The treble crochet is the stitch behind granny squares, granny stripe blankets and countless classic patterns. Once you can work a neat row of trebles, a huge range of projects opens up. This tutorial explains how to make a UK treble crochet (tr) step by step, how to start and end each row, and how to fix the most common problems.
UK treble or US double? Read this first
The same stitch has different names on each side of the Atlantic:
- UK treble crochet (tr) = US double crochet (dc)
- UK double treble (dtr) = US treble (tr)
- UK double crochet (dc) = US single crochet (sc)
So if a US pattern asks for “double crochet”, work the stitch in this tutorial. If a UK pattern says “treble”, this is also the stitch you need. The chart further up this page has the full list.
What you need to practise
- Yarn: a smooth DK or aran yarn in a light colour, so you can see each stitch clearly.
- Hook: the size on the ball band, usually 4mm for DK or 5mm for aran.
How to make a treble crochet (UK)
Start with a foundation chain. For a practice swatch, make 17 ch.
- Yarn round hook. Before you insert the hook, wrap the yarn over the hook from back to front. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
- Insert the hook. On the first row, insert the hook into the 4th chain from the hook. On later rows, insert it under both loops at the top of the stitch below.
- Pull up a loop. Yarn round hook and pull the yarn through the stitch. You have 3 loops on the hook. Lift this loop up to about the height of two chains so the stitch is not squashed.
- Yarn round and pull through 2. Yarn round hook and pull through the first 2 loops on the hook. You have 2 loops left.
- Yarn round and pull through 2 again. Yarn round hook and pull through the last 2 loops. One treble is complete, with 1 loop left on the hook.
The rhythm to remember is: yarn round, insert, pull up a loop, then two pairs of “yarn round, pull through 2”.
Practice swatch
Row 1: 1 tr in 4th ch from hook (the 3 skipped chains count as the first treble), 1 tr in each ch to the end. Turn. (15 tr)
Row 2: 3 ch (counts as 1 tr), skip the first st, 1 tr in each st across, working the last tr into the top of the 3 ch from the row below. Turn. (15 tr)
Repeat Row 2 until your swatch is square. Count your stitches at the end of every row: if you have 15 each time, your edges will stay straight.
The turning chain explained
Trebles are tall, roughly three chains high, so each row starts with 3 ch to bring your hook up to the right height. In most UK patterns this turning chain counts as the first treble. That means:
- You skip the first stitch of the row (the turning chain is standing in for it).
- You must work the last treble of each row into the top of the turning chain from the row below.
Some modern patterns say “2 ch (does not count as a st)” instead, and you work a treble into the very first stitch. Both methods are fine; just follow your pattern and be consistent.
Common problems and how to fix them
My piece gets wider or narrower
You are probably adding or missing a stitch at the ends of the row. Usually the first stitch is worked by mistake when the turning chain already counts, or the last stitch into the turning chain is missed. Put a stitch marker in the top of each turning chain until you are confident.
My trebles look short and tight
Lift the loop a little higher in step 3 before you start pulling through. Also check you are not pulling the yarn too tight on each wrap.
There are holes or gaps at the edges
A slightly tighter turning chain helps. Some crocheters work 2 ch plus a treble into the first stitch for a neater edge.
The bottom edge curves
The foundation chain is tighter than your trebles. Try making the chain with a hook one size larger, then switch back.
Where to go next
Once you are happy with a row of trebles, try these:
- Treble clusters: groups of 3 trebles worked into the same space. This is the basis of the granny square and our granny stripe blanket.
- Working in rounds: trebles worked into a magic ring make flat circles for hats, coasters and motifs.
- Back loop trebles: working into only the back loop gives a ridged, stretchy texture.
- Double treble (dtr): wrap the yarn twice before inserting the hook for a taller, lacier stitch.
- Shorter stitches: learn the half treble crochet next.
Quick reference
- Abbreviation: tr (UK) / dc (US)
- Height: about 3 chains
- Turning chain: 3 ch, usually counts as the first stitch
- First row: start in the 4th ch from the hook
- Chart symbol: a “T” with one short diagonal line across its stem
