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The treble crochet stitch (tr) is the tallest of the basic crochet stitches, one step up from double crochet. You wrap the yarn twice before inserting the hook, so each stitch stands about three chains high. Rows build fast and the fabric is open and drapey.
It's a beginner stitch. If you can double crochet, you already know the motion; treble just adds one more wrap and one more pull-through. The thing that makes it work is keeping those pull-throughs to two loops at a time, three times in a row.
You'll also see this stitch called triple crochet, or abbreviated trc or TC, as in the swatch pattern below. It's the same stitch under a different name; our triple crochet tutorial covers the same technique.
Watch: Treble Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
Watch for the two yarn overs before the hook goes in, and count the three separate pull-throughs that follow.
What You Need
Yarn: worsted (medium) weight, as in the swatch. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the tall posts and makes it easier to find the top of each stitch on the next row. Treble has a lot of open space, so it also works in bulky yarn for fast blankets.
Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8), or the size that gives you the listed gauge.
Abbreviations (US terms): CH = chain; YO = yarn over; st(s) = stitch(es); TC = treble crochet, also written tr. In UK terms this stitch is called a double treble.
Stitch multiple: any number of stitches, plus 3 chains for the first turning chain. The swatch uses 24 chains for 21 stitches.
Treble Crochet Stitch Written Pattern
Size: 6"x6"
Gauge: 4x4 = 13sts x 5 rows
Yarn: 25g or 38yds of DGY worsted weight recycled silk
Crochet Hook Size: 5.0mm
Abbreviations: CH - Chain; TC: Treble Crochet - YO twice, insert and pull up a loop, *YO, Pull through 2sts* three times
Pattern:
CH 24
Row 1: Working into the 4th CH from the hook, TC. Repeat Across. CH 3 and Turn. (21 sts)
Row 2: TC Across. CH 3 and Turn. (21 sts)
Rows 3-8: Repeat row 2.
Bind off and weave in ends.
Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works
- Chain 24. The first three chains stand in for the first treble, so you'll work into the fourth chain from the hook.
- Yarn over twice. Wrap the yarn around the hook two times before inserting it. You now have three loops on the hook.
- Insert and pull up a loop. Push the hook into the chain, yarn over, and draw a loop through. Four loops on the hook.
- Yarn over, pull through two. Three times. Each pull-through takes you down one loop: four to three, three to two, two to one. The stitch is done.
- Repeat across, chain 3 and turn. Work a treble into every chain for 21 stitches. The chain 3 counts as the first stitch of the next row, so on Row 2 your first treble goes into the second stitch, and the last treble goes into the top of the previous row's chain 3.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Losing a stitch at the end of the row. The last treble of each row goes into the top of the turning chain. Skip it and your swatch narrows by one stitch every row. Count 21 each time.
- Pulling through too many loops. If you pull through three loops at once, the stitch is shorter and leans. Two loops, three times, every stitch.
- Gaps at the edges. A chain 3 turning chain leaves a small gap. Keep the chain snug, or try chain 2 if your trebles are short.
- Either side can face out. Rows of treble look nearly the same on both sides, so this fabric is reversible for scarves and blankets.
- It uses less yarn than you'd think. Tall stitches with open space cover more area per yard than single crochet. See which crochet stitches use the least yarn.
What to Make With the Treble Crochet Stitch
- A quick blanket in worsted or bulky yarn. Rows of treble grow fast, and the drape suits a throw. How to crochet a blanket covers sizing.
- A lightweight scarf or wrap in sport or DK weight silk, where the open rows hang well.
- Market bags in worsted cotton; the tall stitches make a stretchy mesh.
- Lace edgings and shells, since treble is the base stitch for many fan and shell patterns.
Related Stitches
- Triple Crochet — the same stitch under its other name
- Double Crochet Stitch — one wrap shorter, the stitch to learn first
- Linked Treble Crochet — trebles joined side by side to close the gaps
- Browse every crochet stitch tutorial
Yarn for This Stitch
Treble rows in silk drape beautifully. Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn, recycled silk hand-dyed by artisans in India, makes a scarf in this stitch light and fluid; browse it with the rest of our sport weight yarn. For the swatch as written, use a worsted weight yarn.
If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.
Treble Crochet Stitch FAQ
Is treble crochet the same as triple crochet?
Yes. Treble (tr) and triple (trc) are two names for the same US stitch: yarn over twice, pull up a loop, then pull through two loops three times.
What's the difference between treble and double crochet?
Double crochet uses one yarn over and two pull-throughs; treble uses two yarn overs and three pull-throughs. Treble is taller, looser and faster to work.
Is treble crochet beginner-friendly?
Yes. It's usually taught right after double crochet, and the swatch here is eight rows of the same stitch.
