How to treble crochet

Learn treble crochet one motion at a time, with loop counts and a short practice strip.

US terms Treble crochetUK name double treble (dtr)
In this lessonBefore you startStep by stepPractice and finishCommon mistakes

Before you start

Chain stitch and a foundation chain. Practice with smooth, light yarn so the top loops are easy to see.

New to holding the hook or making a slip knot? Start there, then return to this lesson.

Make the stitch

Hook in your right hand; guide the working yarn with your left hand. The loop counts stay the same.

Both top loopsInsert here
For stitches worked into a previous row, go under both strands of the top V unless the pattern says otherwise. Work into an individual chain when starting a foundation row.
Working yarnHook shaft4 loops on hook1234
After pulling up a loop: yarn over and draw through two loops three times.
  1. Wrap the yarn over the hook twice, then insert the hook into the named stitch.
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop; four loops are on the hook.
  3. Yarn over and draw through two loops.
  4. Yarn over and draw through the next two loops.
  5. Yarn over and draw through the final two loops.

Count check: Three successive two-loop pull-throughs complete one stitch.

Try a practice strip

Chain 13. Treble crochet into the fifth chain from the hook and each remaining chain. The 4 skipped chains count as the first stitch: 10 stitches total. Chain 4 and turn; count it as the first stitch, skip the stitch beneath it, and finish the row in the top of the previous turning chain.

Put a removable marker in the first and last stitch of the row. Count before you turn. Different patterns treat turning chains differently; the rule above belongs to this practice strip.

Common mistakes to catch

  • Starting with only one yarn over. Wrap twice before insertion, then check for four loops after pulling up.
  • Skipping one of the three two-loop pull-throughs. Count three pull-throughs: four loops become three, then two, then one.
  • Letting the tall stitch become loose and uneven. Keep the active loop on the shaft and avoid lifting it higher than the stitch needs.

Keep going

Read these stitches inside a written pattern or chart.

Next lesson: Classic granny square, three rounds (US terms) →

Before making a sized project, learn to measure a swatch. If a pattern uses a different hook label, convert the hook size.

CYC stitch terminologyAbout the lessons and drawings