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Tall crochet stitches do not get enough attention in my opinion! They are a great way to create lacy, intricate looking fabric, as well as beautiful texture and knit-like cable effects.

People often shy away from them, as they look quite complicated, but in reality they’re not so hard. I’m here to break it down for you and show you why you should be using more tall and long crochet stitches in your projects.

I’ll be taking you step by step through the process of creating the US treble crochet and double treble crochet stitches. Just look at the stunning crochet stitches that they can create:

A partially completed heart-shaped crochet piece in red yarn, with a blue and pink crochet hook inserted into it, lies on a white surface.

What Are Tall and Long Crochet Stitches?

Tall and long crochet stitches are exactly that – stitches that are taller or longer than your regular US single and double crochet stitches. I’ll be using the terms tall and long interchangeably, as they are often referred to as either.

These stitches are created in the same way as a double crochet stitch with a slight difference. We will be just wrapping the yarn around the hook more times before inserting the hook into the stitch.

Whilst this sounds pretty simple, there are a few more steps than that, and actually doing it can take a bit of practice.

The hardest part is working all of the loops off the hook evenly. I find the first loop the hardest to keep the same size as the rest of them. But as with anything, after a bit of practice, it will start to feel completely natural.

What Are Tall Stitches Used For In Crochet?

Tall stitches can actually be used in a wide variety of crochet projects.

They are well suited to summer projects, as they can be used to create open and lacy effects. These lace fabrics look great in beach cover ups, lacy cardigans, and lightweight shawls.

Tall stitches are also often used in mandala’s and mandala-style blankets, where the tall stitches reach down over multiple rows to create that intricate layered and textured look.

Crocheted cable-work can also often incorporate taller stitches, as can a multitude of other homeware patterns, and much, much more.

They are great for working up quickly too, as they add a lot of height fast.

As you can see, you are going to want to learn how to create these large crochet stitches, so that you are ready to tackle them in a pattern.

The Different Types of Long Stitches

You will already know about how to make a single crochet and a double crochet:

The single crochet (sc) has no yarn overs before you insert your hook. The double crochet (dc) is worked by yarning over once before you insert the hook into the stitch. You then yarn over and pull up a loop, then (yarn over and pull through two loops) twice.

The next stitch up in size is the treble crochet (tr), which is really the first of the long stitches.

To make a treble crochet, you are going to make one extra yarn over at the start. So 2 in total! And then you will do the (yarn over and pull through two) part three times.

I think you can probably see a pattern emerging!

Each stitch up has one more yarn over, and one more (yarn over and pull through two).

Different Heights

As each stitch adds an extra yarn over, so it grows in height.

You can see in the image below a picture of a wedge stitch that I use in The Season’s Collection. This stitch uses a combination of different sized stitches to create the triangular wedge shape.

The stitch pattern starts with a single crochet, then you have a double crochet, followed finally by a double treble crochet stitch.

You can clearly see how adding an extra yarn over and an extra step makes such a huge difference to the height of the stitch.

Close-up of hands holding a crochet hook and working pink yarn with long crochet stitches on a white surface.

Let’s Look at Some Really Large Crochet Stitches

By adding one more yarn over each time, we can create the following really large stitches:

  • Double treble (dtr): Yarn over 3 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 4 times
  • Triple treble (trtr): Yarn over 4 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 5 times
  • Quadruple treble (qtr): Yarn over 5 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 6 times
  • Quintuple treble (quintr): Yarn over 6 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 7 times
  • Sextuple treble (sexttr): Yarn over 7 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 8 times
  • Septuple treble (septtr): Yarn over 8 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 9 times
  • Octuple treble (octtr): Yarn over 9 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 10 times
  • Nonuple treble (nontr): Yarn over 10 times, insert hook and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 11 times

In theory you could keep on going, adding another yarn over, to make enormous stitches. But in reality, the taller they are, the harder they are to make. And the more unwieldy they become.

A hand with painted nails holds the edge of a light blue crochet piece in progress, featuring long crochet stitches. A crochet hook with a blue and pink handle is attached to the yarn beside the piece.

You will probably never even come across a pattern with a nonuple treble crochet stitch in it in your crochet life! I know I haven’t. However, it’s worth knowing about I think.

In this post, I’m going to focus on the US treble and double treble crochet stitches with a step by step tutorial for each to show you how they are made.

What Yarn Should I Use For Long Stitches?

Any weight yarn will work for these long stitches, but you’ll want to use a smooth yarn if you want to be able to see the distinct stitches.

It really depends on what you are using the tall stitches for, as to what yarn you should be using.

To create lovely airy, lace patterns, a lighter weight yarn such as sport or fingering will look beautiful. On the other hand, if you’re using these stitches in a mandala style blanket, then a DK or worsted weight yarn works great.

It’s generally best to take advice from the pattern you are following on yarn. If you want to substitute for a different yarn, you’ll still need to keep to the same yarn weight. This will ensure the pattern comes out the same as the designer intended.

You’ll then need to remember to select a crochet hook that works with the weight of yarn you choose.

I’d also always recommend doing a gauge swatch to check your yarn and hook are going to be appropriate for the pattern.

How to Make a Treble Crochet Stitch (tr)

Here are the simple instructions for a treble crochet stitch: Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 3 times.

Step by Step Treble Crochet

Supplies You’ll Need

I used Comfy Sport by WeCrochet for the tutorial photos which is a lovely, soft and breathable category 2 sport weight yarn, 75% pima cotton, 25% acrylic, 136yds/50g but you can use any yarn that you like. If you’re a beginner I’d recommend using a category 3 or 4 weight yarn so you can see your stitches easily.

You’ll need a corresponding crochet hook for the yarn you choose. I’m using an ergonomic crochet hook here and it’s a 4.0mm size.

The only other things you’ll need is a pair of sharp scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends if you’d like to save your swatch.

1. Begin with a starting foundation chain

Before you can begin the treble crochet stitch, you will need a foundation chain. Chain the number of stitches you would like your piece to be, plus 4 chains for turning. For a practice swatch, I’d recommend starting with around 24 chains.

2. Yarn over twice and insert hook into the stitch

Wrap the yarn over the hook two times and insert your hook into the fifth chain from the hook, or into the next stitch if you are already working across your row.

Hands holding a crochet hook and working with light blue yarn, skillfully creating long crochet stitches.

3. Yarn over

Wrap the yarn over the hook in the usual way, as shown below.

Hands crocheting with a teal and pink crochet hook, working long crochet stitches with light blue yarn against a white background.

4. Pull through the stitch

Pull the loop back through the stitch. You will have 4 loops on your hook.

Hands are shown holding a knitting project in progress with a turquoise crochet hook. The long crochet stitches add a touch of elegance, perfectly complementing the pale pink polish with white floral designs on the fingernails.

5. Yarn over

Wrap the yarn over the hook

Two hands creating long crochet stitches with light teal yarn and a multicolored crochet hook against a plain white background.

6. Pull through 2 loops

Pull your hook through two of the loops only (you will then have 3 loops on your hook)

Two hands are crocheting with a teal yarn and a green crochet hook, creating long crochet stitches on a white background.

7. Yarn over again

Wrap the yarn around your hook another time

Two hands are expertly crocheting with a teal yarn and a crochet hook that has a pink and white polka dot handle, creating long crochet stitches with precision.

8. Pull through two loops a second time

Pull your hook through two of the loops again (you will then have 2 loops on your hook)

Hands holding a crochet hook with blue yarn, working on long crochet stitches in a beautiful project.

9. Yarn over and pull through two loops a third time

Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook to finish the treble crochet stitch.

Hands holding a crochet hook and working with light blue yarn, creating long crochet stitches on an intricate project.

A completed treble crochet stitch

This is what your completed stitch will look like:

Person crocheting a teal yarn with a light blue crochet hook, crafting long crochet stitches.

Continue making treble crochet stitches into each stitch across your row.

Hands holding a crocheted piece with long crochet stitches and a turquoise crochet hook with a pink handle.

When you turn and start the next row, you will need to make a turning chain of 4 stitches to bring it to the height of the other trebles.

How to Make a Double Treble Crochet Stitch (dtr)

To make a double treble crochet stitch, we will be adding an extra yarn over and an extra (yarn over and pull through two) compared to the treble crochet:

Yarn over three times, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop, (yarn over and pull through two loops) 4 times.

Step by Step Double Treble Crochet

1. Begin with a starting foundation chain

Before you can begin the double treble crochet stitch, you will need a foundation chain. Chain the number of stitches you would like your piece to be, plus 5 chains for turning. For a practice swatch, I’d recommend starting with around 25 chains.

2. Yarn over three times and insert hook into the stitch

Wrap the yarn over the hook three times and insert your hook into the sixth chain from the hook, just as you did for the treble crochet stitch.

Close-up of hands crocheting long stitches with pink yarn and a blue crochet hook against a white background.

3. Yarn over and pull through a stitch

Wrap the yarn over the hook in the usual way and pull the loop back through the stitch. You will have 5 loops on your hook.

Hands crocheting long crochet stitches with pink yarn using a blue and pink crochet hook on a white surface. Loose yarn is visible in the background.

4. Yarn over and pull through two loops

Wrap the yarn around your hook and pull your hook through two of the loops (you will then have 4 loops on your hook)

A person is using a pastel-colored crochet hook and pink yarn to create long crochet stitches. A small metal box with pins is partially visible in the upper right corner.

5. Yarn over and pull through two loops a second time

Wrap the yarn around your hook and pull your hook through two of the stitches again (you will then have 3 loops on your hook)

Two hands are crocheting a pink fabric with long crochet stitches, using a blue and pink crochet hook.

6. Yarn over and pull through two loops a third time

Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull your hook through two of the loops again (you will then have 2 loops on your hook)

Close-up of a person crocheting with a blue and pink crochet hook and pink yarn, creating long crochet stitches against a white background.

7. Yarn over and pull through two loops a fourth time

Wrap the yarn over the hook and pull your hook through the two remaining loops on your hook to complete the double treble crochet stitch.

Close-up of hands crocheting with pink yarn and a blue crochet hook, showing long crochet stitches in progress against a white background.

A completed double treble crochet stitch

This is what your completed stitch will look like:

A person is crocheting with a pink yarn and a crochet hook with a pink and blue handle. The hands hold a partially completed crochet piece with long crochet stitches against a white background.

Continue making more double treble crochet stitches across your row.

When you turn and start the next row, you will need to make a turning chain of 5 to bring the chains up to the correct height.

  • Try to keep the loops as even as possible, concentrating particularly on that first loop and then making all the rest the same height.
  • You may find using a larger hook size helpful. This should help keep the stitches even.
  • Watch out for the yarn untwisting. Yarn is naturally twisted and the act of crocheting it can untwist it a bit. This is not normally an issue, but when making taller stitches, the yarn can untwist a bit too much. To help reduce this, try relaxing your tension. Or you could twist the yarn a bit extra before you start your tall stitch.
  • Make sure to block your long stitches. This relaxes the fabric and ensures the stitches are really at their best.
  • Just keep practicing! Make a swatch first to get the hang of the stitches, and then you’ll be away!

What Projects Can I Use Tall and Long Crochet Stitches For?

If you would like to try using some tall and long crochet stitches in a project, I would recommend trying out my Eloise summer crochet headband pattern. It’s a great way to get used to the stitches in a small project.

Then you could also try my Francesca Crochet Skirt and my Penelope Maxi Dress – they both use the same lovely wedge stitch that incorporates these long crochet stitches.

A woman wearing a light blue crocheted skirt and top, boasting an intricate crochet skirt pattern, and a straw hat stands in front of a white door. She has light wavy hair and is smiling slightly.
A woman in a beige, crochet maxi dress pattern stands in front of a white door with brick surroundings. She has long, wavy brown hair and wears nude heels.
A woman with shoulder-length hair wears a white blouse and a blue crocheted headband, standing in front of a light-colored door.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to work the treble and double treble crochet stitches with me! I’d love to know if you decide to make any of my patterns using long stitches or if you create your own! You can sign up to become a member of HanJan Crochet and I’ll let you know about all the fabulous crochet adventures, offers, lives and more too!

See you there!

Learn Some More Crochet Stitches With Me

If, like me, you’re eager to learn all the crochet stitches and techniques you possibly can then I’d love you to take a look at my crochet stitch tutorials – here are some of my favourites though:

  1. Herringbone Half Double Crochet Moss Stitch – great for cosy garments and accessories
  2. Twisted Cable Stitch – perfect for texture and has a slanted look like herringbone too.
  3. Double Crochet Moss Stitch – a great stitch for easy colour work
  4. Ripple Stitch – great fun for blankets espeically!

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Image displaying a crochet tutorial with the title "Tall and Long Crochet Stitches." This comprehensive guide by Hanjan Crochet features step-by-step images of creating a piece using long crochet stitches.

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