Triple Crochet Stitch

 

If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like the single and double crochet, you’re ready to take your skills to the next level with the triple crochet stitch (also often called the treble crochet). This stitch adds height, creates airier fabric, and opens up exciting possibilities for patterns. Let’s break it down step-by-step, discuss when and why you’d use it, and provide some tips to make the process smoother.

 

What is the Triple Crochet?

The triple crochet is a tall stitch — taller than the double — created by adding an extra “yarn over” before inserting the hook. It gives more vertical height and creates spaces in the fabric that make it more open, which can help with lightweight projects or decorative textures.

In US-terms the abbreviation is often tr, and in UK patterns this may correspond to a different name (so always check your pattern’s terminology).

Because of its height, it’s often preceded by a turning chain of 4 when working in rows so the row above lines up nicely.

https://crochetmind.com/tag/how-to-triple-crochet

Why Use It?

Here are some reasons the triple crochet stitch is a great tool in your crochet toolkit:

• Speed & height: Because it’s taller, you can cover more vertical space with fewer stitches. Great for shawls, scarves, or any piece you want worked up quickly.
• Open texture: The extra height creates a looser fabric with more drape or space—ideal for airy projects, mesh panels, or motifs.
• Contrast in patterns: Using tall stitches like tr beside shorter ones (single, half-double, double) gives texture, depth or design interest.
• Foundation for advanced moves: Learning to manage more loops on your hook (as required here) prepares you for complex stitches and patterns.

https://crochetmind.com/tag/how-to-triple-crochet

Step-by-Step: How to Do a Triple Crochet

Here’s a clear walkthrough (US terminology) to help you nail the stitch:

1. Begin with a slip knot on your hook, then chain the desired number of stitches for your foundation. When you come to the first row, you’ll generally insert your first tr into the 5th chain from the hook (or whatever your pattern instructs).
   
   
2. Yarn over twice (so you wrap the yarn around the hook two times) before inserting into your stitch (or chain) below.
   
   
3. Insert your hook into the indicated stitch. Then yarn over and draw up a loop* — you’ll now have 4 loops on your hook.
   
   
4. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (leaving 3 loops on hook).
   5. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (leaving 2 loops on hook).
   6. Yarn over, pull through 2 loops (leaving 1 loop on hook).
   After step 6 you have completed one triple crochet stitch.
   
   
5. Continue working one tr into each stitch (or chain) as your pattern calls for. At the end of a row, you’ll often chain 4 as your turning chain, then turn your work so you can begin the next row of tr stitches.
   https://crochetmind.com/tag/how-to-triple-crochet

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Here are a few things to watch out for — and tips to keep your stitches clean and consistent:

• Too loose or too tight yarn over: Because you’re working more loops (4 on hook initially), make sure your tension is consistent. If the yarn over is super loose, edges may sag; if too tight, you’ll struggle to pull through.
• Missing the 4-chain turning chain (or doing too many/few): If the turning chain isn’t correct, your edges may skew, or your stitch count may vary. Check your pattern: sometimes the turning chain counts as a stitch, sometimes it doesn’t.
• Inserting into wrong loop: For a clean edge, insert into the “top two loops” of the stitch below (unless your pattern says “back loop only” or “front loop only”).
• Skipping stitch counts: Because tr stitches are taller, you might inadvertently skip stitches or miscount if you don’t pay attention. Make sure you’re maintaining the stitch count at the end of each row.
• Poor edge appearance: If your edges look wobbly or you get holes, you might try a chainless starting tr or tighten up your turning chain method. Some crocheters prefer an alternate starting method for smoother edges.

 

When & Where to Use Triple Crochet

Here are some ideas of where the tr stitch shines:

• Quick blankets or wraps: Use fewer rows but tall stitches to work up a piece faster.
• Lace or mesh patterns: Combine tr with chains to create airy “net” fabrics for shawls, beach cover-ups, spring scarves.
• Blocking out large motif pieces: The height gives you dramatic visual impact — great for large motifs in afghans or wall-hangings.
• Edge trim and decorative bands: A row of tr can create an elegant finish or bold contrast border.
• Combining textures: Place a row of tr between rows of shorter stitches (sc, dc) to create ridges or shifts in texture.

https://crochetmind.com/tag/how-to-triple-crochet

Quick Reference Table

Action	Notes
Yarn over before inserting	Twice for tr (vs once for dc)
Number of loops on hook after insertion	4 loops
Pull-through sequence	Yarn over → pull through 2 → repeat until 1 loop remains
Turning chain for new row	Generally ch 4 (but check your pattern)
Abbreviation	“tr” (US) / may vary in UK terms

 

Final Thoughts

The triple crochet is a versatile and fun stitch to add to your repertoire. With a little practice, you’ll find that it allows you to build taller, airier fabrics, add texture, and speed up certain projects. And once you’re comfortable with managing the extra loops and the height, many other tall stitches (double treble, bobbles, etc.) will feel that much more approachable.

So grab your hook, pick a contrasting yarn color so you can see your loops clearly, and give a practice swatch a go. Chain maybe 20–30, work tr across the row, chain 4, turn, and work another row. Watch how the fabric opens. Notice your tension. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll be ready to drop tr into your next pattern. Happy crocheting

https://crochetmind.com/tag/how-to-triple-crochet