How To Treble Crochet (Triple Crochet) For Beginners

In this blog post, you will learn how to treble crochet (also known as triple crochet).

The US triple crochet is a basic stitch to learn after you have mastered single crochet and double crochet.

It’s a commonly used stitch pattern, also known as the treble crochet stitch.

Before You Get Started

Here are a few things to know before you begin:

Abbreviation: In US terms, treble crochet is abbreviated tr.
Height: This tall stitch creates open, airy fabric.
Uses: Great for scarves, shawls, wraps, garments, and bags.
Variations: For even taller stitches, try a double treble crochet (dtr) or triple treble crochet (trtr).
US vs UK: In UK crochet, the US treble crochet is called the triple crochet stitch.
You can find a free PDF of both US and UK terms and abbreviations here: Crochet Abbreviations (US + UK Terms) Free Printable

Tools/Materials Needed

Yarn – tutorial uses super bulky weight.

Crochet hook – tutorial uses 10mm / US 15.

If you want to use a different yarn, you need to use a different size crochet hook ( check out the yarn label- How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step))

How to Treble Crochet

Please note – this is a right-handed tutorial; if you are left-handed, you will reverse the direction that you are working in from left to right across the rows.

You can view a left-hand tutorial here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Crochet a foundation chain

(View tutorial here –How To Start A Crochet Chain For Beginners (Tutorial))

The first four stitches on the chain will count as the first treble crochet stitch.

When you go to work on your first stitch, you will wrap the yarn twice around your hook and insert the hook through the fifth chain from your hook.

Once you have done that, you can follow the next steps below (from step 3).

Steps 2 and 3 will walk you through how to wrap your yarn around the hook and push the hook through the next stitch.

Step 2 – Wrap yarn over the hook twice

The next step is to push your hook through the next stitch.

treble crochet sample with hook and wrapped yarn

Step 3 – Push the hook through the next stitch

The next step is to push your hook through the next stitch.

Step 4 – Wrap yarn over the hook

Wrap the yarn over the hook and prepare to pull the yarn through that stitch.

Step 5 – Pull yarn through the stitch

Pull the yarn through the stitch, creating four loops on your hook.

Step 6 – Yarn over the hook again

Wrap the yarn over your hook again.

yarn over hook for the treble crochet tutorial

Step 7 – Pull through the first two loops

Pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook; this will leave you with three loops on your hook.

Step 8 – Yarn over again

Wrap your yarn over your hook again.

pulling the yarn through the next two loops on the hook

Step 9 – Pull through the next two loops

Pull your yarn through the two loops, which will leave you with two loops on the hook.

pull the yarn through the two loops on the hook for a triple crochet stitch

Step 10 – Yarn over again

Wrap your yarn over the hook once more.

Step 11 – Pull through the last two loops

Pull the yarn through the last two loops on the hook to complete your treble crochet stitch.

Keep going until you reach the end of the row, then you will need to do a turning chain (see info below on that).

The treble stitches will build on top of each other to create the crochet fabric.

Turning chain

The turning chain at the start of a new row counts as one treble crochet at the beginning of each row.

Most patterns will have the size of the turning chain you need to make.

However, for treble crochet, you typically need to chain 4 at the start of the row.

This is because the three chain stitches create the same correct height as a treble crochet stitch.

Treble Crochet Practice Ideas

With some practice, your treble crochet will improve and become like second nature!

You will find a rhythm in it and easily create those tall rows of stitches.

An easy way to practice is to do the following;

To create a swatch, chain 20 or 30 stitches (you can choose your own number of stitches), and practice by creating rows of treble crochet.

Make an easy Crochet Beach Bag Pattern {Mixtape Yarn} that uses single crochet and treble crochet stitches.

FAQs

→ Can you increase and decrease with the treble crochet stitch?

Yes, you can both increase and decrease with the treble crochet stitch, just like with single or double crochet.

Increase (tr inc): Work two treble crochet stitches into the same stitch. This adds an extra stitch to your row or round.
Decrease (tr2tog): Partially complete one treble crochet (stop when 2 loops remain), then start the next treble in the next stitch, and pull through all remaining loops on your hook at once. This turns two stitches into one.

These are often used in shaping projects such as garments, shawls, and decorative lace where treble crochet gives a more open, drapey fabric.

→ Is treble crochet good for blankets?

Yes, treble crochet can be good for blankets, but it depends on the style you want.

Tall stitches work up fast, so you can finish a blanket more quickly.

Creates a lightweight, airy fabric with a nice drape, which is great for summer or decorative throws.

Pairs well with lacy patterns and color changes.

→ What is the best yarn for the treble crochet stitch?

The treble crochet stitch works best with yarns that show off its tall, open structure and let the loops glide smoothly on the hook:

Lightweight yarns (DK, sport, or worsted weight yarn): Give good stitch definition without making the fabric too heavy.

Avoid: Very fuzzy yarns (like mohair or boucle) for learning treble crochet — they can hide stitch loops and make it hard to see where to insert your hook.

→ Can you treble crochet through the back loop?

Yes, you can treble crochet through the back loop only (BLO).

This creates a subtle horizontal ridge and adds texture while still keeping the tall, airy nature of treble crochet.

Great for decorative stripes, ribbing effects on garments, or adding texture to blankets and scarves.

You can also do front loop only (FLO) treble crochet for a different look — it emphasizes the ridge on the front side.

→ How to keep the right tension when working with the treble crochet?

How to keep the right tension when working with treble crochet

Because treble crochet stitches are tall and open, it’s easy for your tension to get uneven.

Use a steady grip: Hold the yarn and hook the same way throughout your project.
Control your yarn flow: Wrap the yarn around your fingers so it feeds smoothly without snagging or going slack.
Watch your yarn overs: Make sure each of the two yarn overs at the start of the stitch is the same height and snugness.
Don’t pull too tight: Keep the loops on your hook tall enough so the stitch doesn’t shrink.
Practice with swatches: Work a few rows just focusing on matching the height of each stitch.

Related Post: How To Hold A Crochet Hook

→ What supplies do you need to work on a treble crochet project?

Yarn – Yarn Weight Guide (+ Yarn Conversion Chart)
Crochet hook – Crochet Hook Sizes Chart (A Free Conversion Guide)
Scissors
Tapestry (yarn) needle
Stitch markers – What Are Stitch Markers?
Measuring tape or ruler
Row counter
Blocking supplies – How To Block Crochet (Beginner’s Guide)

Crochet Lessons

If you need more tutorials, check out the crochet lessons here – Crochet Lessons {With Video Tutorials}.

There, you will find tutorial posts for the basic stitches and all the crochet techniques a newbie needs to know, like how to make a slip knot and more.

For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Knitting And Crochet Community Facebook group.

You can also find us on various social media platforms, including Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, Ravelry, and TikTok.

Happy Crocheting!