How to Treble Crochet (Triple Crochet): Step-by-Step
Updated July 2026 · 5 min read
What is treble crochet?
Treble crochet (also called triple crochet, abbreviated tr) is the tallest of the basic crochet stitches. To make one, you yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on your hook), then yarn over and pull through 2 loops three times in a row. That's one treble crochet.
First things first: treble crochet and triple crochet are the exact same stitch, just two names for it. So if a pattern says "tr" or "trc," you're in the right place.
Treble is the tall, airy one. Because it stretches up so high, your work grows seriously fast, and the fabric comes out light, open, and drapey — lovely for lacy shawls, summer tops, and breezy blankets. It's the least dense of the basics, so it's less about warmth and more about that soft, flowing look.
If you already know double crochet, treble is a tiny step up: you yarn over twice instead of once, then clear the loops off in three little steps instead of two. Same idea, just one taller.
What you'll need
Same three basics, nothing fancy:
| What | Recommended for practice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hook | 5.0mm (US H/8) | A comfy mid-size that's easy to control |
| Yarn | Smooth worsted weight, light color | Pale yarn helps you see each loop on a tall stitch |
| Scissors | Any small pair | To cut your yarn at the end |
You'll also want a short foundation chain to work into — chain about 12 to practice. New to chaining? Our crochet stitches guide covers it in seconds.
How to treble crochet, step by step
Treble looks taller and fancier, but it's just double crochet with a bit more. Two things make it a treble: you yarn over twice at the start, and you clear the loops off your hook in three little steps instead of two.
Yarn over twice
Wrap the yarn over your hook two times before you touch the stitch. This is what makes it a treble instead of a double.
Insert your hook
With both wraps on, push your hook into the next stitch, under the top two loops (the "V").
Yarn over, pull up a loop
Yarn over and pull a loop back up through the stitch. You'll now have 4 loops on your hook.
Yarn over, pull through 2 (3 left)
Yarn over and pull through the first 2 loops. You're down to 3 loops on the hook.
Yarn over, pull through 2 (2 left)
Yarn over and pull through the next 2 loops. Now you have 2 loops on the hook.
Yarn over, pull through the last 2
Yarn over one final time and pull through the last 2 loops. You're left with a single loop, and that's one treble crochet made.
Repeat those moves into each stitch across the row. The rhythm — yarn over twice, insert, pull up, then pull through 2, 2, and 2 — is treble crochet. It feels like a lot the first few times, then your hands find the beat.
Starting your first row (working into the chain)
Because treble is so tall, it needs a taller running start than the shorter stitches. That first row feels a little wobbly — totally normal — and it settles by row two.
- 1Make your foundation chain (about 12 to practice).
- 2Skip the first 4 chains from your hook.
- 3Yarn over twice, then work your first treble into the 5th chain.
- 4Treble crochet into each remaining chain to the end.
The turning chain (the part to watch)
Just like double crochet, treble has a turning chain that usually counts as a stitch — only taller. When you turn your work:
- Chain 4, turn. That chain-4 = your first treble.
- Skip the first stitch (the chain-4 already stands in for it) and work your next treble into the second stitch.
- At the end of the row, work your last treble into the top of the previous row's chain-4.
Quick check: count your stitches at the end of each row. Same number every time means straight, even edges.
Common treble crochet mistakes (and how to fix them)
Treble has a couple of extra steps, so there's a little more to trip over — but every snag has a simple fix.
Yarn over just once and you've made a double crochet, not a treble. Fix: wrap the yarn over your hook twice before you insert it, every stitch.
With 4 loops to clear, it's easy to stop a step early or go one too far. Fix: just repeat "pull through 2, pull through 2, pull through 2" until one loop is left. Three times, every time.
Not counting the chain-4 as a stitch, or missing it at the end of the row, leaves a gap at the side. Fix: treat the chain-4 as your first treble, skip the first stitch, and work your last stitch into the top of the previous chain-4.
Treble is tall and open by nature, but *too* loose gets messy. Fix: keep your tension gently consistent as you pull up and clear each loop — don't yank, don't let it flop.
Get these down and your treble rows will look tall, even, and airy. Now for the fun question — what to make with it.
Tips for neat, even treble crochet
Treble is tall, so any little wobble shows more than it would in a short stitch. These small habits keep your rows looking clean and intentional.
- Pull each loop to a similar height. Because treble is so tall, uneven pulls really stand out. Aim for a steady, relaxed rhythm on every stitch.
- Say the steps out loud at first. "Pull through 2, 2, 2" keeps you from stopping early, until your hands memorize it.
- Commit to your turning chain. Decide the chain-4 counts as a stitch, then do it the same way every row so your edges stay even.
- Count every row. With taller stitches it's easy to miss the turning chain — a quick count catches it before your sides go crooked.
- Don't over-loosen. Treble is meant to be open, but keep your tension gently consistent so it looks airy, not sloppy.
Nail these and your treble will look tall and tidy. So, what's it good for? Quite a few pretty things.
What can you make with treble crochet?
Treble is all about light, open, drapey fabric, so it shines anywhere you want airy and flowing rather than warm and dense:
- Lacy shawls & wraps — treble's height gives that gorgeous open, lacy look.
- Summer tops & cardigans — breathable and drapey for warm-weather wear.
- Light, open blankets — quick to work up thanks to the tall stitches.
- Market bags — the open mesh stretches to fit and shows off what's inside.
- Decorative edgings & trims — treble makes tall, elegant borders.
Ready to make something floaty? Browse our free beginner crochet patterns and pick your next project.
Up next in this guide
Single Crochet
Half Double Crochet
