Extended Crochet Stitches

Want to fine-tune the height of your crochet stitches? Try extended stitches! Extended crochet stitches are a method of creating a crochet stitch that is between the height of each of the standard stitches like single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

What is an extended crochet stitch?

At its most basic, an extended stitch is a regular crochet stitch that is “interrupted” by placing a chain at the base of the stitch. It creates a little bit of extra height at the base of the stitch. It loosens up the fabric a bit, as well.

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Extended stitches are sometimes called “Elmore stitches”, because they were popularized by the late Bill Elmore in The Elmore Method.

In this article, I’m using American crochet terminology. Scroll on down for a video demonstration.

Extended Single Crochet (esc)

To work extended single crochet, insert the hook into the stitch or space, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through one loop, yarn over and pull through two loops.

Extended single crochets are used to create a foundation single crochet.

hands holding a crochet hook and a piece of yellow crochet, with extended single crochet in progress — This photo shows an extended single crochet with the “yarn over and pull through one loop on hook” complete. To finish the stitch, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.

Extended Half Double Crochet (ehdc)

To work extended half double crochet, yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch or space, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through one loop, yarn over and pull through three loops.

Extended half double crochets are used to create a foundation half double crochet.

hands holding a crochet hook and a piece of yellow crochet, with extended half double crochet in progress — This photo shows an extended half double crochet with the “yarn over and pull through one loop on hook” complete. To finish the stitch, yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Extended Double Crochet (edc)

To work extended double crochet, yarn over, yarn over, insert the hook into the stitch or space, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through one loop, [yarn over and pull through two loops] two times.

Extended double crochets are used to create a foundation double crochet.

Tower Stitch Granny Square — This Tower Granny Stitch Square uses extended double crochet stitches.

Taller Extended Stitches and Graduating Stitch Heights

By now you probably get the idea. For other types of extended stitches, make the stitch as usual, but insert one step: Right after you pull up a loop from the fabric, yarn over and pull through one loop on the hook. That’s it!

To make a smoothly graduated slope of stitches all in one row, try this: Work slip stitch, single crochet, extended single crochet, half double crochet, extended half double crochet, double crochet, extended double crochet, treble crochet, extended treble crochet, double treble crochet, extended double treble crochet.

Now isn’t that pretty? How will you use extended crochet stitches?