How to Crochet the Triple Crochet Stitch

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Make the foundation chain

Make a slipknot and chain to your desired project length, then add 3 extra chains. Triple crochet stands roughly three times as tall as a single crochet, so those extra chains are needed to give the side of your project enough height to match — without them, the edges would end up shorter than the rest of the piece.

Step 2 — Work the first triple crochet

Skip the first 3 chains and work into the 4th. Wrap the yarn around your hook twice before inserting into the stitch. Wrap around again and pull through just one loop, then wrap around and pull through two loops at a time, three times in total, until only one loop remains on your hook. That's a complete triple crochet.

Step 3 — Continue across the row and turn

Repeat the same wrap-twice, pull-through-two-at-a-time process in each stitch across the rest of the row. Once you reach the end, chain 3 and turn your work. This chain-3 column will stand in for your first triple crochet stitch of the next row, so you won't work directly into the very first stitch when you start the following row.

Step 4 — Work each new row

Skip the first stitch of the row, since the turning chain from the previous row is acting as that stitch, then triple crochet into each stitch across as before. When you reach the end of the row, work your final stitch into the topmost loop of the previous row's turning chain, making sure to catch 2 loops with your hook rather than just 1 — this keeps the side edge of your project straight instead of angling outward.

Step 5 — Repeat for your desired length

Continue repeating Steps 3 and 4 — chaining 3 and turning at the end of every row — until your project reaches your desired size. The stitch works up quickly thanks to its height, though it does use more yarn per row than a shorter stitch would.

Step 6 — Block and finish your project

Triple crochet's foundation chain has very little natural stretch compared to the tall, airy stitches worked above it, so before washing, one edge of your project may look straight while the other looks a little wonky. To fix this, gently stretch the stitches in the opposite direction, then soak the piece in lukewarm water. Squeeze out the excess water without wringing, lay the piece flat on a towel, smooth the stitches into shape, and let it air dry. Working a finishing row of single crochet or slip stitch along the top edge also helps keep that edge from stretching out further over time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the triple crochet stitch, also known as treble crochet?
The triple crochet (also called treble crochet, or UK double crochet) is a tall, airy crochet stitch worked by wrapping the yarn around the hook twice before inserting into each stitch. It creates noticeably more space between stitches than a double crochet, making it a great choice for big, quick-to-work blankets.

What materials are needed for the triple crochet stitch?
You'll need a 4mm aluminum crochet hook and a medium worsted weight yarn, such as Bernat Crafter Cotton. Medium worsted weight or heavier is recommended — yarn thinner than that can leave the stitch looking too gappy, almost like a net.

Why does my triple crochet project look warped before washing, and how do I fix it?
Triple crochet's foundation chain has very little stretch compared to the worked stitches above it, so one edge can look straight while the other looks wonky before the piece is washed. To fix this, stretch the stitches out in the opposite direction, soak the piece in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing, then lay it flat on a towel and smooth the stitches into shape before letting it air dry. Working a finishing row of single crochet or slip stitch along the top edge also helps keep that edge from stretching further over time.

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