Four fabulous crochet chain 3 alternatives for you to try

Why does chain 3 cause issues?

In crochet, chain 3 is often used to elevate the level of the crocheted piece to start a new row or round of treble crochet stitches (US double crochet). Because of it’s simplicity, it is one of the first methods many beginner crocheters learn. However, it tends to stand out from the other stitches and form an obvious seam in pieces worked in the round. In crochet worked in rows, it leaves a slight gap at the beginning of the row (see photo below) because you skip the stitch at the base of the chain. It also tends to bulge outwards at the row ends. This is something which can be unsightly and, as they progress, many crocheters wish to try and improve the finish of their work. I am going to talk about four main chain 3 alternatives and discuss their uses, as well as pros and cons.

Crochet chain 3 alternative 1 – chain 2

This is the simplest alternative of all. Instead of chain 3, you just chain 2. This reduces the bulge effect at the ends of the rows and looks neater overall.

Pros:

• It is really easy – perfect for beginner crocheters wanting to get a neater finish without causing any confusion.
• It neatens up row ends.

Cons

• The chain 2 still looks like a chain (i.e. different from the other stitches) so it stands out when used in rounds.
• You do still end up with a slight gap at row ends because of the need to skip the stitch at the base of the chain.

In summary, chain 2 is best used for crochet pieces worked in rows. It can be used for pieces worked in rounds but there will still be visible differences.

Alternative 2 – starting treble crochet

The starting treble crochet is a slightly fiddly stitch but it eliminates the need for chain 3 altogether. Instead, you draw up a longer loop for the first stitch, twist it and work with it as if it were a regular stitch. It gives the illusion of being a regular treble and blends in better than a starting chain.

Pros:

• It looks like a regular stitch in terms of height.
• It is easy to work into the top of on the next row or round.

Cons:

• It is quite fiddly to learn. (This video demonstrates the technique.)
• You can still end up with a gap at row ends, because you skip the stitch at the base of the loop you draw up.

To summarise, the starting treble crochet is useful for projects worked in closed rounds, as the slip stitch you use to join rounds makes the gap less obvious. Once you have got the hang of it, it is a useful stitch to have in your crochet repertoire.

Alternative 3 – stacked double crochet

The stacked double crochet makes use of the fact that 2 double crochet (US single) stitches are approximately the same height as a treble (US double) stitch. By working one double crochet stitch and then another on the top of it, you create a chunkier stitch which more closely mirrors a treble.

Pros:

• Eliminates gaps as it is worked into the first stitch of a row/round.
• Mirrors the appearance of a treble stitch more than a chain 2 or 3.
• Results in nice straight row ends.

Cons:

• The technique can be a little tricky to master.
• The resulting chunky stitch can look a little out of place when the crochet is worked in rounds.

This is another useful technique to learn, but is better suited to projects worked in rows rather than in rounds. It is a real game changer on projects like blankets where you want to avoid gaps at row ends. It is especially helpful if you plan on adding a border.

Alternative 4 – standing treble crochet

Not to be confused with the starting treble crochet, the standing treble is used when a new row or round is also worked using a new colour of yarn. It is another technique that requires a little bit of patience to learn. You begin with a slip stitch on your hook, yarn over and insert the hook into the stitch you need to work into. Yarn over again and pull though, then continue in the regular way to make a treble stitch. You do need to keep your thumb on top of the loop on the hook in the first stage in order to keep the first yarn over in place.

Pros

• It has the appearance of a regular treble stitch.
• It allows for really neat colour changes.

Cons:

• It is a little fiddly to learn initially.
• It results in a tail near the top of the stitch, but this is easily resolved.
• It is only suitable for use when you are changing colour.

Summary of crochet chain 3 alternatives

We have looked at 4 different ways to start a new row or round instead of using chain 3. Each one has it’s own merits and uses and, as you try them out, you will learn which one suits you and your projects. I really recommend experimenting to see which you prefer – you may find they all end up in your repertoire. I hope you have found this guide to chain 3 alternatives useful.

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