How to crochet the linked treble crochet stitch (UK double treble)

April 25, 2019September 6, 2021

Ever since I first saw linked crochet stitches being used, I knew I had to try them! Finally I have fulfilled this and enjoyed working with them so much that I decided to create some tutorials so you could give them a go too!

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This tutorial is for the linked treble crochet (ltr), or linked double treble (ldtr) if you use UK terms. A separate tutorial for linked double (ldc) and linked half double (lhdc) can be found here and this talks more about the stitch itself and what projects it is suited to.

You can see both the linked half double and linked treble stitches used in the Corona Summer vest pattern here.

Side view of woman wearing pink vest top, head cannot be seen — The body of this vest uses the linked treble crochet and the collar and hem use linked half double crochet stitches

This tutorial includes written and step-by-step photo instructions and a video for left and right handlers. So without further ado, lets get stuck in!

Linked treble crochet (UK linked double treble) – Overview

The abbreviation for the linked treble crochet is ldc – or ldtr for linked double treble if you use UK terms. I will refer to the stitch as the linked treble from here on out.

Essentially the stitch is worked the same as a normal treble – BUT you change the way you add loops to your hook before you insert it to work the stitch.

With a standard treble, you yarn over twice (so you have 3 loops on your hook), insert your hook into the stitch you’re working in, yarn over, pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops 3 times.

With a linked treble, you get those 3 initial loops on your hook by linking to the previous stitch, then you work the treble as normal.

Below are the step by step instructions to achieve this.

How to work the Linked Treble Crochet (ltr), UK Linked Double Treble

Start with a beginning linked treble (beg-ltr)

Start the row with a chain 3 to create your ‘beginning ltr’ or beg-ltr
Insert hook into the second chain from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into the third chain from hook, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
Insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops 3 times to complete the beg-ltr

How to crochet a standard linked treble (ltr)

For subsequent stitches (ltr); Insert hook into the top horizontal bar of previous stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into the next horizontal bar, yarn over pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
Insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
Yarn over, pull through 2 loops 3 times to complete the stitch

The trickiest part is identifying the horizontal loops – which you can see quite clearly in the photo guide below – but once you have that then you’re away!

Linked treble crochet (ltr) – Step by step photo guide

To work the beginning linked treble crochet to start the row

Crochet tutorial step grey yarn swatch on blue background being worked with wooden crochet hook — Chain 3

Note that if you find that your beg ltr is a little tight, you can start with a ch4 and work into the 2nd and 3rd chains which will leave the 4th chain to assist in turning at the end of the previous row. This will really depend on your tension and preference.