Foundation Treble Crochet: A Beginner Tutorial

The tallest foundation stitch is the foundation treble crochet. This stitch creates a tall and airy first row to your crochet project. With a bit of practice, you can master this stitch and use it to start your newest design.

Foundation stitches are a helpful skill to have as a crocheter. They have the benefit of creating a seamless and clean starting point at the beginning of a project. Plus, they stretch along with the rest of a garment or blanket easily. While they don’t work for every project or in all circumstances, I love having them in my back pocket to use as needed.

The hardest part about foundation stitches for me is remembering how to crochet them since they are not called for in many patterns. However, that is where these tutorials come in handy since you can save them to Pinterest for whenever you need them!

Foundation Treble Crochet is a tall and airy stitch, just like the original treble crochet stitch. However, since it is a foundation stitch, it will be worked without a base chain to start from. This stitch can be a little tricky to get started, and it can take a little more time than other foundation stitches because it has more steps. The goal though is to create a stretchy base to your project that drapes well with the rest of your rows.

Why use a foundation crochet stitch?

Foundation crochet stitches are a great alternative to chaining since they create the base chain and the first row of stitches at the same time. Designers will use these stitches for a variety of reasons: saves time, consistent stretch and drape, easier to count. While foundation crochet stitches are not always necessary for every design, be sure to check with the pattern or designer to be sure before getting started.

What should a beginner crocheter learn first?

A beginner crocheter needs to start out with the 6 Beginner Crochet Stitches. These are the chain, the single crochet, the double crochet, the half double crochet, the slip stitch, and the treble crochet stitch. Once you have mastered these stitches, with their accompanying skills, you are ready to learn some more complicated stitches and techniques.

What crochet stitches should you learn first:

Before trying out the treble crochet foundation row, you will want to learn and master these stitches:

• Chain
• Treble Crochet

I also suggest that you practice at least one other foundation stitch, such as the foundation double crochet, since the foundation treble crochet has a few more steps. However, the above two are the only ones necessary to get started.

Supplies:

To learn the chainless foundation treble crochet, you simply need:

• Yarn
• Crochet Hook

In all of my example photos and in the video below, I am using a N/9mm hook and super bulky (6) yarn. This stitch can be done with any yarn and hook, but I suggest that you use a combination that is comfortable for you when you first start out.

Notes & Tips for Foundation Treble Crochet:

-If this stitch is used in a pattern, there are times when the pattern designed will specify how they want you to crochet this stitch. Always follow the pattern notes first, and make adjustments if needed.

-Be sure to hold the yarn with a medium tension, especially if you tend to crochet tightly. This will help your crochet not to curl.

-After you pull through the base chain, pull the loops up to an equal height to ensure that the stitches end up even and your row doesn’t curl.

-Foundation treble crochet is the same as crocheting a foundation chain and then treble crocheting to create the first row. It simply creates the chain and first row at the same time.

-Foundation treble crochet is usually abbreviated ftr, but always check the pattern notes to see what the designer has written for confirmation.

-U.S. terms are used for this tutorial.

How to Foundation Treble Crochet:

The first stitch is crocheted with a slightly different start, but then all the rest of the stitches will be crocheted the same. The first stitch is as follows:

First, start with a chain 3.

Then, yarn over twice like you would for a treble crochet stitch.

Insert your hook into the first chain.

Then, yarn over again and pull up a loop through the chain. (4 loops on hook)

Next, yarn over and pull through one loop on hook. This is the base chain for the first stitch. (4 loops on hook)

Finally, yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat 3 times.

You have completed your first foundation treble crochet!

To continue your treble crochet foundation row, you will:

First, yarn over twice.

Next, insert your hook into the base chain of the previous stitch.

Then yarn over again and pull a loop through. (4 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through one loop on hook. This is the base chain for the stitch you are working. (4 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through two loops. Repeat 3 times.

That’s it! Now continue to follow these steps to crochet as many foundation treble crochet stitches as you need for your project! What will you make with your new crochet stitch skills?

I hope this tutorial was helpful for you, and if so, don’t forget to save it for later via Pinterest! I would love to connect with you on Instagram or Facebook, and you can share with me what you are working on!