How to Crochet – Alternate Treble Crochet (Chainless Treble Crochet)
Learn how to crochet the chainless treble crochet and you’ll always have straight, gap-free edges, even when working rows of tall crochet stitches, such as the treble crochet (tr).
Take a few short minutes to learn how to crochet the chainless treble crochet. Your only regret will be that you didn’t learn it sooner!
Chainless Starting Crochet Just got a Little Taller
Chainless crochet stitches are my favorite crochet technique to begin a new row of crochet stitches taller than a half double crochet.
For years, I’ve been using the alternate double crochet (aka chainless starting double crochet) and the alternate triple treble crochet (aka chainless starting triple treble crochet).
If you’re already familiar with either of these chainless starting stitches, learning this one will be a piece of cake!
The chainless double crochet is the most common chainless stitch, but what about the taller crochet stitches?
Well, my favorite way to begin a new row just got a little taller!
The chainless starting treble crochet (alternate treble crochet) is the next chainless starting crochet stitch that you should add to your crochet toolbox!
If you haven’t crocheted chainless starting stitches before, no worries! With a little practice, you’ll soon have it mastered!
How to Begin a Row of Treble Crochet
When we first learn to work the treble crochet stitch in rows, we typically learn one of the two following methods:
Method #1: Chain (ch) 3 (does not count as a stitch), work the first tr in the first stitch.
- This method is really easy, but the beginning chain 3 is bulky and sticks out at the beginning of the row… making your edges wavy.
Method #2: Chain 4 (counts as the first tr of the row), skip the first stitch, work a tr in the next stitch.
- This method is also easy, but the initial ch-4 is really thin and creates gaps at the beginning of the row.
- When working the next row, it can also be a bugger trying to work the last stitch into the top of the initial ch-4 from the previous row.
These first two methods are great when we’re learning to crochet, but eventually we realize both of them cause gaps in our work, so we start wondering if there’s a better way.
Let me introduce you to Method #3, the Alternate Treble Crochet Stitch (also referred to as the Chainless Treble Crochet)!
Method #3: Chainless Starting Treble Crochet
- No gaps at the beginning of rows.
- Nice straight edges.
- Same thickness as a treble crochet stitch.
- Working a border around your project just got so much neater and easier to do!
- Try it in joined rounds! It’ll eliminate gaps here too!
This is my go-to alternate treble crochet stitch and I use it every time I need to begin a row with a treble crochet. I LOVE how such a simple crochet technique can transform the appearance of my work so effortlessly!
Practice the Chainless Treble Crochet while crocheting my Sunny Days Crochet Beach Cover-Up!
Written Stitch Definition
Alternate Treble Crochet (Alt-tr): After turning your work, do not ch, instead, insert your hook into the first st, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops, insert your hook between the legs of the st just made, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through one loop, yo, pull thru remaining loops.
Do you need to work an alternate double crochet stitch instead of a treble? I also have an Alternate Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial (Chainless Double Crochet)
Chainless Starting Treble Crochet
Step-By-Step Crochet Photo Tutorial
Photo A: Turn your work to begin a new row, but DO NOT chain.
Photo B: Work a single crochet stitch (without a turning chain), insert your hook into the first stitch, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull thru both loops (see next pic).
Photo C: See the yarn needle? It’s between the two legs of the single crochet stitch you just made. This is where you insert your hook in the next step.
Photo D: Insert your hook between the legs of the single crochet stitch.
Photo E: Yo, pull up a loop.
Photo F: Yo, pull thru both loops. See the yarn needle? This is where you insert your hook in the next step.
Photo G: Insert your hook between the legs of the stitch just made.
Photo H: Yo, pull up a loop.
Photo I: Yo, pull thru one loop.
Photo J: Yo, pull thru remaining loops to complete the stitch.
Photo K: Photo shows a row begin with an alt-tr, followed by a tr in each of the next 3 sts.
VOILA! You’ve just completed your first Alternate Treble Crochet / Chainless Treble Crochet!
This is an excellent stitch to add to your crochet toolbox and I hope it quickly becomes your favorite way to begin a row of treble crochet stitches!
Don’t forget to Pin it to Pinterest so you can come back and refer to it later!
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If you’ve tried this crochet technique on a project, I’d love to see it!
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