How to Treble Crochet (tr): A Beginner’s Guide

The treble crochet stitch (tr) is one of the tallest basic stitches in crochet, making it ideal for creating lacy, openwork patterns. With its height and elegance, the treble crochet is a favorite for shawls, blankets, and intricate motifs.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to master the treble crochet stitch, explore its variations, and share ideas for incorporating it into your projects.

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What is a Treble Crochet?

The treble crochet stitch (tr) is taller than single, half double, and double crochet stitches. Its extra height makes it perfect for:

• Lacy Designs: Use in shawls, doilies, and decorative items.
• Fast Projects: Quickly build height for blankets and wraps.
• Open Patterns: Add texture and airiness to your designs.

Because of its height, treble crochet creates a light and airy fabric that drapes beautifully.

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How to Treble Crochet, Step-by-Step

Here’s how to work the tr stitch:

1. Create a Foundation Chain: Start with a chain (ch) of your desired length. For practice, chain 15.
2. Yarn Over Twice (yo x2): Wrap the yarn around your hook twice.
3. Insert Your Hook: Skip the first four chains (these count as your turning chain) and insert your hook into the fifth chain from the hook.
4. Yarn Over and Pull Through: Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain. You should now have four loops on your hook.
5. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops: Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should now have three loops remaining.
6. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops Again: Yarn over and pull through the next two loops. You should now have two loops remaining.
7. Yarn Over and Pull Through the Last Two Loops: Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. You’ve completed one treble crochet stitch!
8. Repeat Across the Row: Continue working one tr into each chain across the row. When you reach the end, chain four (this counts as your turning chain) and turn your work.

Pro Tip: Maintain even tension to avoid overly loose or tight stitches.

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Working Treble Crochet in Rows

Treble crochet stitches create a tall, open fabric perfect for lightweight designs. Here’s how to work them in rows:

1. Chain Four at the End of Each Row: This counts as your first treble crochet stitch.
2. Work the Next Stitches: Start the next treble crochet in the second stitch of the previous row.
3. Even Edges: To keep your edges straight, ensure you work into the top of the turning chain at the end of each row.

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How to Treble Crochet in Rounds

Treble crochet stitches work beautifully in rounds for doilies, motifs, and circular shawls. Follow these steps:

1. Start with a Foundation: Use a magic ring or chain four and join with a slip stitch to form a circle.
2. Chain Four to Begin: This counts as your first treble crochet.
3. Work into the Circle: Yarn over twice and work the required number of treble crochet stitches into the center of the ring.
4. Join the Round: Use a slip stitch to join the last stitch to the top of the beginning chain-four.

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Increasing and Decreasing with Treble Crochet

Increasing:

To increase in treble crochet, simply work two or more tr stitches into the same stitch or space. This technique is commonly used in shaping patterns such as triangles or circles.

Decreasing:

To decrease in treble crochet (also called treble crochet two together or tr2tog):

1. Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull through the stitch. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, then the next two loops (leaving two loops on your hook).
3. Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops, then the next two loops.
4. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.

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Tips for Perfect Treble Crochet

• Tension is Key: Practice maintaining consistent tension to avoid uneven stitches.
• Count Your Stitches: Treble crochet rows and rounds can grow quickly, so count to ensure accuracy.
• Choose the Right Hook Size: Use the recommended hook size for your yarn to prevent overly loose stitches.
• Experiment with Placement: Try working into the back loops or posts for added texture.

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Fun Projects That Use Treble Crochet

Treble crochet is ideal for:

• Shawls and Wraps: Create elegant, airy pieces with intricate patterns.
• Lacy Blankets: Add height and texture for cozy yet lightweight blankets.
• Granny Squares: Use treble crochet for bold, open granny square designs.
• Table Runners and Doilies: Showcase intricate designs for home decor.

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Variations on the Treble Crochet Stitch

Explore these variations to add texture and flair:

• Front Post Treble Crochet (FPtr): Work around the front post of the stitch for a raised effect.
• Back Post Treble Crochet (BPtr): Work around the back post for a recessed look.
• Treble Crochet Cluster: Combine multiple treble crochets in one stitch for a unique texture.
• Double Treble Crochet (dtr): Add even more height by adding an additional yarn over.

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More Crochet Stitch Tutorials

Expand your crochet skills with these tutorials:

• Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
• Half Double Crochet Stitch (hdc)
• Double Crochet Stitch (dc)

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