The long treble crochet stitch, also called the extended treble, quadruple treble, or triple treble crochet, is an extra-tall crochet stitch often found in vintage patterns, especially when working with different granny square crochet patterns. This tall stitch works up quickly due to its height, making it ideal for whipping up scarves and other openwork patterns.
When creating knitwear from long treble crochet stitches, the finished fabric won't look as tight as that made with single or double crochet stitches since the treble stitches are so long and create a more netted texture. However, they are a fun way to add variety to your work, and in addition to vintage crochet patterns, the long treble crochet stitch works well with market tote bags, baby blankets, spring cardigans and more.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Although it might seem complicated, the long treble crochet stitch is achievable by absolute beginners, especially when creating small and simple DIY crochet projects, such as granny square shawls and blankets. We'll go over the basics for treble crochet and then get into how to actually use the stitch.
So, grab your crochet hooks and let's get started!
Is treble crochet the same as triple crochet?
Treble crochet and triple crochet stitches are the same stitches. They refer to the number of times you pull through stitches on your crochet hook. With the classic treble crochet stitch, you wrap your hook twice, insert your hook and pull up a loop. Then, you pull through two stitches at a time three times in a row to create the treble stitch.
A long treble crochet works in a similar manner except you wrap your hook three times instead of two. Then, you pull up a loop and pull through two, repeating this process four times.
In a crochet pattern, abbreviations for a classic treble crochet and long treble crochet stitches are TR and LTR.
How to make a long treble crochet stitch:
A long treble crochet stitch is similar to the treble crochet except you start with three loops on your hook rather than two. This is essentially a quadruple crochet stitch (it's even referred to as a quadruple treble crochet stitch), as it's one step higher than the classic treble stitch. In this step-by-step crochet tutorial, we show you how to make a long treble crochet stitch that you can either practice in a sample or incorporate into a project.
Things You'll Need
Yarn (such as this cotton yarn from Lion Brand)
Crochet hook in the corresponding size
Yarn needle to weave in ends as needed (optional)
1. Create a foundation row
Before creating long treble crochet stitches, start with a foundation row. This can include a slip knot followed by a foundation chain that you then work your treble crochet stitches into as the first row, or it can include a row of previous basic crochet stitches, such as single crochet stitches, half double crochet stitches or double crochet stitches.
If you start with a foundation chain, be sure to add three extra chain stitches at the end—this will ensure the side of your first row has enough height to make the height of the long treble crochet stitch. In this sample (pictured above), we created a foundation chain of 10 plus three additional chain stitches.
When working with a previous row of crochet stitches, you still need to add that side height. When you reach the end of your row, chain three stitches and then turn your work to begin the long treble crochet stitches.
2. Wrap yarn around the crochet hook three times
Similar to a half double crochet or double crochet stitch, you begin by wrapping yarn around the crochet hook before inserting it into a stitch. For the long treble, wrap the yarn around the crochet hook three times.
3. Insert hook into the next stitch
If you're working with a foundation chain, skip the first three stitches and then insert your hook into the fourth stitch. For crochet projects with previous rows, make sure to chain three before flipping your work and then insert your hook (after wrapping it three times) into the first stitch on the row.
4. Draw up a loop
Yarn over counterclockwise on the crochet hook and pull it through the stitch to draw up another loop. At this point, you should have five loops on your hook.
5. Wrap yarn and pull through the first two stitches
With five loops on your hook, wrap the hook counterclockwise again and pull this loop through the first two loops on your crochet hook. Continue wrapping once and pulling through two stitches at a time until only one stitch remains on your hook. This completes the first treble crochet stitch on your row.
6. Repeat steps 1–5 to create the next long treble crochet stitch
Moving on to the next stitch, follow steps 1 through 5 to create a second treble crochet stitch. Don't forget to chain three at the end of the row before turning your work and starting a new row of long treble crochet stitches.
Repeat to continue your long treble crochet stitch.