Have you ever heard of the extended double crochet? If not, I’d say it’s time you learned about this interesting stitch.
This stitch is often used for things like cable work. It is prefect for front post work, and that’s how many use it. It’s also great when you need just a bit more height, so your work doesn’t bunch up.
It’s length is right between the treble crochet and the double crochet. Yet, it’s starts the same as a normal double crochet. Which means it works up a bit faster than a treble crochet, once you get going. Or at least it did for me.
It’s abbreviation, will usually look like this in a pattern: exdc
Ready to learn it? Let’s get started.
Supplies
- Yarn
- I’m using worsted weight Just Yarn in grey
- Hook
- I used a G+/4.5mm hook
- Snips
- Yarn needle
Abbreviations
- Ch = chain
- St = stitch
- Yo = yarn over
- Exdc = extended double crochet
If you’re a beginner to crochet, you may be interested in these posts: Learn How To Crochet A Starting Knot, The Crochet Basics: How To Make The Chain Stitch And The Slip Stitch, and The Crochet Basics: How To Make The Double Crochet.
The starting knot and chains are both things you’ll definitely need to know how to do. But this tutorial doesn’t require you to know how to make the double crochet.
Extended Double Crochet Tutorial
Foundation row. Ch 16.
Row 1. Yo, insert your hook into the 3rd ch from the hook, pull up a loop, Yo, pull through 1 loop, Yo, pull through 2 loops, Yo, pull through 2 loops.
Row 1. (Continued) *Yo, go into the next st and pull up a loop, Yo, pull through 1 loop, Yo, pull through 2 loops, Yo, pull through 2 loops, * repeat from *-* until you reach the last st of the row. <14>
Row 2. Ch 3, *Yo, go into the first stitch and pull up a loop, Yo, pull through 1 loop, Yo, pull through 2 loops, Yo, pull through 2 loops, * this is a complete exdc st.
Make sure to count your stitches!
Row 2. (Continued) Ch 3, *Yo, go into the first stitch and pull up a loop, Yo, pull through 1 loop, Yo, pull through 2 loops, Yo, pull through 2 loops, * repeat from *-* until you reach the last st of the row. <14>
Rows 3-5. Repeat row 2.
Ch 3, *Yo, go into the next st and pull up a loop, Yo, pull through 1 loop, Yo, pull through 2 loops, Yo, pull through 2 loops, * repeat from *-* until you reach the last st of the row. <14>
Cut your tail leaving a 4 inch end, weave in your tail.
For full instructions on how to weave in your ends securely, check out this post: The Crochet Basics: How To Weave In Ends
Here’s what your finished swatch will look like! I’ve never made this stitch into a full fabric before. I’m in love with the drape and softness of the fabric!
If you want a stitch with stiffness or structure then you definitely want to look elsewhere. But, if you’re looking for an interesting stitch for a soft, draped blanket, shawl, or scarf? Then this should be at the top of your list!
What do you think of this stitch? I’ve never used it for a full fabric before. I must say I think I prefer it over the normal double crochet. I’m going to have to see this in black..
I recently found out that there is also an extended single crochet.. I might do that one next.
What do you think about the extended double crochet? What will you use it for? Let me know in the comments!
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