This tutorial will walk you through how to crochet the chainless double treble crochet. In simple words, you’ll replace the traditional beginning chain with a tall, standalone stitch that mimics the height of a regular double treble.

Learn this technique today and incorporate into your work so that you can get the hang of it.

Take a few short minutes to learn how to crochet the chainless triple treble crochet. Your only regret will be that you didn’t learn it sooner!

Starting Crochet Stitches Just got a Little Taller

Chainless crochet stitches, also called alternate 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 treble crochet (aka chainless starting 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 and chainless treble crochet are great stitches, but what about the taller crochet stitches?

Well, my favorite way to begin a new row just got a lot taller!

The chainless starting double treble crochet (alternate double treble crochet) is the next chainless starting crochet stitch that you should add to your crochet toolbox!

If you haven’t worked chainless starting stitches before, no worries! With a little practice, you’ll soon have it mastered.

How to Begin a Row of Double Treble Crochet

When we first learn to work the double treble crochet stitch in rows, we typically learn one of the following two methods:

Method #1: Chain (ch) 4 (does not count as a stitch), work the first dtr in the first stitch.

• This method is really easy, but the beginning chain 4 is bulky and sticks out at the beginning of the row, making your edges wavy.

Method #2: Chain 5 (counts as the first dtr of the row), skip the first stitch, work a dtr in the next stitch.

• This method is also easy, but the initial ch-5 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-5 from the previous row.

These first two methods are great when we’re learning to crochet, but eventually we realize they both have a downside so we start wondering if there’s a better way.

Let me introduce you to Method #3, the Alternate Double Treble Crochet Stitch (also referred to as the Chainless Double Treble Crochet)!

Method #3: Alternate Double Treble Crochet

• No gaps at the beginning of the row.
• Nice straight edges.
• Same thickness as a double 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 double treble crochet stitch and I use it every time I need to begin a row with a double treble crochet. I LOVE how such a simple crochet technique can transform the appearance of my work so effortlessly!

Practice the Alternate Double Treble Crochet while crocheting my Coachella Shawl!

Written Stitch Definition

Alternate Double Treble Crochet (Alt-Dtr): 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) twice, 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 treble crochet stitch instead of a double treble? I also have an Alternate Treble Crochet Stitch Tutorial (Chainless Treble Crochet).

Alternate Double 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.

Photo C: Yo, pull through both loops. 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, yo.

Photo E: Pull up a loop, yo.

Photo F: Pull through 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. Yo, pull up a loop, yo.

Photo H: Pull through both loops. See the yarn needle? This is where you insert your hook in the next step.

Photo I: Insert your hook between the legs of the stitch just made. Yo, pull up a loop, yo.

Photo J: Pull through one loop, yo, pull through remaining loops to complete the stitch.

Photo K: Photo shows a completed Alt-Dtr.

VOILA! You’ve just completed your first Alternate Double Treble Crochet / Chainless Double 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 double treble crochet stitches!

Don’t forget to Pin It to Pinterest so you can come back and refer to it later!