The Braided Treble Crochet Columns stitch is a beautiful textured crochet pattern that creates tall, intertwined columns across the fabric. The braided effect comes from crossing double treble and treble crochet stitches over one another, creating a raised design that looks much more intricate than the actual stitchwork.

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This stitch is a lovely choice for blankets, scarves, shawls, sweaters, cardigans, bags, and other crochet projects where you want bold vertical texture. Although the crossed stitches may look complicated at first, the pattern uses a simple two-row repeat once the special dtr-cross-v stitch is understood.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to crochet the Braided Treble Crochet Columns step by step, including how to work the special double treble crochet cross V-stitch and how to repeat the pattern to create the braided columns.

Easy Braided Treble Crochet Columns Tutorial

The Braided Treble Crochet Columns stitch is worked over a multiple of 9 stitches plus 2, with 1 additional beginning chain. The pattern starts with a foundation row of single crochet stitches, followed by a crossed treble crochet row and a single crochet row.

The braided appearance is created using the special dtr-cross-v stitch. This stitch combines double treble crochet, treble crochet, and chain stitches while crossing the tall stitches over one another. The crossed stitches form raised columns that resemble a braid.

After completing the foundation row, the main stitch pattern is worked by repeating Rows 2 and 3. This makes the stitch easy to continue once the first crossed row has been completed.

Why You’ll Love Braided Treble Crochet Columns

Creates a bold braided texture
Uses a simple two-row repeat
Produces raised vertical columns
Makes an eye-catching design with solid-color yarn
Works well for blankets, scarves, shawls, and garments
Uses basic crochet stitches combined in a decorative way
Creates texture without complicated shaping
Can be used for both small and large crochet projects

Skill Level

Intermediate

The basic stitches in this pattern are familiar to many crocheters, but the special dtr-cross-v requires careful stitch placement. Because several tall stitches are worked into skipped stitches and crossed in front of or behind one another, it helps to be comfortable with treble crochet and double treble crochet before trying this pattern.

Materials Needed

Yarn

Choose a smooth yarn with good stitch definition so that the crossed stitches are easy to see. Medium-weight yarn is a good choice for practicing the Braided Treble Crochet Columns stitch because the taller stitches are easier to handle and identify.

Crochet Hook

Use a crochet hook that matches the yarn you have selected. A hook that gives you a comfortable tension will make it easier to work the tall crossed stitches without making the fabric too tight.

Additional Supplies

Crochet hook
Yarn
Scissors
Yarn needle
Stitch markers, if needed
Measuring tape

Stitches & Abbreviations

This free crochet pattern is written using US crochet terms.

Special Stitch

Ch chain

Ch-sp chain space(s)

Dc double crochet

Dtr double treble crochet

Prev previous

Rep repeat

Sc single crochet

Sk skip

st (s) stitch(es)

Tr treble crochet

T-ch turning chain

Double Treble Crochet Cross V-Stitch (dtr-cross-v)

The dtr-cross-v is the special stitch responsible for creating the braided appearance. It combines skipped stitches with crossed double treble and treble crochet stitches.

To work the dtr-cross-v stitch:

Skip the first single crochet.
Skip the next 3 single crochet stitches, then work 1 double treble crochet in the next single crochet.
Work 1 treble crochet in each of the 3 skipped single crochet stitches behind the double treble crochet made in Step 2.
Chain 1.
Work 1 treble crochet in each of the next 3 single crochet stitches.
Work 1 double treble crochet in the same single crochet where the previous double treble crochet was made. Cross this double treble crochet in front of the 3 treble crochet stitches made in Step 5 by inserting the hook from back to front of the work.

The crossed stitches create the distinctive V-shaped braided column.

Pattern Notes

The foundation chain is a multiple of 9 + 2, plus 1 beginning chain.
For a sample swatch, you can start with 30 chains.
The foundation row is worked in single crochet.
The special dtr-cross-v stitch is worked across 9 single crochet stitches.
Row 2 creates the main braided columns.
Row 3 works single crochet stitches across the crossed stitches to prepare for the next repeat.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until the project reaches the desired length.
Pay close attention to the skipped stitches and the placement of the crossed stitches.
Keep your tension even so the braided columns remain defined.

Braided Treble Crochet Columns Step-by-Step Process

Now let’s work through the complete Braided Treble Crochet Columns pattern step by step.

Foundation Chain

Start with a foundation chain that follows the stitch multiple of 9 + 2, plus 1 beginning chain*.*

For example, you can make 30 chains for a sample swatch:

9 × 3 + 2 + 1 = 30 chains.

The extra beginning chain is used to establish the correct height for the first row.

Row 1 (WS)

Work 1 single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook*.*

Then work 1 single crochet in the next chain and repeat this across the foundation chain.

Continue the single crochet pattern to the end of the row, then turn.

This row creates the foundation of single crochet stitches into which the tall crossed stitches will be worked.

Row 2

Chain 4. This counts as the first treble crochet.

Then repeat the following special stitch: 1 dtr-cross-v over the next 9 single crochet stitches*.*

Continue repeating the dtr-cross-v across the row until the last single crochet remains.

Work 1 treble crochet in the last single crochet and turn.

This is the main decorative row of the pattern. The crossed double treble and treble crochet stitches begin forming the raised braided columns across the fabric.

Row 3

Chain 1.

Work 1 single crochet in the first treble crochet*.*

Then work the following sequence across each braided section:

1 sc in the next dtr, 1 sc in the next 3 tr, 1 sc in the next ch-1 space, 1 sc in the next 3 tr, 1 sc in the next dtr.

Repeat this sequence across the row until you reach the turning chain.

Work 1 single crochet in the turning chain and turn.

This row brings the height of the crossed stitches back down and creates a foundation for the next row of braided columns.

How to Repeat Braided Treble Crochet Columns

Once you have completed Rows 1–3, the main stitch pattern is established.

To continue the Braided Treble Crochet Columns, simply repeat Rows 2 and 3 until your crochet piece reaches the desired length.

Row 2 creates the tall crossed stitches, while Row 3 works single crochet stitches over them. Repeating these two rows builds the braided columns vertically across the fabric.

For the cleanest results, pay particular attention to the skipped stitches and the placement of each double treble crochet. The crossed stitches need to be worked in the correct direction to create the braided effect.

Project Ideas

The Braided Treble Crochet Columns stitch can be used for a wide range of crochet projects.

Braided Crochet Blanket

Use the stitch across a wide blanket to create strong vertical texture. The repeating columns can give a simple blanket a more decorative and dimensional appearance.

Braided Crochet Scarf

The raised columns make this stitch especially suitable for scarves. Use a solid color to highlight the crossed stitches and make the braid pattern easy to see.

Braided Crochet Shawl

Work the stitch into a shawl or wrap for a textured design. A yarn with good stitch definition will help showcase the tall crossed stitches.

Braided Crochet Sweater

Add the stitch throughout a sweater or use it as a decorative panel. The vertical columns can create an interesting texture across the front, back, or sleeves.

Braided Crochet Cardigan

Use the stitch across cardigan panels or incorporate it into selected sections for a textured detail. It can also be combined with simpler crochet stitches for contrast.

Braided Crochet Bag

The dense textured fabric can work beautifully for crochet bags. Use the stitch on the main body of a bag to create a decorative raised pattern.

Tips for Working Braided Treble Crochet Columns

Pay Attention to the Skipped Stitches

The special dtr-cross-v depends on skipping the correct number of stitches before working the double treble crochet. Carefully count the skipped stitches to keep the braided columns aligned.

Keep the Crossed Stitches Loose

Treble and double treble crochet stitches need enough room to cross without pulling the fabric too tightly. Avoid working these stitches too tightly, especially when you are first learning the pattern.

Understand the Stitch Placement

The first double treble crochet is worked after skipping three single crochet stitches. The treble crochet stitches are then worked into those skipped stitches, creating the first part of the crossing.

Take Care With the Second Double Treble

The final double treble crochet is worked into the same single crochet as the previous double treble crochet. Insert the hook from back to front as instructed so that it crosses in front of the three treble crochet stitches.

Use Stitch Markers if Needed

If you are having trouble keeping track of the 9-stitch groups, place stitch markers between pattern sections. This can make it easier to identify where each dtr-cross-v begins and ends.

Choose a Yarn With Good Stitch Definition

A smooth yarn makes the crossed columns much easier to see. Avoid highly textured or fuzzy yarn while learning the stitch because it can make the individual crossings difficult to identify.

Care Instructions

Always follow the care instructions recommended for the specific yarn you use. Different fibers may require different washing and drying methods.

When washing a finished project featuring Braided Treble Crochet Columns, avoid excessive agitation or stretching. Lay the piece flat to dry when appropriate and gently reshape it so the braided columns maintain their definition.

Conclusion

The Braided Treble Crochet Columns stitch is a beautiful way to add bold, raised texture to your crochet projects. Its braided appearance comes from combining double treble and treble crochet stitches with strategic skips and crossings.

The most important part of this pattern is learning the special dtr-cross-v stitch. Once you understand how the stitches cross and where each tall stitch is placed, the rest of the pattern becomes much easier to follow.

After the foundation row, simply repeat Rows 2 and 3 to continue building the braided columns. Try practicing the stitch with a smooth, solid-colored yarn first, then use it in blankets, scarves, shawls, garments, bags, and other crochet projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Braided Treble Crochet Columns?

Braided Treble Crochet Columns are a textured crochet stitch pattern that creates raised, intertwined columns using treble crochet, double treble crochet, skipped stitches, and a special crossed V-stitch.

What is the stitch multiple for this pattern?

The foundation chain is worked as a multiple of 9 + 2, plus 1 beginning chain*. For example, a 30-chain foundation works for a sample swatch.*

What is the dtr-cross-v stitch?

The dtr-cross-v is a special double treble crochet cross V-stitch. It combines a double treble crochet, treble crochet stitches, a chain space, and another double treble crochet to create the crossed braided effect.

How many rows are repeated in this crochet pattern?

After completing the foundation row, the main pattern is created by repeating Rows 2 and 3 until you reach the desired length.

Is this stitch suitable for beginners?

The basic stitches are common crochet stitches, but the crossed dtr-cross-v requires careful stitch placement. It is best suited to confident beginners or intermediate crocheters who are comfortable with treble and double treble crochet.

What projects can I make with Braided Treble Crochet Columns?

You can use this stitch for blankets, scarves, shawls, sweaters, cardigans, bags, wraps, and other crochet projects where you want a bold raised texture.

Why do my braided columns look uneven?

Uneven tension or incorrect stitch placement can affect the appearance of the columns. Check that you are skipping the correct stitches, working the double treble crochet into the correct stitch, and inserting your hook in the correct direction when making the final crossing.

Can I use different yarn weights for this stitch?

Yes. You can experiment with different yarn weights and corresponding crochet hooks. However, a smooth yarn with clear stitch definition is recommended when learning the pattern because it makes the crossed stitches easier to see.