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HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

Janne Kleivset
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This crochet tutorial is going to teach you how to crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch (tr). This is one of the basic crochet stitches and is often used in crochet patterns.

As the name suggests it is something between the double crochet (dc) and double treble crochet (dtr), which are also two of the basic crochet stitches.

The crochet stitch is explained in a step-by-step guide, you will also find details about the treble crochet stitch abbreviation, chart symbol, treble crochet variations, crochet patterns using the tr stitch and more!

HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

What is a Treble Crochet Stitch?

The treble crochet stitch is one of the basic stitches, crochet beginners often learn after the single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet.

It is know to be the biggest of the most common basic stitches; the single crochet, half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc).

You can crochet the treble crochet in just 9 simple steps. The steps of the treble crochet is to yarn over twice, insert the crochet hook into the stitch or space indicated, pull up a loop, *yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook*, repeat from *to* 3 times.

The treble crochet is also sometimes referred to as the us triple crochet.

Materials You Will Need To Crochet The Treble Crochet Stitch

Any crochet hook size and yarn.

For crocheting the treble crochet you can use any type of yarn.

When following a crochet pattern, use the same yarn and crochet hook size suggested in the pattern and test the gauge by crocheting a swatch.

If you are learning the stitch only, try using:

In the photos the yarn used was worsted weight yarn.

Crocheting with thin thread may be difficult when you’re first starting out.

How to Treble Crochet in 9 Steps

  1. Yarn over
  2. Yarn over
  3. Pull up a loop
  4. Yarn over
  5. Pull through 2 loops on hook
  6. Yarn over
  7. Pull through 2 loops on hook
  8. Yarn over
  9. Pull through all loops on hook

Repeat step 1-9 to crochet another treble crochet stitch.

Treble Crochet Stitch Abbreviation

The most common crochet abbreviation is tr in US terms.

Note: In terms for the UK crochet stitches the treble crochet is called the double treble crochet and abbreviated dtr.

The abbreviation tr is used for one and multiple stitches.

The abbreviation list will write it like this: tr = treble crochet.

If you are supposed to crochet multiple tr stitches you may find it written as “tr 2″, “tr 3” ect. or “3tr”, “2tr” ect. in a crochet pattern.

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HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

Treble Crochet Chart Symbol

The treble crochet stitch crochet chart symbol is simple and looks like a “T” with two lines across it representing the 2 yarn over you do when you crochet a treble crochet.

It will be turned in the direction it will lay in your finished crochet work.

Photo showing the tr stitch chart symbol.

HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

Treble Crochet Stitch Tutorial – Step By Step Photo Tutorial

Starting:

In this photo tutorial (shown right handed) you will see how to crochet a treble crochet and also work into a regular stitch.

The steps of the tr stitch are the same if you crochet into a foundation chain instead of stitches.

Grab a crochet hook in your right hand, make a slip knot and crochet chains, work the first st (tr) into the 5th chain from the crochet hook to start your project.

1. Yarn over

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 1

Step 1: Yarn over from back to front.

2. Yarn over

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 2

Yarn over once more from back to front.

3. Insert crochet hook in next stitch

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 3

Insert crochet hook in next stitch or indicated space.

4. Draw up a loop

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 4

Draw up a loop from next stitch.

You now have 4 loops remaining on the hook.

5. Yarn over

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 5

Yarn over from back to front.

6. Pull through 2 loops on hook

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 6

Pull yarn through 2 loops on the hook.

You now have 3 loops on the hook.

7. Yarn over

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 7

Yarn over from back to front.

8. Pull through 2 loops on hook

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 8

Pull yarn through 2 loops on hook.

You now have 2 loops on the hook.

9. Yarn over

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 9

Yarn over from back to front.

10. Pull through all loops on hook

how to crochet the treble crochet  stitch step 10

Pull yarn through both (all) loops on hook.

After these 9 steps,  you have finally finished a treble crochet stitch.

Step By Step Treble Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial

Treble Crochet Stitch Height and Turning Chain

Above you learned how to crochet on treble crochet. However, when working in either rows or rounds, you may come across turning chains.

The turning chains are used to start rows or rounds.

The number of turning chains your crochet depends on the height of the crochet stitch.

For this stitch the most common number of turning chains is four.

The crochet pattern you are following will specify if the turning chain counts as the first stitch (treble crochet) on the row or round.

How To Crochet Treble Crochet Stitch In Rows

You can crochet tr stitches in rows.

In that case you will start your project with a row of foundation chain stitches. If you are more experienced, you may start with a foundation single crochet (FSC) or a foundation treble crochet.

Then to crochet your first row of treble crochet, you will repeat steps 1-10 to crochet treble stitches into every foundation chain.

When you reach the end of the row, turn your work by flipping it to the other side, ready to work in the opposite direction over the stitches you most recently crocheted.

To start a second row of treble crochet stitches, chain four (ch-4) and work treble crochet stitches into all the treble crochets from the first row. If the chain 4 counts as a stitch according to the pattern, work the first treble crochet into the second to last stitch from previous row (second stitch of the row).

When working treble crochet in rows you can make crochet projects like scarves and afghans.

How To Crochet Treble Crochet In Rounds

You can crochet tr stitches in rounds.

In that case you start your project with a row of foundation chain stitches (or starting chain(s)).

To work in rounds, you have to form a ring or a circle. To create a ring, slip stitch (sl st) into the first chain you make, make sure you don’t twist your chain stitches.

To crochet your first round of treble crochet:

  1. Chain 4 and repeat steps 1-10 to crochet treble crochet stitches into every foundation chain.
  2. When you reach the end of the round, slip stitch into the fourth chain made at the beginning of the round.

To start a new round of treble crochet, repeat steps 1 and 2 directly above.

Treble Crochet Stitch With Spiraling Rounds

You can also crochet treble crochet stitches in rounds without ending them, and work in a spiral.

When working in a spiral, you will end up with a crochet piece shaped like a tube.

To work treble crochet in spiraling rounds do this:

  • Start with a row of foundation chains and slip stitch into the first chain made.
  • Chain 4 and repeat steps 1-10 for the tr stitch into every foundation chain.
  • When you reach the end of the round, treble crochet into the first tr stitch made.
  • Continue crocheting treble crochet stitches into each treble crochet until your project has the desired length.

When crocheting project in a shape of a tube, you can easily crochet headbands, hats, and the body on crochet sweaters.

How To Count Your Treble Crochet Stitches

In the photo below you can see how to count the treble crochet stitches just made.

Each of the first 5 stitches are shown with an arrow, then you can practice to find the 21 stitches in total on same row the photo.

HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

Treble Crochet Increases and Decreases

Treble Crochet Stitch Increases

To increase treble crochet stitches, all you do is to work multiple treble crochet stitches into the stitch or indicated space.

This will be written in a pattern like this:

  • tr 2 in next stitch (you will increase 1 stitch).
  • tr 3 in next stitch (you will increase 2 stitches).
  • tr 4 in next stitch (you will increase 4 stitches).

It can also be written like this:

  • 2tr in next stitch, which means the same as “tr 2 in next stitch”.

Alternatively it can be written like this:

  • Inc or inc tr. Which means you should crochet 2 tr in one stitch if it’s not specified with a number.
  • 3 tr inc, will then mean you should crochet 3 stitches in the next stitch.

In some cases you may be asked to increase treble crochet stitches evenly over a certain number of stitches, in that case you can use the crochet increase and decrease calculator.

Treble Crochet Stitch Decreases

Regular Treble Crochet Decrease – Treble Crochet 2 Together (tr2tog)

In crochet patterns you may come across needing to decrease stitches and specifically decrease treble crochet stitches.

The most common way to decrease 1 tr stitch with the treble crochet two together (tr2tog):

  1. Yarn over twice and pull up a loop from the next stitch.
  2. *Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook*, repeat from *to* once.
  3. Repeat step 1 and 2. You have 3 loops on your crochet hook.
  4. Yarn over.
  5. Pull through all loops on your crochet hook.

You can also decrease two stitches with the treble crochet 3 together (tr3tog) and decrease 3 stitches with the treble crochet 4 together (tr4tog).

Invisible Treble Crochet Decrease

The less common way to decrease one treble crochet is the invisible decrease method. The decrease is less visible, and may result in a more beautiful finish. It’s a bit more difficult than the regular decrease.

Here’s how you invisible treble crochet decrease:

  1. Yarn over twice.
  2. Skip 1 stitch.
  3. Insert the crochet hook in the front loop of the next stitch.
  4. Then insert the crochet hook in the front loop of the skipped stitch. This step is a bit difficult and you may need to use your hand or a different crochet hook to lift the loop onto the crochet hook.
  5. Pull up a loop.
  6. Yarn over.
  7. Pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  8. Repeat step 6-7 twice.

How To Change Yarn Color With Treble Crochet Stitches

When you crochet tr stitches and are going to change color, to get a nice finish, crochet as follows:

  1. Yarn over twice, insert crochet hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop with the yarn color you are already working with.
  2. Yarn over and pull through two loops with the yarn color you are already working with.
  3. Repeat step 2.
  4. Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on the crochet hook with the new yarn color.
  5. Then continue with the new yarn color until you need to change color again.

You can learn more about colorwork in crochet with these crochet tutorials.

Variations of The Treble Crochet Stitch

The Treble Crochet Stitch is one of the basic crochet stitches, one of the building blocks of crochet. Because of that there’s many variations of the regular tr stitch, each with it’s own unique look and feel.

Foundation Treble Crochet (FTR)

The FTR stitch is a foundation stitch and a variation of the regular tr that is used to start crochet project.

The foundation stitches can also be used the same as foundation chains to create stitches and open spaces in your crochet work.

The steps of the foundation treble crochet:

  1. Chain 4 (counts as first FTR).
  2. Yarn over twice.
  3. Insert hook in the first chain made and pull up a loop.
  4. Yarn over and pull through the first loop on the crochet hook.
  5. Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  6. Repeat step 5.
  7. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  8. Repeat steps 2-7 to create more FTR stitches by inserting the crochet hook in the chain “looking” base created at the bottom of the work.

View a full photo and video tutorial showing how to crochet the foundation treble crochet stitch.

HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

TR in Front Loops and Back Loops

On the treble crochet you have 2 different loops you can crochet into instead of the whole stitch. These result in different stitch textures.

The front loop and back loop are shown in the photo below.

HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

Front Loop Treble Crochet (FLtr or tr FLO)

When crocheting tr stitches into the front loop only, you will get a more loose crochet fabric which will drape more nicely.

The only difference between a regular stitch and the one worked in the front loop, is the fact that you insert the crochet hook in the front loop and not the whole stitch.

Back Loop Treble Crochet (BLtr or tr BLO)

To crochet tr through the back loop only, follow these steps:

  1. Yarn over twice.
  2. Insert hook into the back loop of the next stitch / indicated stitch.
  3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
  4. Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook.
  5. Repeat step 4.
  6. Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops on the crochet hook.

We have a detailed step by step photo and video tutorial for you to learn the Back Loop Treble crochet.

Treble Crochet Ribbing Working Through The Back Loop Only

This stitch is used to create a crochet ribbing texture. It is less common than the back loop single crochet, and the ribbing is less textured.

Treble Crochet Post Stitches (FPtr & BPtr)

The Back Post Treble Crochet (BPtr) and the Front Post Treble Crochet (FPtr) are worked the same as regular tr stitches, however you insert the hook and pull up a loop around the post of the stitch instead of into the stitch itself.

After 2 yarn overs:

  • Insert the crochet hook from *front to back to front* around the post of the stitch on the previous row for FPtr stitches to pull up a loop.
  • Insert the crochet hook from *back to front to back* around the post of the stitch on the previous row for BPtr stitches to pull up a loop.

After pulling up a loop, finish the tr stitch with *yarn over, pull through 2 loops on the crochet hook* repeat from *to* 3 times.

The Treble Crochet Post Stitches are also often used in crochet cables like:

  1. Cables Crossing to the Left or In Front
  2. Cables Crossing to the Right or Behind

Linked Treble Crochet (ltr)

The Linked Treble Crochet is one of the linked stitches that creates a dense fabric without any gaps, like the Linked Half Double Crochet (lhdc) and Linked Double Crochet (ldc).

To work the linked treble crochet, do this:

  1. Crochet any chain count to start your project.
  2. To work the 1st stitch: Pull up a loop from the first chain and then the next 2 chains, *yarn over, pull through 2*, repeat from *to* 3 times. 
  3. To work the following stitches: Pull up a loop from the first horizontal bar, pull up a loop from the second horizontal bar, pull up a loop from the next stitch, *yarn over, pull through 2*, repeat from *to* 3 times.
  4. Repeat step 3 to crochet more Linked Treble Crochet stitches.

We have a detailed step by step tutorial if you need more information: Linked Treble Stitches.

HOW TO Crochet the Treble Crochet Stitch

Crochet Stitch Patterns Using the Treble Crochet

Because the treble crochet is one of the basic crochet stitches, you will find it featured in many crochet stitch patterns.

Below you can find a list of tutorials for stitch patterns where the treble crochet is included:

Commonly Asked Questions About The Treble Crochet Stitch

Other Basic Crochet Stitches


If you want to learn more crochet stitches, we have lots of amazing crochet stitch tutorials on our blog.

If you are a beginner this is a great place to start:

Taller Crochet Stitches

There are multiple tall crochet stitches that starts with more yarn overs than the american treble crochet.

Crochet Projects Using the Treble Crochet

Find the free crochet patterns using the treble crochet stitch here.

Janne Kleivset

Janne Kleivset

Founder, Crochet Pattern Designer & Owner of Joy of Motion Crochet.

Janne has helped millions of crocheters find their next crochet project with more than 250 free crochet patterns and 110 crochet tutorials on her blog.

With more than two decades of crochet experience, and crochet designing since 2011, she's been featured on multiple prominent sites such as Lion Brand Yarn, in crochet magazines and the OML "Make" book.

Learn more about Janne.



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