Extended crochet stitches are regular stitches with one tiny extra move added in the middle: a single chain made before you finish the stitch. That one chain makes the stitch a little taller, a little looser and a lot softer. Patterns write them as esc, ehdc and edc (some designers use exsc, exhdc and exdc).
They are wonderful for blankets, baby items and wearables, where plain single crochet feels stiff. If you already know single, half double and double crochet, you can learn all three extended versions in one sitting. This guide explains how each one works, how tall it is, and when it is worth using.
What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight (#4) yarn in a light, smooth color
- 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Small scissors
The One Extra Move
Every basic stitch has a moment where you have pulled up a loop and have a few loops sitting on your hook. In an extended stitch, at that moment you do this:
Yarn over and pull through just 1 loop.
That’s the “extend” step. It makes a small chain at the base of the stitch, which lifts the rest of the stitch higher. Then you finish the stitch exactly as you normally would.
Here’s the quick math that helps it stick: pulling through 1 loop doesn’t change how many loops are on your hook. You still have the same number you started with, so the rest of the stitch finishes the normal way.
Stitch Heights at a Glance
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Turning chain | Height compared to plain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet | sc | 1 | Shortest |
| Extended single crochet | esc / exsc | 2 | About as tall as a half double |
| Half double crochet | hdc | 2 | Medium |
| Extended half double crochet | ehdc / exhdc | 2 | Between hdc and dc |
| Double crochet | dc | 3 | Tall |
| Extended double crochet | edc / exdc | 3 | A little taller than dc |
Always check your pattern. Some designers prefer a different turning chain, and whether it counts as a stitch can change.
How to Make Extended Single Crochet (esc)
Step 1: Insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 2 loops on the hook.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through 1 loop only. You still have 2 loops on the hook. This is the extend step.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through both loops. Done.
To practice: chain 21, esc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in every chain across. You’ll have 19 stitches. Chain 2 and turn (doesn’t count as a stitch), then esc in each stitch across. Repeat for 10 rows.
Extended single crochet gives you a fabric with the same simple look as single crochet but with more drape and stretch. It’s a lovely swap for plain sc in a baby blanket.
How to Make Extended Half Double Crochet (ehdc)
Step 1: Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the hook.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through 1 loop only. You still have 3 loops.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Done.
To practice: chain 22, ehdc in the 3rd chain from the hook and in every chain across. Chain 2 and turn each row (doesn’t count as a stitch).
Extended half double crochet is popular in sweaters and cardigans because it works up fast, has nice drape and still looks neat and solid.
How to Make Extended Double Crochet (edc)
Step 1: Yarn over and insert your hook into the stitch.
Step 2: Yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 3 loops on the hook.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through 1 loop only. You still have 3 loops.
Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops. You have 2 loops left.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through the last 2 loops. Done.
To practice: chain 23, edc in the 4th chain from the hook and in every chain across. Chain 3 and turn each row.
When to Use Extended Stitches
- Blankets and baby items: softer, more flexible fabric that drapes over a lap or crib nicely.
- Wearables: sweaters, cardigans and tops feel less stiff and move more like fabric.
- Faster projects: each row is a bit taller, so you need fewer rows to reach the same length.
- Shaping without changing hooks: mixing regular and extended stitches in one row lets you make gentle curves, like the crown of a hat or a wavy edge.
When not to use them: amigurumi and baskets need tight, firm fabric so stuffing doesn’t show and shapes hold. Stick with plain single crochet there.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Pulling through 2 loops instead of 1 in the extend step. Then you’ve made a regular stitch. Slow down and say “one loop” out loud for the first row.
- Forgetting the extra step on some stitches. Your fabric will have uneven bumps and short spots. Pick a rhythm: “loop, one, finish” and keep it the same.
- Extra chain too tight. If the little chain is tight, the stitch won’t gain height and the next row is hard to work into. Let that loop stay relaxed.
- Wrong stitch count after a few rows. The extra chain can look like a stitch top. Always work into the two loops at the very top of each stitch, not the little chain below it.
- Edges wobbling in or out. Usually the turning chain is the wrong length or you skipped the last stitch. Use a marker in the first and last stitch of each row.
Tips
- Practice each stitch on its own swatch before mixing them. The swatches also make great washcloths.
- If you swap extended stitches into a pattern that wasn’t written for them, make a gauge swatch first. Your project will be taller and may be a bit wider too.
- A slightly bigger hook with plain stitches does not give the same result. Extended stitches change the shape of the stitch itself, which is why they drape differently.
- Look for the little “V” chain at the bottom of each stitch. It’s how you can tell extended stitches apart from regular ones in finished pieces.
- For video help: Nordic Hook has a free photo tutorial for Extended single crochet (Nordic Hook), and Tamara Kelly of Moogly has a free right- and left-handed video for Extended Double Crochet (exdc) (Moogly).
FAQ
What is the difference between esc and hdc?
They are close in height, but they look different. Half double crochet leaves a third loop lying flat across the back of the stitch, while extended single crochet has a small chain at the base. Extended single crochet tends to be a bit softer and more flexible. Both are great beginner stitches.
Can I replace regular stitches with extended stitches in any pattern?
You can, but your project will come out taller and may be wider or looser. For blankets and scarves that usually doesn’t matter much. For sweaters and hats, make a swatch with the extended stitch and check it against the pattern gauge before swapping.
Are extended crochet stitches good for beginners?
Yes. Each one is just a regular stitch with one extra step, so once you know sc, hdc and dc, you already know most of the motion. They are also forgiving, because the softer fabric hides small tension differences better than tight single crochet does.
Try one extended stitch on your next blanket and you’ll feel the difference the first time you fold it.