Extended Single Crochet (ESC) | Step-by-Step Tutorial, Videos & Stitch Guide
The Extended Single Crochet (ESC) — known in UK terms as the Extended Double Crochet (EDC) — is a beautifully versatile stitch that adds height, drape, and texture to your crochet projects.
It’s a perfect “in-between” stitch: taller than a single crochet, slightly taller than a half double crochet, but more compact than a double crochet. If you love texture without bulk, the ESC is a must-learn.
This guide includes:
- Step-by-step written instructions
- Full + short video tutorials
- Stitch comparison charts
- When to use this stitch
- Beginner troubleshooting
What Is the Extended Single Crochet (ESC)?
The Extended Single Crochet is a variation of the traditional single crochet that includes an extra chain-like extension before completing the stitch.
This added length creates:
- smoother stitch transitions
- enhanced drape
- increased height
- a clean, elegant texture
US Term:
- Extended Single Crochet (esc)
UK Term:
- Extended Double Crochet (edc)
Watch the Step-by-Step Extended Single Crochet Tutorial
Want to see each step in slow, clear detail? In this video, Sammi from Yarn Over Hook talks you through every part of the extended single crochet stitch.
Watch the short👉 here
How to Crochet the Extended Single Crochet (ESC)
These instructions are written in US crochet terms.
Written Instructions (US Terms)
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through one loop only — this creates the extension chain.
- Yarn over again and pull through both remaining loops.
You’ve completed an Extended Single Crochet.
Why This Works
The step where you “pull through one loop” lengthens the stitch, creating a natural lift that places the ESC between SC and DC in height.
ESC vs SC, HDC, and DC — Height Comparison
Stitch | Height | Notes |
Single Crochet (sc) | Short | Dense + sturdy |
Extended Single Crochet (esc) | Medium | Taller than SC; between HDC + DC |
Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Medium Tall | ESC is slightly taller |
Double Crochet (dc) | Tall | Loosest structure |
Key Insight
The extended single crochet is a perfect medium between the double crochet and a single crochet.
When to Use the Extended Single Crochet
The ESC is perfect for projects that need a balance of drape, structure, and softness:
- Washcloths
- Scarves
- Blankets
- Sweaters and wearable fabrics
- Texture panels
- Stitch dictionary samplers
Because it creates smooth height transitions, ESC works extremely well when alternating stitch types in the same row.
ESC Stitch Anatomy
- Foundation loop — created when pulling up the loop
- Extension chain — created when pulling through one loop
- Final V (top of stitch) — formed by the last yarn over and pull-through
Understanding this structure helps beginners confidently identify stitch placement on the return rows.
Troubleshooting for Beginners
- If the stitch feels tight, loosen your tension on the extension chain.
- If the stitch looks uneven, ensure you’re only pulling through one loop, not two.
- If your rows are slanting, check you’re not accidentally skipping stitches after tall stitches.
Ready to keep learning?
Explore your next stitch.
Learn How to Read Crochet Patterns & Charts (US + UK). Then, check out these foundational stitches:
- the magic ring
- the half double crochet
- the double crochet
- the slip stitch
- the bobble stitch
- the treble crochet stitch
Keep building your crochet confidence with more free resources from Yarn Over Hook:
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