Extended Single Crochet: How to Do It Step by Step

Extended Single Crochet is a crochet stitch that makes slightly taller and softer than sc; better drape. Makers reach for it for blankets, garments, softer amigurumi alternatives. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.

1. Insert the hook into the stitch. 2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. There are 2 loops. 3. Yarn over and pull through 1 loop only. There are still 2 loops. 4. Yarn over and pull through both loops. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.

US patterns abbreviate extended single crochet as esc. UK patterns write it as edc, so always check whether a pattern uses US or UK terms before you start, because the same abbreviation can mean a different stitch. Pattern keys list every abbreviation used, usually near the materials list.

The most common problems are: pulling through both loops at step 3, which makes a regular sc; mismatched height from uneven tension on the extra chain. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.

Stitches closely related to extended single crochet include Single Crochet, Herringbone Half Double Crochet. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.