From the Original Text
“Double treble or long stitch.—Put the cotton 3 times round the needle. Work exactly as described for the treble stitch; there will be 5 loops on the needle instead of 4, and the cotton must be drawn through 2 and 2, until there is only 1 left.”
— Thérèse de Dillmont, Encyclopedia of Needlework, 1886
Modern Step-by-Step Instructions
The double treble (known as treble crochet in US terminology) creates the tallest common crochet stitch, producing very open, airy fabric with maximum height. This stitch works up extremely quickly and creates beautiful draping effects, though it requires careful tension control to maintain even fabric.
What You’ll Need
- Appropriate yarn weight — Heavier yarns show stitch structure better
- Larger crochet hook — Size I/9 or J/10 for most worsted weight yarns
- Good tension control — Essential for even, stable fabric
- Pattern guidance — Clear instructions help maintain consistency
- Blocking materials — For finishing and shaping completed pieces
How to Work the Double Treble/Long Stitch
- Yarn over three times (wrap yarn around hook three times).
- Insert hook into designated stitch or space.
- Yarn over and pull through stitch (5 loops now on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (4 loops remain).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (3 loops remain).
- Yarn over and pull through 2 loops (2 loops remain).
- Yarn over and pull through final 2 loops (1 loop remains).
- Chain 4 and turn for next row (chain counts as first double treble).
Expert Tips for the Perfect Double Treble/Long Stitch
- Count your yarn overs carefully—always three for double treble
- Keep consistent tension to prevent fabric from becoming too loose or tight
- Work slowly until the pull-through sequence becomes automatic
- Use a larger hook if your tension tends to be tight
- Practice on swatches before starting large projects
- Block finished pieces to enhance the draping qualities
Traditional Uses
Double treble created flowing, dramatic effects in Victorian crochet:
- Flowing shawls — Lightweight wraps with excellent drape
- Lace patterns — Creating height in openwork designs
- Decorative edgings — Adding dramatic borders to simpler fabrics
- Summer blouses — Lightweight, breathable warm-weather garments
- Curtain panels — Creating flowing window treatments
- Artistic hangings — Dimensional pieces for wall decoration
- Special occasion wear — Formal garments requiring elegant drape
Historical Note
The double treble stitch represented the pinnacle of height and elegance in Victorian crochet, creating fabric with almost architectural grandeur. This tall stitch allowed needleworkers to achieve maximum coverage with minimum rows, making it valuable for large projects like curtains and bedspreads. De Dillmont’s systematic description shows how Victorian instruction emphasized precision and method, even for advanced techniques. The dramatic height of double treble made it particularly suitable for the flowing, romantic aesthetic valued during the era, anticipating Art Nouveau’s emphasis on organic, flowing lines. This stitch demonstrated crochet’s capacity for both efficiency and elegance, proving the craft’s versatility in meeting both practical and aesthetic demands.
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