How to Crochet - Alternate Treble Crochet (Chainless Treble Crochet)

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

Chain 3 (does not count as a stitch), work the first tr in the first st.
Chain 4 (counts as first tr), work the first tr in the next st.

While these methods are great when we’re first learning, eventually we begin to notice that both of them cause gaps in our work. This is when the alternate treble crochet stitch (also referred to as a chainless treble crochet) becomes a great new stitch to learn!

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Here are a couple of the reasons I love the alternate treble crochet stitch:

No unsightly gaps at the beginning of your rows!
It creates a nice clean edge along your work. This is especially helpful if you need to add a border to your project.
I also use this when working in joined rounds. It eliminates the gap you get when you have a ch 3, treble crochet in the first stitch.

While there may be many tutorials out there for an alternate treble crochet, I wanted to share with you my favorite. 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 something SO simple can make such a huge difference in my work!

I have been working on a new garment design for the blog that uses this stitch. Make sure you follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on the release! Click the social icons in the menu bar above.

Do you need to work an alternate double crochet stitch instead of a treble? Click HERE for my Alternate Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial (Chainless Double Crochet)

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Let’s work an Alternate Treble Crochet!

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. Yo, pull up a loop.

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 worked your first alternate treble crochet stitch!

This stitch is an excellent one to add to your crochet toolbox and I hope it quickly becomes your favorite! 😉

Find all of my FREE crochet patterns HERE

Are you intimidated by crocheted cables? Would you love to learn more? Take an Annies Video Class with me and let me ease your fears of crocheted cables! Click on the photo below to watch a free preview. You can also see the other 2 classes I have available! (affiliate link)