Treble Cross Stitch Tutorial

The Left/Right Treble Cross Stitch is different than other cable stitches since you create a reversible fabric, which could offer two projects in one if using a striping yarn.

This textured stitch is made with just four treble crochet and two double crochet stitches. By working the 3rd and 4th treble crochet in front of the first two treble crochet, you create a left leaning cross, whereas working the last two treble crochet behind the first two creates a right leaning cross.

To create your own crochet project in rows that you turn, you’ll need a multiple of 10+2.

This means that you’ll start with a foundation row of 10, 20 or any multiple of 10 plus 2 more stitches.

For example, a swatch can be made with 22 stitches which covers the beginning 2 double crochet and two repeats of two sets of cross stitches followed by two double crochet.

If starting with a chain, you’ll need a multiple of 10+4. The first three chains will count as the first dc.

To make a project in the round, use a multiple of 10.

I enjoy using a chainless starting double crochet to reduce the gap at the beginning of rows, but it can be substituted with a ch 3 or ch 2, as long as the second double crochet is placed in the second stitch.

Multiples needed for the stitch

10+2

Abbreviations Used:

2/2 tr-LC: left leaning 2 over 2 treble cross

2/2 tr-RC: right leaning 2 over 2 treble cross

ch: chain

CSDC: chainless starting double crochet

dc: double crochet

FO: fasten off

sc: single crochet

st(s): stitch(es)

tr: treble crochet

SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES

Chainless Starting Double Crochet (CSDC): pull up a loop to the height of standard dc, twist yarn around hook (YO made), insert hook in first st, YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice

Left leaning 2 over 2 treble cross (2/2 tr-LC) – over the next 4 stitches, skip next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, working in front of sts just made, tr in each of skipped sts. Right leaning 2 over 2 treble cross – over the next 4 stitches, skip next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, working behind sts just made, tr in each of the skipped sts.

Right leaning 2 over 2 treble cross (2/2 tr-RC) – over the next 4 stitches, skip next 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts, working behind sts just made, tr in each of the skipped sts.

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Supplies Used:

Yarn: Any worsted weight

Hook: US Size I-9 (5.50 mm)

NOTES

It helps to pull the stitches apart in order to see where to insert the hook when making the 3rd and 4th treble stitches.

Written Instructions

Starting with a row of 32 single, turn

CSDC in first st, dc in next st
Skip 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts

4. Working behind the tr just made, tr in each of skipped st (2/2 tr-RC made)

5. Skip 2 sts, tr in next 2 sts

6. Working in front of tr just made, tr in each skipped st (2/2 tr-LC made)

7. Work dc in next 2 sts

8. Repeat Steps 3-7 two more times, turn

9. CSDC in first st, dc in next st, [2/2 tr-RC, 2/2 tr-LC, dc in next 2 sts] 3 times, turn

10. Repeat Step 9 until desired length

Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in each st to end, FO

Helpful Tips:

Due the height difference of the double crochet and treble crochet stitches, starting and finishing with a row of single crochet will help to create a straight edge.
To measure gauge for a sized project, be sure to use a straight ruler and measure from the edge of a double crochet across the cross stitches to the edge of the following double crochet.

You can complete both treble crosses in the same direction followed by 2 treble crosses in the other direction, or all treble crosses in the same direction to create a different zig zag pattern.
If you tend to crochet loosely, it can help to slightly pull completed loops.
If you tend to crochet tightly, work on loosening your loops to prevent the stitches from pulling downward.

If you would like to use this stitch in the round, it helps to start and end with one double crochet to maintain the 10 stitch repeat, i.e. CSDC in first dc, *2/2 tr-RC, 2/2 tr-LC, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * 4 times, 2/2 tr-RC, 2/2 tr-LC, dc in last st, sl st to join, turn