Foundation Linked Treble Crochet (fltr)
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
Tutorial: Foundation Linked Treble Crochet (fltr)
Note: US Crochet Terms.
The rhythm of this stitch is different. We are trading "Yarn Overs" for "Pulling Up Loops." It feels more like Tunisian crochet in vertical columns.
First fltr of a round or row:
Ch 4. (The first 3 chains act as the height; the 4th is where you start).
Insert hook into the 2nd chain from hook, pull up a loop.
Insert hook into the 3rd chain from hook, pull up a loop.
Insert hook into the 4th chain from hook, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
Yarn over, pull through one loop (this creates the "foundation chain" for this stitch).
[Yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
Subsequent fltr stitches:
Insert hook into the top horizontal bar of the previous stitch, pull up a loop.
Insert hook into the lower horizontal bar of the previous stitch, pull up a loop.
Insert hook into the foundation chain (the one-loop step) of the previous stitch, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
Yarn over, pull through one loop (creates the foundation chain for the current stitch).
[Yarn over, pull through 2 loops] 3 times.
The Foundation Linked Treble (FLTR): The Ultimate Start for Tall Stitches
We all love the height of a Treble Crochet (tr). It’s the fast-track to finishing a project; you get significant height in every row, meaning you finish in a fraction of the time. But there is a trade-off: Stability.
The taller the stitch, the "gappier" the fabric. When you work a standard Foundation Treble row, you often end up with a start that feels "leggy" or airy. It creates a bottom edge that can look flimsy, especially if you are aiming for a dense, professional finish.
That is why the Foundation Linked Treble (FLTR) is superior. It takes the convenience of a foundation row (a stretchy, chain-free start) and combines it with the structural integrity of linked stitches. It’s the best way to start a project with tall stitches that are completely solid from the very first row.
Why "Linking" Changes the Game
If you’ve only ever done standard foundation stitches, the "Linked" variation might seem like extra work. But for Trebles, it is necessary engineering.
Standard Treble: The only connection between stitches happens at the very top (the V) and the very bottom (the foundation). The tall "post" in the middle floats free, creating vertical "windows" in your fabric.
Linked Treble: This solves the gap issue by connecting the stitches horizontally as you build them. Instead of yarning over to create the height of the stitch, you pull loops through the horizontal bars of the previous stitch—essentially zippering them together.
When you do this as a Foundation Row, you get:
Zero Gaps: A solid wall of fabric, perfect for garments where you want full coverage without needing a base layer.
A Sturdier Hem: Unlike a floppy standard treble edge, the FLTR creates a structured, dense band that holds its shape.
Speed & Substance: You still get the efficiency of a treble, but without the "Swiss cheese" look.
Troubleshooting the "Rainbow" Curve
The most common issue with any foundation stitch—but especially wide ones like the Linked Treble—is the "Rainbow Arch." This is when your row curves into a frown instead of laying in a straight line.
The Cause: Your bottom "chain" loops are too tight. When you "yarn over and pull through 1" at the start of the stitch completion, you are creating the foundation chain. If this loop is smaller than the width of the top of your stitch, the bottom of the row will be shorter than the top, forcing the fabric to curl.
The Fix: Relax your tension on that specific step. When you create that "chain 1" at the base (Step 5), give your hook a slight upward tug to elongate that loop. It should feel slightly looser than the rest of the stitch. A relaxed bottom chain allows the foundation to match the natural stretch of the linked posts and lay perfectly flat.