Learn how to crochet the chainless triple treble crochet and you'll always have straight, gap-free edges, even when working rows of tall crochet stitches, such as the triple treble crochet (trtr).

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!

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In this article

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 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 triple treble crochet (alternate triple 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 Triple Treble Crochet

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

Method #1: Chain (ch) 5 (does not count as a stitch), work the first trtr in the first stitch.

This method is really easy, but the beginning chain 5 is bulky and sticks out at the beginning of the row... making your edges wavy.

Method #2: Chain 6 (counts as the first trtr of the row), skip the first stitch, work a trtr in the next stitch.

This method is also easy, but the initial ch-6 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-6 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 Triple Treble Crochet Stitch (also referred to as the Chainless Triple Treble Crochet)!

Method #3: Chainless Starting Triple Treble Crochet

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

Practice the Chainless Triple Treble Crochet while crocheting my Summer Lovin' Swim Cover-Up!

Written Stitch Definition

Alternate Triple Treble Crochet (Alt-Trtr): 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) 4 times, 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.

Chainless Starting Triple 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. The yarn needle shows where to insert your hook in the next step.

Photo G: Insert your hook between the legs of the stitch just made. Yo.

Photo H: Pull up a loop, yo.

Photo I: Pull through both loops. The yarn needle shows where to insert your hook in the next step.

Photo J: Insert your hook between the legs of the stitch just made. Yo.

Photo K: Pull up a loop, yo.

Photo L: Pull through both loops. The yarn needle shows where to insert your hook in the next step.

Photo M: Insert your hook between the legs of the stitch just made. Yo.

Photo N: Pull up a loop, yo.

Photo O: Pull through both loops. The yarn needle shows where to insert your hook in the next step.

Photo P: Insert your hook between the legs of the stitch just made. Yo.

Photo Q: Pull up a loop, yo.

Photo R: Pull through one loop, yo.

Photo S: Pull through remaining two loops to complete the chainless starting triple treble crochet.

The photo above shows a row begun with an Alt-Trtr (chainless triple treble crochet), followed by 4 Trtr stitches.

VOILA! You've just completed your first Alternate Triple Treble Crochet / Chainless Triple 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 triple 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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