How to Execute the Extended Double Crochet

The extended double crochet (abbreviated Edc) is a variation on the standard double crochet stitch (abbreviated dc). Occasionally a pattern may direct you to make extended crochet stitches, which are a little taller than the regular version of the same stitch. They also provide variation in texture with a slightly improved drape, meaning a fabric made of extended stitches is softer and less dense than one made with standard stitches.

You can adapt any stitch into an extended stitch. How? Instead of adding a yarn over to the beginning of the stitch, extended stitches include a chain stitch in the middle of the stitch to give a little extra lift.

To get started:

1. Make a foundation chain by working 15 chain stitches (ch 15).
2. Chain 3 more stitches for the turning chain.

To create your first extended double crochet stitch, follow these steps:

1. Yarn over the hook (yo).

   Always yarn over from back to front.

2. Insert your hook into the fourth chain (ch) from the hook.
3. Yarn over the hook.
4. Gently pull the wrapped hook through the center of the chain stitch, carrying the wrapped yarn through the stitch. You should now have 3 loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over the hook.
6. Work a chain stitch by drawing the yarn through the first loop on the hook, as in the following figure.
   Making a chain stitch for your extended double crochet.
7. Yarn over the hook.
8. Draw the yarn through the first 2 loops on your hook, like in (a) in the following figure.
9. Yarn over the hook.
10. Draw the yarn through the last 2 loops on the hook, as shown in (b) in the following figure. One extended double crochet stitch (Edc) is now complete, and you should have 1 loop remaining on your hook. When a stitch diagram indicates an extended double crochet stitch, you see the symbol shown in (c).

To work your next extended double crochet and continue the row, perform these steps:

1. Yarn over the hook (yo) and insert your hook into the next chain stitch (ch).
2. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the chain stitch. You should have 3 loops on the hook.
3. Repeat Steps 5 through 10 from the preceding instructions to complete the second extended double crochet stitch (Edc).
4. Work 1 extended double crochet stitch in each chain stitch across the foundation chain by repeating Steps 1 through 3. When you count the turning chain as the first extended double crochet, you should have 16 extended double crochet stitches in Row 1. This figure shows the end of the first extended double crochet row.

To begin the next row of extended double crochet, turn your piece and make three chains for the turning chain. Skipping the first stitch, work your first extended double crochet stitch into the next stitch on the previous row and follow Steps 1 through 3 of the preceding instructions. Take a look at this figure to see what rows of extended double crochet look like as a fabric.