I’d like to take you on a little experiment that I did recently. I made tutorials for The Extended Double Crochet, The Extended Half Double Crochet, and The Extended Single Crochet recently. While I was making them, I wondered how much of a difference there was between the extended stitches vs. the normal stitches.
So, I made up swatches of each using the same hook, the same yarn, the same swatch pattern, and as close to the same tension as I could. I really didn’t think there would be that much of a difference… but, this is a picture of all of them together.
the extended stitches vs. the normal stitches.
To be fair, I want to do a side by side comparison of the normal stitches and it’s extended counterpart. So, let’s start with the…
Single Crochet vs. Extended Single Crochet
For me the difference between the single crochet and the extended version is the most striking. Not only is it about 50% bigger. But just that extra step, makes the extended single crochet look like a complex combination stitch.
The drape on the extended single is lovely. The stitch definition reminds me of a half double, so I put them side by side. Some how it looks like a fuller version of the regular half double than a single crochet. To me at least.
The extended single is on the left, the normal half double is on the right.
Extended Half Double Crochet Vs. Half Double Crochet
The half double versions don’t quite look like the same stitch when they’re side by side. The extended half double has an almost braid like look to it. It is definitely about 1/3 bigger than the normal half double.
I didn’t think the drape was as prevalent as it was in the extended single and double stitches. However, it is far more flexible then a normal half double done in the same hook size. I think if I was to use an I/5.5 mm hook or a J/6mm hook than it would make a wonderful flowy fabric.
I think the extended half double crochet looks a fair bit like the normal double crochet. So I put them side by side to test it.
You can tell the extended half is much fuller, I also see much more twist in the normal double crochet. The braided look in the extended half double is even more noticeable next to the double crochet. I wonder if using these two stitches together would bring out the best in each. It would be very easy to do since they’re the same size.
The extended half double in on the left and the normal double crochet is on the right.
Extended Double Crochet Vs. Double Crochet
The extended double crochet has double the braid affect. It is definitely about 1/3 bigger than its normal counterpart. However, I think you can still tell that these two are similar stitches.
I love how much fuller the extended double looks. The drape you get with the extended double is gorgeous. If ever I want to design something large and flowy, this would be the stitch to use.
I also think this would be a wonderful substitute for the triple crochet. Though it is slightly smaller, I would take the loss in height to get the fullness. Treble or triple crochets tend to be a bit spindly, and if I was making a fabric this would give more to the fabric. At least I think so.
What do you think? Are you a fan of any of these? What have you made with them if you are? I would love to hear from you!
I hope you liked this article on extended stitches vs. the normal stitches, if you found it helpful, please show your support by liking this post and following my blog, so you’re alerted when ever I make a new post. You can also sign up for The Crocheting Owl Monthly Newsletter for free patterns, updates, yarny bonuses and more!
Subscribe to our newsletter!