!

Treble Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Now what?

As always, my advice to you is to practice this new crochet stitch until it becomes second nature. The more often you practice, the more proficient you will be! If you are unsure of what to create, remember that washcloths and coasters are a practical and fun way to put to use your new crochet skills. Don’t forget to share your stitching in progress with me! I’d love to see it and cheer you on!