Extended Single Crochet is a rare stitch to find. Which is really a shame, because it’s a great stitch! It’s very simple and easy, and it creates a nice fabric with lots of drape that isn’t too lacy or open. I haven’t designed a pattern with this stitch just yet, but I certainly hope to in the future! To get us all ready, here’s a video of how it’s done.
How to Crochet the Extended Single Crochet Stitch:
Written Instructions for the Extended Single Crochet Stitch:
Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over, pull through first loop on hook (2 loops remain on hook). Yarn over, and pull through both loops on hook.
It’s just that simple! But because it is so rare, there doesn’t seem to be one standard abbreviation for it. I did some research and it’s missing completely from most stitch abbreviation lists, and when it is there it’s about 50/50 esc or exsc. Sometimes it’s listed as ex sc as well. Personally, I like esc for brevity, and it’s the abbreviation I’ll be using here on Moogly. It’s a stitch I really enjoy making, and one I hope to incorporate into patterns in the future. It’s particularly great for garments, such as sweaters or scarves, because it does tend to flow so nicely. I like to start each row of esc with a ch 1 for height, but play around with it and see if you like a ch 2 start better. It’s a fun stitch, and I hope you’ve enjoyed learning it!
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Tammy
That is so weird! I just did a hat and scarf set using this stitch and the granny stitch. My friend who I was teaching to crochet started doing this by mistake and when she showed me, I loved how loose the stitch was compared to a regular sc, so we named it the Kitty stitch (cause her name is Katherine). We had no idea it was an actual stitch! Wait til I tell her. lol
moogly
Too funny Tammy! A lot of beginners actually mix this one up with the hdc too. Esc is a great stitch though, and I don’t know why it isn’t used more – but then I’m guilty of this myself. Guess I know what I need to do…
Emilee
I do this occasionally when I have been doing double crochets for a long time and then switch to single crochet for the border. Good to know that it is a legitimate stitch!
I love your website, by the way. The Top Tens are my favorite! (And your patterns are awesome too!)
Emilee
pearl jam
Thanks for sharing, I like this stitch better than the double crochet.
Pam
how would I do an extended single crochet increase? The pattern I am using now is calling for it. Thank you so much.
Tamara Kelly
Hi Pam! An increase is typically just two stitches worked into one stitch, whatever that stitch is. 🙂
Laurie
I just printed a pattern from a Facebook post and the stitch was “1dc/sc in next stitch” and I had no idea what that meant because if you do a dc AND a sc in the same stitch you are doubling the amount of stitches. That is not the desired effect. This video looked like it would be what they were doing in the photos and I’ll be darned if that’s what it looks like in the pictures I have. Thank you so much for your help. I love your video blogs.
Laurie
Tamara Kelly
Wow, how funny! So glad you were able to make the connection!
Terri Taylor
I get more help from your videos than I do when I actually get classes online! These are so informative and so easy to follow and virtually give me all I need for my crocheting.
Tamara Kelly
Oh my goodness, thank you so much Terri!
Donna
How do I do this… 2 in 1 – work 2 of the listed stitch twice in one stitch, thanks
Tamara Kelly
Hi Donna! After you have made one exsc in the stitch, just work the second one right in the exact same space. They will push against each other a bit like a V shape. 🙂 Does that help?
Leslie
I was watching a tutorial for a granny square and realised I have been doing the extended version instead of a sc from the beginning as I was self taught and never was told it was incorrect lol
I’ve used it for all my crochet projects when it was meant to be sc and have worked just fine.
Tamara Kelly
How funny! As long as it’s gotten you gauge in your garments, you’re all set – and probably have drapier results than most!