So you want to learn how to crochet a triangle? Smart move. These little shapes are the secret sauce behind shawls, bunting, coasters - you name it. I remember my first attempt looked more like a wonky trapezoid. Total disaster. But after making hundreds (seriously, I once crocheted 50 triangle flags for my niece's birthday), I've got this down to a science.
Why Triangles Aren't as Simple as They Seem
Crocheting a triangle seems straightforward until your edges start curling or your points disappear. The main headache? Consistent increases. Get this wrong and you'll have a lopsided mess. Through trial and error (lots of errors), I've found two reliable methods that actually work.
Pro Tip: Cotton yarn shows stitches beautifully for beginners but lacks stretch. Acrylic is more forgiving if your tension is inconsistent.
What You'll Actually Need
Don't get sucked into buying expensive gear. Here's what's essential:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) is ideal for learning
- Hooks: Size H/5mm (check your yarn label)
- Scissors: Kitchen shears work in a pinch
- Tapestry needle: For weaving ends
- Stitch markers: Bobby pins work surprisingly well
That fancy ergonomic hook? Save it for later. I started with a $2 aluminum hook and it worked fine. The yarn matters more - cheap acrylic can be splitty and frustrating. Spend a little extra here.
Yarn Choices That Won't Make You Cry
| Yarn Type | Best For | Beginner Score | My Honest Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton (like Sugar 'n Cream) | Coasters, washcloths | 8/10 | Shows mistakes clearly but hurts your hands after an hour |
| Acrylic (like Red Heart Super Saver) | Bunting, practice pieces | 9/10 | Stiff but durable - wash before using for gifts |
| Wool (like Lion Brand Wool-Ease) | Shawls, wearables | 7/10 | Softer edges but pills easily - not for perfectionists |
| Chenille | Baby blankets | 3/10 | Feels luxurious but sheds like crazy. I regret using it for gifts. |
Nail the Foundation: Two Foolproof Methods
After teaching workshops for three years, I've seen every triangle disaster imaginable. These two methods actually work for real humans:
Method 1: The Magic Increase (Top-Down)
My personal favorite. Starts small and grows outward. Perfect for shawls where you want a sharp point.
Basic idea: Increase at each edge every row. Sounds simple but the execution matters.
| Row | Stitch Pattern | Total Stitches | Why This Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc next, 3 sc in last chain | 5 stitches | Creates the center bulge for the point |
| 2 | Ch 1, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st | 7 stitches | Increases ONLY on edges |
| 3+ | Repeat Row 2 pattern | Adds 2 sts per row | Consistency is key - count every row! |
The sneaky trick? Always put your increases in the very first and very last stitch. I mark both with stitch markers because after row 10, it gets confusing. Trust me, I've ripped out hours of work over this.
Watch Out: If your triangle curls like a potato chip, your tension is too tight. Loosen your death grip! I had to consciously relax my hands for months.
Method 2: The Decreasing Wedge (Bottom-Up)
Better for blankets or bunting where you want straight edges. Starts wide and decreases inward.
Pro tip: Make your starting chain loose. Like, looser than you think necessary. Tight chains make the bottom edge pucker.
- Row 1: Sc across entire chain
- Row 2: Ch 1, sc2tog at start, sc to last 2 sts, sc2tog
- Repeat until you have 3 sts left
I used this method for Christmas garland last year. Made 42 triangles while binge-watching The Great British Bake Off. The secret? Stop decreasing when you have 5 stitches left, not 3. Gives a nicer point.
Size Matters: Getting Dimensions Right
"Why is my triangle so small?" - asked every crocheter ever. Gauge swatches are boring but crucial. Here's what nobody tells you:
| Desired Size | Starting Chain (Method 2) | Rows Needed (Method 1) | Realistic Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaster (4" side) | 15 chains | 8 rows | 15 minutes |
| Bunting Flag (6" side) | 25 chains | 14 rows | 30 minutes |
| Shawl Section (12" side) | 45 chains | 26 rows | 2-3 hours |
| Large Throw (24" side) | 85 chains | 50 rows | 8-10 hours |
My rule of thumb: Each row adds about 1/2 inch in height with worsted weight yarn. That shawl estimate? Add 2 hours if you have cats. Ask me how I know.
Fix These Common Mess-Ups
We've all been there. Your triangle looks drunk. Here's how to sober it up:
Problem: Wavy Edges
Cause: Too many increases
Fix: Only increase at the very ends. Skip the first increase on every 4th row.
Problem: Curled Corners
Cause: Tight stitches + small hook
Fix: Go up two hook sizes just for the starting chain. Works like magic.
Problem: Bent Tip
Cause: Not enough starting stitches
Fix: For Method 1, chain 5 instead of 4. Weirdly specific but it matters.
I once spent three days trying to fix curling edges before realizing my "worsted weight" yarn was actually bulky. Check your labels twice.
Beyond Basic: Fancy Triangle Upgrades
Once you nail the basic shape, try these game-changers:
- Lacy Edges: Replace every 3rd sc with a dc-ch1 combo
- Color Gradients: Change yarn every 4 rows - hide ends as you go
- Textured Points: Front-post doubles at the tip for 3D effect
My favorite? The "accidental ombre" where I used leftover yarn scraps. Looked intentional and saved me from buying more yarn. Win-win.
FAQs From My Workshops
Q: Why does my triangle crochet pattern look more like a blob?
A: You're probably increasing too fast. Stick to 2 increases per row max.
Q: How do I stop the point from puckering?
A: When starting Method 1, make your initial chain with a hook 2 sizes larger. Switch back after Row 3.
Q: Can I make an equilateral triangle?
A: Yes, but it's tricky. Increase every other row instead of every row. Takes practice.
Q: What's the easiest yarn for learning triangle crochet?
A: Light-colored acrylic. Shows stitches without splitting like cotton does.
Q: Why bother blocking my crochet triangle?
A: Wet blocking fixes uneven tension. Pin it flat while damp - makes a shocking difference.
What To Actually Make With Triangles
Beyond practice swatches, here are projects that don't suck:
- Market Bag: Join 4 triangles - surprisingly sturdy
- Potholder: Two triangles + thermal stitch lining
- Boho Garland: 20 scrappy triangles on twine
- Cat Ear Beanie: Sew two small triangles to a basic hat
Last winter I made triangle scarf inserts for my kids' coats. Added pop of color and used up leftover yarn. Total cost: $0. Mom win.
Straight Talk from My Failed Triangles
Look, I've thrown triangle projects across the room. That fuzzy yarn that looked gorgeous in the store? Impossible to see stitches. The elaborate pattern I tried for my first attempt? Disaster. Start stupid simple.
The biggest lesson? Your first triangle will look funky. So will your second. But by number five, something clicks. Stick with basic yarn and stitches until the muscle memory kicks in. I promise it's worth the frustration.
When people ask me how to crochet a triangle now, I tell them this: Crochet ten ugly ones fast. Don't fix mistakes, just finish them. By number six, your hands figure it out. By number ten, you'll have something frame-worthy. It's cheaper than therapy.
Still struggling? Roll that wonky triangle into a "design feature" cat toy. My feline quality control inspectors approve every time.
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