How to Do the Extended Double Crochet Stitch: A Detailed Tutorial

If you come across a pattern that includes a stitch called the extended double crochet, or edc, don’t be intimidated. This stitch is rare, but it’s an easy way to add detail and texture to a project.

Follow this tutorial to get the hang of the stitch. Then, you’ll find some patterns that make use of the edc so you can practice.

When, where and why would you use the extended double crochet?

You don’t come across the edc that often, but it is very useful in patterns where a longer stitch is required to incorporate texture in the fabric. The stitch also gives a good drape, so you might notice it in some garment patterns.

Getting started with extended double crochet

To learn this stitch, start by making a swatch to work with. I started by making a small swatch of double crochet (dc) stitches using a bulky weight 100 percent wool yarn and a 5mm (size H).

To do this yourself, just follow these quick steps:

• Work a foundation row of 15 chains.
• Turn your work and make a dc into the 3rd chain from the hook. These 3 chains are your turning chains and they count as your first stitch.
• Work a dc into every chain to the end (you will make 12 dc). You now have a row of 13 stitches.
• Turn your work and make 3 turning chains. This counts as your first stitch.Work the next dc onto the second stitch of your first row and continue to the end so that you have 13 stitches in row 2.
• Continue until you have 6 rows.

Quick recap tutorial of the double crochet

The dc is a stitch that all crocheters use and love, but a refresher might be helpful as we learn a variation of this stitch:

• Yarn over hook
• Insert hook into next stitch
• Yarn over and pull through a loop. You have three loops on the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through two loops, leaving two loops on the hook.
• Yarn over and pull through the final two loops.

How to make the extended double crochet (edc)

When you have completed at least six rows of dc stitches, start the next row working in edc.

Detailed explanation

The extended double crochet is a taller stitch than the dc, so you need to make 4 turning chains to start the row. The stitch starts like a standard dc: with a yarn over. Putting your hook into the next stitch and pull through a loop so that you have 3 loops on your hook.

The next step is an additional one just for the edc. Yarn over and pull through just one loop. In doing this, you are effectively making an extra chain in the stitch. Then, yarn over and pull through two loops; yarn over and pull through the final two loops to complete the stitch.

See it in action

If you prefer to see it written out, here are the instructions again:

• At the beginning of a new row, chain 4.
• Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
• Yarn over a pull up a loop. You’ll have 3 loops on your hook.
• Yarn over and pull through 1 loop only. This makes an extra chain in the stitch.
• Yarn over and pull through the next 2 loops. You’ll have 2 loops on your hook.
• Yarn over and pull through the final 2 loops.

Extended double crochet vs. double crochet

As you can see from the final swatch once completed, the edc is slightly wider and slightly taller than the standard dc.

Patterns using the extended double crochet

1. Bullseye Pet Mat

This is a great practice pattern by Kim Werker. The final square fabric can be used as a dog or cat mat. Why not make two and crochet them together to make a cushion cover?

2. Rays of Light Potholder

This quick-to-work-up potholder pattern by Spring Casual is fun and can be full of color, depending on what scraps you have in your stash. The edc stitches help create the fabulous colorwork.

3. Easy textured cowl

This fabulous textured cowl by designer Sweet Nothings is a lot easier than it looks! It uses the added length of the edc to help create this gorgeous texture.

5. Poncho Crochet Pattern

If you really want to make something adventurous with the edc, this pattern by designer Yolonda shows you how to make a poncho suitable for wearing in the evening or as a light cover-up.