Tag Archives: crochet tutorials

Triple Chain Technique for Crochet

In this post, we will discuss what the Triple Chain Yarn technique is, when to use it in your crochet projects, and how it works with crochet patterns. Read on!

The Triple Chain Technique for Crochet: Use this technique to make thinner yarn into a bulkier weight, using only one skein. In this image: Text that says "Triple Chain Yarn Technique" above a top-down view of a hand holding a crochet hook at the end of a crochet chain.

What is a Triple Chain?

The triple chain is a crochet technique that allows you to work with three strands of yarn at once while only working from a single skein. Because you’ll be working three strands of yarn together, you can use a hook size larger than what is recommended for that size yarn or follow what is recommended in the pattern.

Why should I use a Triple Chain?

One reason to use the triple chain method is that it can be used to instantly create a bulkier-weight yarn from a thinner yarn. So if a pattern calls for bulky or super-bulky yarn, and you only have worsted weight, you can use the worsted weight yarn you have on hand in the pattern.

One triple-chain is roughly equivalent to three strands of the same yarn and will create a bulkier weight yarn, all from one skein of yarn. This is similar to using three strands of yarn held together.

Video Tutorial

Watch this short video to learn how to do the triple chain technique in crochet, or read on for a written and photo tutorial.

Picture Tutorial

To create a triple chain, you are basically finger-crocheting a chain with very long loops and then crocheting that chain as a bulkier-weight yarn. Here’s how to do it:

– Beg by making yarn into an S-shape.

Begin by making yarn into an S-shape.

– Pinch center of S to pick up 3 strands of yarn.

Pinch center of S to pick up 3 strands of yarn.

– Make a slipknot, wrapping all 3 strands together. 

Make a slipknot, wrapping all 3 strands together.

– Placing fingers through lp of yarn, 

Placing fingers through loop of yarn

– Pick up the single strand of yarn coming from cake or skein, and pull it through lp.

Pick up the single strand of yarn coming from cake or skein, and pull it through loop.
Pick up the single strand of yarn coming from cake or skein, and pull it through loop. This image shows the loop being pulled through.

– Pull a length of yarn off the cake of yarn to make a long lp. Gather 3
strands of yarn together so that the single strand winds off cake and joins 2 strands of the new long lp.

Pull a length of yarn off the cake of yarn to make a long loop. Gather 3
strands of yarn together so that the single strand winds off cake and joins 2 strands of the new long loop.

– Put the hook back through the loop of the slip knot 

Put the hook back through the loop of the slip knot

– Crochet chain using all 3 strands.

Crochet chain using all 3 strands.

– Continue this chaining method until you’ve reached the desired chains. When you reach the end of a lp,

Continue this chaining method until you've reached the desired chains. When you reach the end of a loop,

pull the single strand through end of lp to make a new long lp and allow single strand to join it as you crochet.

pull the single strand through end of loop to make a new long loop and allow single strand to join it as you crochet.
pull the single strand through end of loop to make a new long loop and allow single strand to join it as you crochet. This image shows pulling the loop long.

Using all three strands of yarn continue to work the crochet chain.

Using all three strands of yarn continue to work the crochet chain.
Chaining in crochet, using the triple strand method.
Hands crocheting a long crochet chain.

It might take a few practices to get it right. Watch the video if you need more help!


Learn to Crochet!

Take advantage of your time at home and teach your kids (or a friend, or a roommate, or a spouse) the art of crochet. WeCrochet has all the learning tools you need to get started on a new crafty, learning adventure. Follow along and learn to crochet! Once you get these basics down, you can donate your projects to Warm Up America. Share what you’re making on social with #WarmUpTogether! Note: Warm Up America has paused accepting samples while their offices are closed, we’re working on our stacks of knit and crochet blocks so we’re ready to send a lovely package when they’re open!

Learning Center – Basic Stitches

Have you checked out the WeCrochet Learning Center? There is a ton of useful information up there (just check out the drop down menu available at the left). The Learning Center is packed full of great resources for beginners, like how to choose a hook, what yarn you’d like, 7 tips for beginners, and more!

If you’re all set to go with your hook and yarn, we suggest you begin here: Crochet Basic Stitches. This tutorial provides step-by-step photo tutorials for chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. These are the primary stitches you will encounter with most beginner crochet patterns. Follow along with the photos and try them out!

WeCrochet Videos

Did you know we’re on YouTube? Follow along with our YouTube channel to make sure you’re seeing all of our most recent tutorials, stitch demonstrations, and more! You can also find all of our crochet videos on the video page on our website. Here are a few of our very favorite videos to help beginners get started:

How to Make a Slip Knot

How to Chain

How to Work Into a Chain

How to Single Crochet

Beginner Crochet Patterns

Ready to get started? Here are a few of our favorite beginning crochet patterns the whole family will enjoy. Not finding what you’re looking for in this list? Look for the perfect project in our Beginning Crochet Patterns.

  • The Brava Beanie This simple hat pattern works single crochet stitches in the round. You’ll practice chains, joining in the round with a slip stitch, and single crochet.
Crocheted Hats of different sizes form a circle with yarn and a crochet hook in the center.
The Brava Beanie
  • The Facets Cowl This fun cowl is made even more playful by possible color-changing yarn combinations. To make this pattern you will practice chain, joining in the round with a slip stitch, and single crochet.
A model holds the facets cowl up over her face and smiles.
The Facets Cowl
  • The Tuff Granny Throw The Tuff Granny Throw is one giant granny square! Use giant yarn like Tuff Puff to make this project fast. A basic granny square requires you to know chain, joining in the round with a slip stitch, and double crochet.
A rainbow Granny Square Blanket covers the back of a bench.
The Tuff Granny Throw
  • Effortless Oversized Top This effortless top might take a long time to complete, but it’s the easiest garment for beginners. The garment is composed of rectangles of single crochet stitches. If you’re looking to expand your skills, you can work single crochet through front and back loops to create the ribbing at the bottom and on the sleeve cuffs.
A Model wearing a crochet sweater and looking down at her sleeves.
The Effortless Oversized Top

Share on Social

We hope this helps you learn to crochet! We want to cheer you on and see what you’re making! Be sure to share all pictures of your projects on social media with #WeCrochet! We can’t wait to see what you create!

Lots of love and well-being to all of you from the WeCrochet Team!