Treble Crochet Mastered - The Tallest Basic Stitch!
The treble crochet (tr), also called triple crochet, is the tallest of the four basic crochet stitches. It creates long, elegant stitches perfect for lace patterns, tall shell stitches, and decorative motifs. Once you know the double crochet, the treble is just one more yarn over away.
Step-by-Step: How to Treble Crochet
- Yarn over twice before inserting hook (this is what makes tr taller than dc)
- Insert hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop - you now have 4 loops on hook
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops - 3 loops remain
- Yarn over, pull through 2 loops - 2 loops remain
- Yarn over, pull through last 2 loops - stitch complete
Memory trick: yarn over twice, insert, pull up, then (yarn over through 2) three times.
Turning Chain
Chain 4 at the start of a treble crochet row. The chain-4 counts as the first tr in most patterns.
Stitch Height Comparison
| Stitch | Yarn Overs Before Insert | Turning Chain | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| sc | 0 | ch 1 | Short |
| hdc | 1 | ch 2 | Medium |
| dc | 1 | ch 3 | Tall |
| tr | 2 | ch 4 | Tallest basic |
Common Uses for Treble Crochet
- Lace and filet crochet patterns
- Tall shell and fan stitches
- Shawls and wraps with open airy fabric
- Decorative edgings and borders
- Broomstick lace technique
TR in Pattern Notation
You may see treble written as tr, tc (triple crochet), or in UK patterns as dtr (double treble). Always check which terminology your pattern uses - MrsCrochetWorld always uses US terms where tr = treble crochet.
Build Your Stitch Library
Combine tr with other stitches in our 50+ No-Sew Amigurumi Bundle - patterns that use every stitch level from sc to tr.
FAQ
Is treble crochet the same as triple crochet?
Yes - same stitch, two names. Both abbreviated tr. Some older patterns use tc for triple crochet.
What is the UK name for treble crochet?
In UK terms, US treble crochet is called double treble (dtr). The entire US stitch naming shifts one level in UK terminology.
When would I use tr instead of dc?
When you need taller, more open stitches - lace patterns, decorative shells, or working with very thick yarn where height adds texture.
My tr fabric looks very open and holey - is that normal?
Yes - tr creates an intentionally open fabric. For closed fabric use sc. The openness is a feature, not a bug.
Can I do increases and decreases with treble crochet?
Yes - tr2tog (treble 2 together) decreases by combining two tr into one. Work 2 tr in same stitch to increase.
