Master the TR Crochet Stitch

ByEmila Lorein

 

Are you ready to elevate your crochet skills and explore a stitch that adds incredible drape, speed, and texture to your projects? Look no further than the tr crochet stitch, also widely known as the triple crochet. As the tallest of the fundamental crochet stitches, it opens up a world of possibilities for creating light, airy, and beautifully intricate designs.

While some beginners might find its height a bit intimidating at first, the tr crochet stitch is surprisingly straightforward once you grasp the rhythm of its longer pulls. It’s often one of the last basic stitches learned, yet it quickly becomes a favorite for its efficiency in building height and creating openwork fabric. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the treble crochet, from its anatomy to advanced variations, ensuring you’re confidently creating stunning pieces in no time.

If you’re just starting your crochet journey, we highly recommend brushing up on your crochet basics, including how to hold your yarn and hook, and mastering stitches like the chain stitch, single crochet, and double crochet. Once you have those down, the tr crochet stitch will feel like a natural progression!

Understanding the Treble Crochet Stitch (tr / Triple Crochet)

The treble crochet stitch stands out for its impressive height and the open, pliable fabric it creates. It’s perfect for projects where you want a bit of a “lacy” feel or when you need to cover a lot of ground quickly. Before we get into the “how-to,” let’s clarify some key aspects of this versatile stitch.

US vs. UK Terminology: A Crucial Distinction

One of the most common sources of confusion in crochet is the difference between US and UK terminology. For the tr crochet stitch:

  • In **US terminology**, it is called Treble Crochet or Triple Crochet, abbreviated as “tr”.
  • In **UK terminology**, the equivalent stitch is referred to as **Double Treble Crochet**, abbreviated as “dtr”. (Note: A UK Treble Crochet is actually a US Double Crochet!).

Throughout this guide, all instructions will follow **US terminology** for the tr crochet stitch.

Abbreviation and Chart Symbol

  • Abbreviation: In US patterns, the treble crochet stitch is abbreviated as “tr”.
  • Chart Symbol: In crochet charts, the tr crochet stitch is typically represented by a “T” with two short diagonal lines crossing through its stem. These lines visually indicate the two yarn overs you make at the beginning of the stitch.

Anatomy of the TR Crochet Stitch

Like other crochet stitches, the tr crochet stitch has distinct parts:

  • Front Loop: The top loop closest to you.
  • Back Loop: The top loop furthest from you.
  • Third Loop: A horizontal bar located behind the back loop, often used for creating unique textures.
  • Post (or Body): The vertical part of the stitch. Due to its significant height, the post of a tr crochet stitch is very prominent, making it an excellent choice for post stitches, especially in cable crochet patterns.

Stitch Height and Turning Chain

The height of a tr crochet stitch is roughly equivalent to four chain stitches. This means that to maintain straight edges and bring your yarn up to the correct height for the next row, you’ll typically need a turning chain of 4 chains (ch).

Turning Chain (Ch 4): At the end or beginning of a row, a turning chain helps transition smoothly to the next row. For the tr crochet stitch, 4 chains are standard. Always double-check your specific pattern, as some might call for only 3 chains, and it will also indicate whether this turning chain counts as the first stitch of the row or not.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Crochet the TR Crochet Stitch

Ready to make your first tr crochet stitch? If you’re familiar with double crochet, you’ll find the process quite similar, just with an extra yarn over and an extra pull-through! This tutorial assumes you know how to hold your yarn and hook and make a slip knot.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to create a treble crochet stitch:

  1. Start with Yarn Overs: With an existing loop on your hook, YO (yarn over) the hook TWICE. You will have three loops on your hook.
  2. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the designated stitch (this could be a chain stitch or a stitch from the previous row).
  3. Pull Up a Loop: YO again and draw the working yarn through the stitch. You should now have four loops on your crochet hook.
  4. First Pull-Through: YO again and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. You will have three loops remaining on the hook.
  5. Second Pull-Through: YO again and pull the yarn through the next two loops on your hook. You will have two loops remaining on the hook.
  6. Final Pull-Through: YO for the last time and draw the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook.
  7. Stitch Complete! You’ve successfully completed your first tr crochet stitch!

The extra yarn overs and pull-through steps are what give the treble crochet stitch its impressive height and loose drape. Practice these steps until they feel natural. For more visual assistance, check out our comprehensive How to Crochet Guide.

Working TR Crochet into a Foundation Chain

Let’s get your first row of tr crochet stitches going!

  1. Start with a Foundation Chain: Make a foundation chain of your desired length plus 4 extra chains for the turning chain.
  2. Yarn Over: YO twice.
  3. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the 5th chain from the hook (the first 4 chains count as your turning chain, representing your first tr crochet stitch).
  4. Pull Up Loop: YO and pull up a loop. You will have 4 loops on your hook.
  5. Complete the Stitch: YO and draw through the first two loops. YO and draw through the next two loops. YO and draw through the last two loops.
  6. Continue: Repeat these steps to make tr crochet stitches in each chain across your foundation chain until you reach the end of the row.
  7. Prepare for Next Row: At the end of the row, chain 4 for your turning chain before moving on.

Working TR Crochet in Subsequent Rows

To continue working in rows with the tr crochet stitch:

  1. Turning Chain & Turn: If you haven’t already, chain 4 (ch 4) at the end of your previous row. This is your turning chain. Then, turn your work clockwise.
  2. Skip Turning Chain: Skip the first 4 chains (your turning chain counts as the first tr crochet stitch of this new row).
  3. First Stitch of Row: YO twice and insert your hook into the top of the *next* stitch (the first actual tr crochet stitch from the previous row, not the turning chain).
  4. Complete the Stitch: YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through two loops. Repeat two more times until you have one loop remaining on your hook.
  5. Continue Across: Work one tr crochet stitch into each stitch across the row until you reach the end. Remember to work into the top of the turning chain from the previous row if it counted as a stitch.

Mastering TR Crochet Increases and Decreases

Once you’re comfortable with the basic tr crochet stitch, you can manipulate your fabric by learning increases and decreases. These techniques are essential for shaping your projects, whether you’re making garments, accessories, or intricate designs.

How to Increase Stitches in Treble Crochet (tr inc)

Increasing stitches in treble crochet means adding more stitches to your row or round, typically by working two or more tr crochet stitches into a single stitch from the previous row. This causes your fabric to expand.

  • 2tr: Crochet 2 tr stitches into the same stitch.
  • 3tr: Crochet 3 tr stitches into the same stitch.
  • And so on, depending on your pattern’s requirement for shaping.

How to Decrease Stitches in Treble Crochet (tr2tog)

Decreasing stitches in treble crochet (often abbreviated as “tr2tog” for “treble crochet 2 together”) involves turning two stitches into one, thereby reducing the stitch count in your row or round and making your fabric contract.

  1. Start First tr: YO twice, insert your hook into the first stitch. YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through two loops (you have 3 loops left). YO and pull through two loops (you have 2 loops left). **Stop here.** Do not complete the stitch.
  2. Start Second tr: YO twice again, insert your hook into the *next* stitch. YO and pull up a loop. YO and pull through two loops (you have 4 loops left). YO and pull through two loops (you have 3 loops left). **Stop here.**
  3. Complete Decrease: YO, pull through all three remaining loops on your hook. You have now decreased two tr crochet stitches into one.

Invisible Decrease in Treble Crochet (tr inv dec)

While the standard decrease is effective, the invisible decrease offers a neater, less noticeable reduction, especially in projects where a seamless look is desired. For the tr crochet stitch, this often involves working into the front loops only.

  1. Start tr: YO twice.
  2. Insert through Front Loops: Insert your hook into the *front loop only* of the next stitch, then immediately insert it into the *front loop only* of the following stitch. You will have two front loops on your hook.
  3. Pull Up Loop: YO and pull a loop through *both* of these front loops. You will have 4 loops on your hook.
  4. Complete Stitch: YO and pull through two loops. Repeat two more times until you complete the tr crochet stitch with one loop remaining. This combines two stitches subtly.

Exploring TR Crochet in Different Loops and Post Stitches

Beyond working into both top loops, the tr crochet stitch is fantastic for creating diverse textures by inserting your hook into different parts of the stitch. This can add visual interest, flexibility, or structure to your fabric.

1. Treble Crochet Front Loop Only (tr flo)

To perform a tr flo, you will make a regular tr crochet stitch, but instead of inserting your hook under both top loops, you only go into the loop closest to you (the front loop). Working multiple rows in tr flo results in a very thin and stretchy fabric with excellent drape. It also leaves a decorative horizontal ridge on the wrong side of your work from the unworked back loops.

2. Treble Crochet Back Loop Only (tr blo)

For a tr blo, you insert your hook only into the top loop furthest from you (the back loop) and then complete your tr crochet stitch as usual. Similar to tr flo, working in the back loop creates ridges from the unworked front loops. This technique is often used to create a ribbed texture or to provide a foundation for additional decorative elements.

3. Treble Crochet Third Loop Only (tr 3rd loop)

The third loop is a hidden horizontal bar located directly below the back loop on the back of your crochet fabric. To work a tr 3rd loop, YO twice and insert your hook into this horizontal bar before completing the stitch. This method pushes the typical top loops forward, creating a beautiful, knit-like ribbing effect that can add a sophisticated touch to scarves, hats, and garments.

Treble Crochet Post Stitches

The tall “post” or body of the tr crochet stitch makes it exceptionally well-suited for post stitches, such as Front Post Treble Crochet (FPTr) and Back Post Treble Crochet (BPTr). These stitches involve working around the vertical post of the stitch from the previous row rather than into the top loops. Post stitches are fundamental for creating:cable crochet patterns, basketweave textures, and other raised designs that add incredible dimension to your work.

Beyond TR: Taller Crochet Stitches & Variations

While the tr crochet stitch is the tallest of the six basic stitches, your journey into tall stitches doesn’t have to end there! You can create even grander stitches, perfect for openwork, quick projects, or dramatic lace.

How to Work a Double Treble Crochet Stitch (dtr)

The Double Treble Crochet (dtr) is one step taller than the tr crochet stitch. The principle is simple: add one more yarn over at the beginning, which in turn means one more “pull through two loops” step.

Steps for dtr:

  1. Turning Chain: Begin with 5 chain stitches as your turning chain.
  2. Yarn Overs: YO 3 times. You will have 4 loops on your hook.
  3. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the next stitch.
  4. Pull Up Loop: YO and pull up a loop. You will have 5 loops on your hook.
  5. Complete Stitch: YO and pull through two loops at a time, repeating a total of 4 times, until only one loop remains on your hook.

The more yarn overs you add at the beginning, the taller your stitch becomes, resulting in an even looser, airier fabric with wider gaps between posts. This makes taller stitches ideal for delicate openwork designs.

Other Taller Stitches

The concept extends even further! You can also create:

  • Triple Treble Crochet (ttr): Requires 4 yarn overs at the start and 5 pull-throughs. Turning chain: 6 ch.
  • Quadruple Treble Crochet (qtr): Requires 5 yarn overs at the start and 6 pull-throughs. Turning chain: 7 ch.

Advanced TR Crochet Variations

The versatility of the tr crochet stitch extends to several fascinating variations that can dramatically change the look and feel of your crocheted fabric:

  • Linked Treble Crochet (LTR): Unlike regular tr stitches that leave small gaps, the linked treble crochet creates a denser fabric with a solid, woven appearance. It’s an excellent choice for baby blankets or garments where you want warmth without sacrificing height.
  • Extended Treble Crochet (ETC): This variation adds an extra chain stitch into the body of the tr crochet stitch, making it slightly taller and often more fluid than a standard treble. It adds a subtle loft and stretch.
  • Crossed Treble Stitch: This decorative stitch involves crossing tr stitches over each other to create an open, lattice-like fabric. It’s often used with thinner yarns to create elegant shawls, scarves, or light garments, as it uses less yarn and works up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the TR Crochet Stitch

1. Are treble and triple crochet the same?

Yes! In US crochet terminology, “treble crochet” and “triple crochet” refer to the exact same stitch and are often used interchangeably in patterns.

2. There is also a treble crochet in UK terminology. Is it the same as a US tr stitch?

No, they are not the same. A UK treble crochet (tr) is equivalent to a US double crochet (dc). What Americans call a treble crochet (tr) is called a double treble crochet (dtr) in UK terminology.

3. How do I do a treble stitch step by step?

To make a tr crochet stitch:

  1. Yarn over the hook twice.
  2. Insert the hook into a stitch and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
  3. Yarn over and pull through two loops (3 loops on hook).
  4. Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops (2 loops on hook).
  5. Yarn over for the final time and draw yarn through the remaining two loops (1 loop on hook).

4. How tall is the treble crochet stitch?

The tr crochet stitch is the tallest of the basic crochet stitches. It is approximately the height of 4 chain stitches.

5. What is the turning chain for treble crochet?

The turning chain for the tr crochet stitch is typically 4 chain stitches (ch). However, always refer to your specific pattern as some may call for 3 chains, and it will specify whether the turning chain counts as a stitch or not.

6. Can I make stitches taller than tr stitch?

Absolutely! You can create even taller stitches by adding more yarn overs at the beginning. These include Double Treble Crochet (dtr), Triple Treble Crochet (ttr), and Quadruple Treble Crochet (qtr).

7. How many yarnovers do I need for the tall stitches?

  • Regular tr crochet stitch: 2 yarn overs
  • Double Treble Crochet (dtr): 3 yarn overs
  • Triple Treble Crochet (ttr): 4 yarn overs
  • Quadruple Treble Crochet (qtr): 5 yarn overs

8. How many turning chains do I need to crochet tall stitches?

  • Regular tr crochet stitch: 4 ch
  • Double Treble Crochet (dtr): 5 ch
  • Triple Treble Crochet (ttr): 6 ch
  • Quadruple Treble Crochet (qtr): 7 ch

9. What is treble crochet used for?

The tr crochet stitch is ideal for creating open, airy, and drapey fabric. It’s often used for projects requiring speed, such as large blankets or scarves. It’s also perfect for lacework, openwork designs, and is fundamental for creating textured elements like post stitches and cables.

Dive Deeper into Crochet with MadeFromYarn.com

Mastering the tr crochet stitch is a significant step in your crochet journey! We encourage you to continue exploring and expanding your skills. Here are more free tutorials and resources from MadeFromYarn.com to help you on your way:

Creative Projects Featuring the TR Crochet Stitch

The tr crochet stitch, with its height and open structure, lends itself beautifully to a variety of projects. While we can’t link directly to every fantastic external pattern, here are the *types* of projects where you’ll often find the tr crochet stitch shining, and you can explore more ideas in our Crochet Patterns section!

  • Lacy Scarves and Shawls: The inherent openness of the tr stitch creates lightweight, elegant garments perfect for warmer weather or as stylish accessories.
  • Openwork Garments: From summer tops and cardigans to beach cover-ups, the loose drape of the treble crochet makes for comfortable and flowy apparel.
  • Quick-to-Work-Up Projects: Because each tr stitch is tall, your fabric grows quickly, making it ideal for larger projects like blankets or throws when you’re looking for faster results.
  • Textured Items: As discussed, the prominent post of the tr stitch is fantastic for creating cable designs and other raised textures.
  • Decorative Elements: Many unique designs, like “yoyo puffs” or certain flower motifs, utilize the height of tr stitches (and even taller stitches like triple treble) to create volume and visual interest.
  • Home Decor: Coasters, doilies, and decorative ornaments can often benefit from the unique stitch definition offered by the tr crochet stitch.

Remember, the best way to become proficient with the tr crochet stitch (and all crochet techniques!) is to practice. Grab your hook and yarn, follow these steps, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy crocheting!

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