What Does TR Mean in Crochet?
In crochet, various abbreviations and terms are used to denote different stitches and techniques. One such term is “tr,” which might be unfamiliar to beginners but it a key stitch in a wide range of different crochet patterns and projects.
The “tr” abbreviation stands for the treble (or triple) crochet stitch. This is a versatile and popular stitch which is used in a variety of patterns and designs. This stitch is slightly taller than other basic stitches, providing both height, airiness and texture to finished projects. Mastering the treble crochet stitch unlocks a multitude of crafting possibilities, from beginner projects to intricate, advanced techniques.
Key Takeaways
- “tr” in crochet stands for the treble crochet stitch.
- The treble crochet stitch is frequently used for its height and texture.
- Note that in US and UK crochet terminology, this stitch is formed slightly differently.
Understanding TR in Crochet
US and UK Crochet Terms
Before going any further, it is important to note that US and UK crochet terms do vary slightly. “TR” in one example of this.
In both US and UK terminology, TR stands for treble crochet. However, when this means in practice is slightly different.
US Treble Crochet
In US crochet terms, the treble crochet (tr) is a taller stitch than the double crochet (dc). It is created by wrapping the yarn around the hook twice before inserting it into the stitch, then working through loops on the hook to complete the stitch.
To form a US treble crochet stitch, follow these steps:
- Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (three loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on hook (one loop on hook).
UK Treble Crochet
On the other hand, in UK crochet terms, the word “treble” is used for what is known as a double crochet in US terms. So, when a UK pattern mentions “tr,” it refers to a US double crochet. This means that the UK treble crochet stitch is slightly shorter than the US treble crochet stitch.
To form a UK treble crochet stitch, follow these steps:
- Yarn over once, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on hook (one loop on hook).
In UK terms, a US treble crochet is equivalent to a UK “double treble crochet” or “dtr”.
US-UK Crochet Stitch Conversion
Here is a handy conversion chart for converting between US and UK crochet stitch terms. Always remember to check whether a pattern is written in US or UK terms before you start.
| US | UK |
|---|---|
| sc (single crochet) | dc (double crochet) |
| hdc (half double crochet) | htr (half treble crochet) |
| dc (double crochet) | tr (treble crochet) |
| tr (treble crochet) | dtr (double treble crochet) |
Alternative Abbreviation for TR
Although “TR” is probably the most common abbreviation for the treble crochet stitch, you may sometimes come across the abbreviation “TC” in a pattern. This also stands for “treble crochet” and means exactly the same thing, i.e. you should make a treble crochet stitch as set out above.
Comparison of TR with Other Basic Crochet Stitches
As mentioned above, the treble crochet stitch is taller than some of the other basic crochet stitches. In this section we will discuss the relative heights of the various basis crochet stitches.
Using US terminology, the single crochet stitch is the shortest of the basic stitches (not counting slip stitch).
A half double crochet stitch is about 1.5 times the height of a single crochet stitch.
A double crochet stitch is about twice the height of a single crochet stitch.
A treble crochet stitch is about three times the height of a single crochet stitch.
However, all of these stitches have about the same width.
Conclusion: What Does TR Mean in Crochet?
In the world of crochet, abbreviations play a crucial role in simplifying and streamlining patterns. The term “tr” is one such abbreviation that holds importance to crocheters. It refers to the treble (or triple) crochet stitch, a versatile and key technique used in various projects.
It is important to note that the “TR” stitch is worked slightly differently in US and UK crochet terms. A US “TR” stitch is equivalent to a UK “DTR” stitch. A US “DC” stitch is equivalent to a UK “TR” stitch.
To form a US treble crochet stitch, follow these steps:
- Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (three loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on hook (one loop on hook).
On the other hand, to form a UK treble crochet stitch, follow these steps:
- Yarn over once, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (two loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on hook (one loop on hook).
As such, a UK TR stitch is slightly shorter than a US TR stitch.
Always check your pattern carefully before you start work to confirm whether it is written in US or UK crochet terms.
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