Introduction
Double treble crochet (dtr) is a taller basic stitch that belongs to the treble stitch family, considered an intermediate technique. In US terminology, it's called Double Treble Crochet, abbreviated as dtr; in UK terminology, it's called Triple Treble. The double treble crochet is approximately 5 chains tall, making it taller than the Treble crochet .
The double treble crochet produces long stitches, works up quickly, and creates a loose, flowing fabric. Since it requires three yarn overs, you'll have four loops on your hook that need to be worked off in four successive draw-throughs. This stitch is perfect for projects that need an airy, lightweight feel, such as summer shawls, lace trimmings, and loose-fitting summer tops.
In crochet diagrams, the double treble crochet is represented by a vertical line with three diagonal lines, where each diagonal line represents one yarn over. Mastering the double treble crochet requires first becoming proficient with the Double crochet and Treble crochet , as they share the same working principle, just with increasing yarn overs.
Tools Needed
Before practicing the double treble crochet, prepare the following tools:
- Crochet hook : A 4.0mm or larger hook is recommended to make multiple yarn overs easier to manage
- Yarn : Choose medium-weight or slightly thicker cotton or wool yarn in a bright color for easy visibility
- Chain stitch foundation: You'll need to crochet a row of chains as a practice base
Practice Preparation
Before practicing the double treble crochet, crochet a foundation chain of about 15-20 chains. Since the double treble crochet is approximately 5 chains tall, the first stitch needs to skip 6 chains and insert into the 7th chain.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1Step 1
Wrap the yarn around the hook three times (this is where the "double treble" name comes from), then skip 6 chain stitches and insert the hook into the 7th stitch. After inserting, yarn over and pull through a loop. At this point, you have 5 loops on the hook: the original 1 loop, the 3 loops from yarn overs, and the 1 new loop just pulled through.
2Step 2
Yarn over again (now you have 6 loops on the hook), then draw through the first two loops closest to the hook head as shown by the arrow. This merges two loops into one, leaving 4 loops on the hook. This is the first of four draw-throughs.
3Step 3
Yarn over again (5 loops on the hook), then draw through the first two loops closest to the hook head as shown by the arrow. After completing the second draw-through, 3 loops remain on the hook.
4Step 4
Yarn over again (4 loops on the hook), then draw through the first two loops closest to the hook head as shown by the arrow. After completing the third draw-through, 2 loops remain on the hook.
5Step 5
Yarn over one more time (3 loops on the hook), then draw through the first two loops closest to the hook head as shown by the arrow. After completing the fourth draw-through, only 1 loop remains on the hook, and one complete double treble crochet is finished.
6Step 6
To continue with the next double treble crochet: first wrap the yarn around the hook three times, then insert the hook into the next stitch below (the adjacent stitch), and pull through the yarn. Then repeat steps 2 through 5 to complete the next stitch. Note: The turning chain of 5 chains at the beginning of a row counts as the height of one double treble crochet, maintaining consistent row height.
Tips
Yarn Over Technique
When yarn over three times, keep each yarn over even and consistent in tension. Too tight will make the subsequent draw-throughs difficult, while too loose will affect stitch height. Keep your wrist relaxed and use the same tension for all three yarn overs.
Draw-Through Sequence
Remember that the "yarn over, draw through two loops" pattern must be repeated four times. You can count silently "one, two, three, four" to ensure you complete each one correctly. Missing one draw-through will result in a deformed stitch or insufficient height.
Turning Chain Height
The turning chain for double treble crochet is 5 chains, corresponding to its height. At the beginning of a row, chain 5 for the turning chain, then skip this turning chain and start working directly into the first stitch of the previous row. The turning chain is not counted in the row's stitch count.
Use a Larger Hook
Since the double treble crochet requires multiple yarn overs, loops can easily become crowded. Beginners should practice with a slightly larger hook (such as 5.0mm or 5.5mm) than recommended, then switch to the standard size once proficient. A larger hook gives loops more space, making the work smoother.
Common Mistakes
I keep forgetting how many draw-throughs to do after three yarn overs. How can I remember?
The double treble crochet requires four draw-throughs, which many beginners find confusing. Memory aid: three yarn overs + one pull-through when inserting = 4 sets of loops on the hook that need to be merged, so you need 4 "yarn over + draw through" operations. Count out loud during each draw-through: "1-2-3-4" to ensure you complete all four.
My stitches are uneven in height. What should I do?
Uneven stitch height is usually caused by inconsistent yarn over tension or varying draw-through force. Solution: Focus on maintaining consistent tension for each yarn over during practice; use the same force when drawing through each time; slow down and ensure each step is completed correctly.
Loops keep falling off when there are so many on the hook. What can I do?
When there are multiple loops on the hook, it's easy to make mistakes and lose loops. Solution: Keep the hook horizontal or slightly tilted so all loops stay stable on the shaft; make steady movements during each draw-through without rushing; use a hook with a "throat" design that can better hold the loops.
I confuse double treble crochet with treble crochet. How can I tell them apart?
Differentiation method: Treble crochet requires two yarn overs and three draw-throughs, with a 4-chain turning chain; Double treble crochet requires three yarn overs and four draw-throughs, with a 5-chain turning chain. Memory rhyme: "Yarn over how many times, draw through that many plus one." Treble: 2 yarn overs, 3 draw-throughs. Double treble: 3 yarn overs, 4 draw-throughs.
Related Stitches
After mastering the double treble crochet, you'll better understand this stitch family:
- : One yarn over, two draw-throughs, 3-chain turning chain
- : Two yarn overs, three draw-throughs, 4-chain turning chain
- Triple Treble: Four yarn overs, five draw-throughs, 6-chain turning chain (more advanced technique)
These stitches share the same working principle, with yarn overs increasing progressively and height increasing accordingly. Understanding this pattern makes it easy to master the entire treble stitch family.
Practice Suggestions
Follow these steps to practice the double treble crochet:
- First master the Treble crochet to develop the feel for multiple draw-throughs
- Crochet a foundation chain of about 15-20 chains
- Work one row of double treble crochets on the chain, remembering to skip 6 chains and start from the 7th
- Turn the work, chain 5 for the turning chain, then work the second row
- Repeat until each row has consistent stitch count and even stitches
After completing basic practice, try crocheting simple projects with double treble crochet, such as a loose summer scarf or decorative lace edging. These projects showcase the flowing effect of double treble crochet while reinforcing the technique.
The double treble crochet is an advanced technique in the treble stitch family. Master it, and you'll be able to create an even wider variety of projects. Keep practicing and enjoy the joy of creation!