What is “tc” in Crochet? Crochet Abbreviations
Crochet is a versatile craft in which various basic crochet stitches can be used in numerous ways to create intricate and beautiful items. In order for crochet patterns to be clear, concise and understandable, abbreviations are used to denote the different types of stitches. One such abbreviation is “tc,” which represents the treble crochet stitch. Although the treble crochet stitch may more often be denoted by the abbreviation “tr”, “tc” is nonetheless also used in many patterns.
Read on to learn more about the lofty treble crochet stitch and how to use it in your creations.
Understanding tc in Crochet
tc Meaning and Alternative Abbreviation
In crochet, tc stands for treble crochet, which is one of the taller stitches in the craft of crocheting.
Actually, the abbreviation for treble crochet is usually written as “tr”, but “tc” is also used in many patterns and means exactly the same thing: treble crochet.
Important Note: US and UK Crochet Terms
US and UK crochet terms differ for the basic stitches. In this article, US crochet terms are used.
In UK crochet terms, the tc or treble crochet stitch is known as a double treble stitch, and its abbreviation is dtr.
A UK “treble crochet” stitch is the equivalent of a US “double crochet” (dc) stitch.
Read this article for more explanation about the differences between US and UK crochet terms.
Differences Between Treble Crochet (tc) and Other Stitches
In crochet, there are several basic stitches, such as:
- Single crochet (sc)
- Half double crochet (hdc)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Treble crochet (tc)
Each stitch has its own unique height, appearance, and technique.
The treble crochet (tc) is taller than all of the single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet stitches. As it is taller, the treble crochet stitch is also airier than the other common stitches. It can depth, texture, drape and visual interest to a wide range of crochet projects, from blankets and shawls to garments and accessories. The treble crochet’s height makes it ideal for projects that require a looser fabric or more drape, such as shawls, scarves, and sweaters.
With regards to technique, while all of these stitches involve yarn overs and pulling through loops, the number of yarn overs and the way the loops are handled differs, leading to their different heights and textures. This is explained more below.
Comparison of Basic Crochet Stitches
Here is an overview of the basic crochet stitches and their techniques:
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Yarn Overs Before Inserting Hook | Loops On Hook Pulled Through | Relative Height (single crochet = 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | sc | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Half double crochet | hdc | 1 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Double crochet | dc | 1 | 2 then 2 | 2 |
| Treble crochet | tc or tr | 2 | 2 then 2 then 2 | 3 |
As you can see from this table, the treble crochet has the most (two) initial yarn overs before the hook is even inserted into the work, and three separate pull throughs. This creates a stich with a height that is around three times the height of a single crochet stitch made with the same yarn and hook size.
How to Crochet Treble Crochet (tc)
How to Form a Treble Crochet (tc) Stitch
Follow these steps to create one treble crochet (tc) stitch:
- 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).
How to Crochet Treble Crochet (tc) in Rows
Foundation Chain
To make a treble crochet (tc) swatch or project in rows, you must first create a foundation chain. To do this, loop the yarn around your crochet hook and make a slipknot. Continue making chain (ch) stitches until you reach the desired width for your swatch or project. Then chain four more.
Row 1
Make your first treble crochet (tc) into the fifth chain from your hook.
Then, continue working along the foundation chain making 1 tc into each ch until you reach the end.
Turn your work.
Further Rows
Chain 3 to create the first stitch (this counts as 1 tc). Then continue making 1 tc into the top of each tc from the previous row, ending with one tc in the top of the starting 3 ch from the previous row.
Continue making rows in this way until you reach your desired length.
Then, simply fasten off and weave in any ends.
Other Techniques Using Treble Crochet (tc)
Increasing and Decreasing
As with other basic crochet stitches, it is of course possible to increase and decrease with treble crochet.
To increase the number of stitches in a treble crochet row or round, simply make two or more treble crochet (tc) stitches into the same stitch. This could be done at the start and/or end of a row, for example, to add width to a flat piece. When working in the round, an increase could be performed at a set frequency around the piece to provide uniform increases around the work.
To decrease the number of stitches in a treble crochet row or round, you combine tc stitches over two or more stitches from the previous row or round into a single stitch.
For example, the decrease the stitch count by one, you would combine two tc over two stitches from the previous row or round as follows:
- Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over twice, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (5 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (4 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops on the hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 remaining loops.
This stitch is also known as tc2tog or tc dec.
Double Treble Crochet (dtc)
If you want an even taller stitch than the treble crochet, you can use the double treble crochet. This stitch is around four times the height of a single crochet stitch made with the same yarn and hook size.
Follow these steps to make a double treble crochet (dtc) stitch:
- Yarn over three times, insert hook into stitch and pull up a loop (five loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through two loops on hook (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).
Special Crochet Stitches Involving Treble Crochet (tc)
There are various stitch patterns that can either incorporate treble crochet stitches or rely on it exclusively. Some examples include:
- Shell stitch – Form shells with tc stitches to create an airy, elegant, wavy appearance.
- Popcorn – Combine multiple tc stitches for a textured, raised effect
- Bobble – A variation of popcorn using fewer stitches for a subtler finish
Other stitch patterns can also use treble crochet stitches as a component of a more complex design, such as the V-stitch and ripple stitch.
Creating Textures with Treble Crochet (tc)
Treble crochet stitches can add texture to crochet projects with the use of various techniques. For instance:
- Raised stitches: Working around the front (FP) or back (BP) of the post of the stitch below can create raised stitches. These are known as front post treble crochet (FPtc) and back post treble crochet (BPtc).
- Ribs: Working only into the front or back loop of the stitch below can create ribbing in your work. These are known as treble crochet front loop only (tcFLO) and treble crochet back loop only (tcBLO).
- Cables: Twisting and crossing tc stitches against a background of shorter stitches can create cables in your work.
- Clusters: Grouping tc stitches together by working them into the same stitch or space can create various types of clusters.
Conclusion: What is “tc” in Crochet?
“tc” is an abbreviation used in crochet patterns that stands for treble crochet. Alternatively, often the abbreviation tr is used.
Treble crochet (tc or tr) is a tall crochet stitch, taller than all of the single, half double and double crochet stitches. It is an airy and versatile stitch that can be used to create a variety of textures and patterns in your crochet projects. By mastering the tc stitch, you can take your crochet skills to the next level and create stunning and unique designs that will impress everyone who sees them.
More Crochet Tips and Advice – Plus Two FREE Patterns
Sign up to my email list to receive a monthly newsletter with crochet news, tips and advice, as well as details of new pattern releases and exclusive discounts. Plus, receive TWO FREE PATTERNS when you sign up today.