Unlock the DTR Crochet Stitch: Master This Stunning Technique Today!

ByEmila Lorein

 

Ready to add some serious height and drape to your crochet projects? The dtr crochet stitch, or double treble crochet, is a fantastic stitch that creates a wonderfully tall fabric, perfect for open lacework, dramatic scarves, or adding unique texture to blankets. While it might look intimidating at first due to its height, it’s surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step to master the double treble crochet, ensuring your stitches are even and beautiful.

Learning new stitches can be much easier when you see them in action. Before we dive into the written instructions, take a moment to watch our video tutorial, which visually demonstrates every step of the dtr crochet stitch:

Getting Started: Foundation Chains for Your DTR Crochet Stitch

The double treble crochet is a notably tall stitch, which means your foundation chain needs to be adequately high to match its stature. For a standard dtr crochet stitch, you’ll begin by making a series of chains to create the initial height. We recommend starting with five chains. These chains will serve as the turning chain for your first double treble crochet and ensure your edges are straight and consistent.

  1. Start by making a slip knot and then chain five. This forms the foundation height for your rows of dtr crochet stitches.

Step-by-Step: How to Work the Double Treble Crochet (DTR)

Now that you have your foundation, let’s learn how to create your very first dtr crochet stitch.

  1. Yarn Over Three Times: With your hook, yarn over three times. You’ll notice you now have four loops on your crochet hook.
  2. Insert Hook: Skip the first five chains (these count as your first dtr) and insert your hook into the sixth chain from the hook, or into the designated stitch if you’re working into a previous row.
  3. Pull Up a Loop: Yarn over and pull a loop through the stitch. You should now have five loops on your hook.
  4. Yarn Over and Pull Through Two Loops (Repeat 4 Times):
    • Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. (You’ll have four loops remaining).
    • Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. (You’ll have three loops remaining).
    • Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook. (You’ll have two loops remaining).
    • Yarn over and pull through the final two loops on your hook. (Only one loop will remain).

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your first dtr crochet stitch! Let’s practice it again to solidify the technique.

Practicing the DTR Crochet Stitch

Repetition is key to mastering any new crochet stitch. Let’s work another double treble crochet:

  1. Yarn Over Three Times: Wrap your yarn around your hook three times, so you have four loops on your hook.
  2. Insert Hook: Insert your hook into the very next stitch.
  3. Pull Up a Loop: Yarn over and pull a loop through. You now have five loops on your hook.
  4. Work Off Loops in Pairs:
    • Yarn over, pull through two loops.
    • Yarn over, pull through two loops.
    • Yarn over, pull through two loops.
    • Yarn over, pull through the last two loops.

As you can see, the process is consistent. The height of the chains you made at the beginning is crucial because it ensures that your first stitch stands as tall as the subsequent dtr crochet stitch you create, leading to a straight and even edge for your project.

The Importance of Starting Chains for the DTR Crochet Stitch

You might wonder why those initial chains are so important. Because the dtr crochet stitch is so tall, a standard turning chain (like chain 1 for single crochet or chain 3 for double crochet) wouldn’t provide enough height. The five chains you make at the beginning act as the “standing” equivalent of your first double treble crochet. This is vital for maintaining an even height across your first row and for creating clean, professional-looking edges in your finished work.

Projects for Your DTR Crochet Stitch

Now that you’ve got the hang of the double treble crochet, what can you make with it? This versatile stitch is fantastic for:

  • Lacy Shawls and Wraps: Its open nature creates beautiful, airy fabrics.
  • Lightweight Scarves: Achieve significant length quickly without adding bulk.
  • Textured Garments: Use it to add decorative elements or an open stitch pattern to sweaters and tops.
  • Decorative Edgings: Create a tall, elegant border for blankets or other projects.
  • Filet Crochet: The height of the dtr crochet stitch can create interesting open spaces in filet patterns.

Keep practicing your dtr crochet stitch, and soon you’ll be incorporating this elegant and functional stitch into a variety of stunning projects. Happy crocheting!

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