Foundation treble crochet, also called chainless foundation treble crochet or FTR, is a way to make a row of treble crochet stitches in crochet without starting with a chain. This method is helpful because it gets rid of the need to guess how many chains are needed for a project, which can be challenging and take a lot of time. Instead, FTR lets crocheters make a foundation row of any length they want. This makes it a flexible and quick way to start a crochet project.

Foundation Treble Crochet Tutorial
In this article, we'll talk about the basics of foundation treble crochet. We'll talk about how to do the stitch, what it's good for, and how to use it in your crochet projects. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crocheter, learning how to foundation treble crochet can help you take your crochet skills to the next level. So let's jump in and see what FTR is all about!
Supplies
- Yarn and a crochet hook.
You can use any size crochet hook and yarn to make the foundation treble crochet. If you are following a crochet pattern, use the hook and yarn that the pattern says to use.
Abbreviations
All instructions are written in American crochet terms.
- ch = chain crochet stitch
- tr = treble stitch
- FTR = foundation treble crochet
- YO = yarn over
Starting Using Foundation Treble Crochet
Do you want to start a new crochet project without making that long chain? Then foundation treble crochet (FTR) is what you need! In these step-by-step instructions, you'll see why chainless foundations are a great way to start a crochet project.
Most crochet patterns start with a long chain of stitches called a starting chain. The first row's stitches are then added to this chain. Chainless foundation stitches, on the other hand, replace this whole process and let you work your chain stitches and first row of stitches at the same time.
Foundation Treble Crochet, Step By Step Instructions
The steps for this stitch are simple, and it's easy to crochet once you know the basics. So let's start this lesson on how to crochet a foundation treble.
First Foundation Treble Crochet Stitch
Step 1: Start with a slip knot. Chain 5 and yarn over twice. The first four chains are the turning chain or the first treble crochet stitch.
Step 2: Put the hook into the fifth chain from the hook and pull up a loop.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop. (This is the chain part of the stitch)
Step 4: YO then pull it through the next two loops on the hook. (3 loops)
Step 5: Yarn over and pull it through the next two loops on the hook. (2 loops)
Step 6: Yarn over and pull it through the last two loops on the hook. (1 loop)
Second Foundation Treble Crochet Stitch
Step 7: Wrap the yarn twice around the hook.
Step 8: Find the "v" at the bottom of the last stitch you made (where the yellow hook is) and insert hook.
Step 9: Yarn over and pull up a loop. (4 loops)
Step 10: Yarn over, then pull it through the first loop on the hook. (4 loops) Work loosely to prevent your work from curling.
Step 11: Yarn over, then pull it through the next two loops on the hook. (3 loops)
Step 12: Yarn over, then pull it through the next two loops on the hook. (2 loops)
Step 13: Yarn over, and pull it through the last two loops on the hook. The second foundation treble crochet stitch is now done.
Next Foundation Treble Crochet Stitches
Repeat steps 7 -13 until you have enough foundation treble crochet stitches.
Second Foundation Treble Crochet Row
Once your foundation row is complete, simply chain 4 and turn and then continue with your treble crochet stitches as usual for more rows.
Foundation Treble Crochet FAQs
Foundation Rows with Other Stitches
Foundation rows can be built with any basic crochet stitch, not only treble crochet! You can make Foundation Single Crochet stitch (fsc), Foundation Half Double Crochet stitch (fhdc), Foundation Double Crochet stitch (fdc), or Foundation Treble Crochet! Your choice will depend upon which stitch you will be using after your foundation row.
Why Use Foundation Treble Crochet?
Using foundation treble crochet (FTR) in your crochet projects can help you in a number of ways. Here are some of the best things about it:
1. Saves time and work: With FTR, you don't have to start with a chain to make a foundation row of treble crochet stitches. This means you don't have to spend time counting and guessing how many chains you'll need for your project, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Instead, you can make a foundation row of any length you want with just a few easy steps, which can save you time and effort.
2. More accurate stitch counts: Getting the stitch count right is one of the hardest parts of starting a crochet project with a starting chain. If you don't count your chains right, the whole project can go wrong. With FTR, you can make sure you have the right number of stitches from the beginning. This can help you avoid making mistakes and make sure your project turns out the way you wanted it to.
3. Makes a more stable base: Because FTR makes a row of stitches that are all connected, it makes a more stable base than a starting chain. This can help keep the foundation row from getting out of shape over time. This is especially important for projects like blankets and clothes that get a lot of wear and tear. Another fantastic feature of the FTR is its incredible stretch! This means you won't have to worry about tight chains, which are especially challenging when crocheting clothing, headbands, or hats.
4. Makes it easy to change the tension of your stitches: It can be hard to change the tension of your stitches when you're working with a starting chain. With FTR, you can quickly change the tension of each stitch as you go, which can help make sure that the texture of your whole project is even and consistent.
Using foundation treble crochet can help you make your crochet items faster, more accurate, and more stable as a whole. Once you know how to do this, you might find that you like it better than starting with a chain and using it all the time in your crochet projects.
How does foundation treble crochet replace chains?
To replace ordinary chains with foundation treble crochet stitches on a project where the first row contains treble crochet stitches, begin the crochet project with four fewer foundation treble crochet stitches than the number of chains stated in the pattern for the first row. The crochet pattern is then continued as usual on the second row.
What is the name of the foundation treble crochet in UK crochet terms?
The foundation treble crochet in the United States is the same as the foundation double treble crochet (dtr) in the United Kingdom.
Can you crochet single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc) foundation stitches as well?
Yes, foundation stitches can be crocheted for all basic crochet stitches.
Is it difficult to learn foundation treble crochet?
Some people find the foundation treble crochet challenging, and they may need to try it several times before ripping it out and starting over. But once you get the hang of it and realize it's a simple stitch, you will love the foundation treble crochet.
Does it take longer to do FTR?
Making foundation rows usually takes longer than making your first row of chains. Because you are working on two rows at the same time, each stitch requires additional steps. Nonetheless, it will benefit you in the long term since you will be able to skip one full row, which would have been the initial row of your foundation chain.
If I don't want a loose foundation row, what should I do?
A row of treble crochet stitches can stretch more than a row of chain stitches. This can be good if you want a base that stretches, but if your project is too loose, it can make the bottom look wavy. The best way to deal with this is to start with a smaller hook. If the pattern says to use a 4.00mm hook for the main part of the piece, you can try a 3.5mm or 3.75mm hook for the FTR row. This will give you the right amount of stretch without making it look too wavy.
Foundation Treble Crochet - In Conclusion
Foundation treble crochet is a useful technique to add to your crochet repertoire. FTR can save you time, work, and stress on your crochet projects by getting rid of the need for a starting chain. Also, FTR makes a stable base and makes it easy to change the stitch tension, which makes it a great choice for a wide range of projects.
Foundation treble crochet is a great skill to learn, but it may take some practice to get good at it. With time and effort, you can learn how to use FTR well and enjoy the benefits it has to offer. So, whether you're a beginner or an expert crocheter, try foundation treble crochet and see how it can take your projects to the next level.
Foundation Treble Crochet
Tools
- Crochet Hook
Materials
- Yarn
Instructions
- Start with a slip knot. Chain 5 and yarn over twice.
- Put the hook into the fifth chain from the hook and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. (4 loops)
- Yarn over then pull it through the next two loops. (3 loops)
- Yarn over and pull it through the next two loops. (2 loops)
- Yarn over and pull it through the last two loops. (1 loop)
- *Wrap the yarn twice around the hook.
- Find the "v" at the bottom of the last stitch you made and insert the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. (4 loops)
- Yarn over, then pull it through the first loop on the hook. (4 loops)
- Yarn over, then pull it through the next two loops on the hook. (3 loops)
- Yarn over, then pull it through the next two loops on the hook. (2 loops)
- Yarn over, and pull it through the last two loops on the hook. (1 loop)
- Repeat from *
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