The moment you introduce the Extended Double Crochet (EXdc) stitch into your crochet toolkit, you’re not just learning a stitch; you’re opening a door to a world of textured possibilities. This elegant variation brings a soft, airy fabric that boasts an impressive drape—perfect for elevating your shawls, afghans, or any cozy garment you dream of making. The great news? This step-by-step tutorial is tailored for crocheters of all levels, ensuring both beginners and seasoned crafters can confidently add it to their repertoire. Besides being simple to master, the EXdc stitch works up quickly, making it a fantastic stash-buster for that yarn you’ve been saving. Are you ready to embrace this delightful technique and enhance your crochet projects? Let’s get started!
Extended Double Crochet Stitch Materials & Tools
Unlock the beauty of the Extended Double Crochet stitch with these essentials!
Yarn
- Medium-weight Yarn (Category 4) – Opt for acrylic or cotton yarn, about 200-300 yards/meters is perfect for practice.
Tools & Notions
- 5.0 mm (H/8) Crochet Hook – This is the ideal size for working the EXdc stitch.
- Tapestry Needle – Perfect for weaving in any loose ends for a polished finish.
- Stitch Markers – Use these to mark your starting stitch and keep track of your rows if desired.
Why Is the Extended Double Crochet Special?
Versatile: The EXdc stitch opens doors to various projects, from shawls to blankets, making it a must-know for every crocheter.
Soft Texture: Its taller, airy design adds a lovely drape that enriches any piece, giving your work a professional finish.
Quick Learning: Even beginners will find this stitch easy to learn, boosting confidence and encouraging exploration of new patterns.
Time-Saver: With its rapid stitch creation, you’ll whip up projects in no time—perfect for those urgent crafting deadlines!
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different yarns and color changes to create stunning variations, enhancing your creative expression. For more tips on incorporating new stitches into your designs, check out our crochet techniques.
Gauge & Sizing Notes
Don’t skip the gauge swatch! Checking your tension is crucial for mastering the Extended Double Crochet (EXdc) stitch, as it ensures your finished piece will have the right drape and fit. Aim for a gauge of approximately 12 EXdc stitches and 10 rows per 4×4 inches (10×10 cm). To make your project wider or narrower, adjust your starting chain accordingly, keeping in mind the number of stitches should be in multiples of 2. If your swatch doesn’t match the gauge size, try changing your hook size: if your stitches are too tight, simply go up a hook size to achieve that perfect cozy feel!
Step‑by‑Step Pattern for Mastering the Extended Double Crochet Stitch
Row 1: Foundation Chain
Begin by creating a foundation chain with your desired length, ensuring it’s long enough for the project you’ll be working on. A good starting point might be 20 chains for practice. Once your chain is ready, it will set the foundation for your extended double crochet stitches, which will provide a beautiful, airy texture to your work.
Row 2: First Extended Double Crochet
Yarn over (yo) and insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook. Yarn over again and pull up a loop, creating three loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through the first loop (this creates the first EXdc). Now, you should have three loops remaining; yarn over again and pull through two loops (two loops left), then yarn over and pull through the final two loops to complete the stitch. You now have one EXdc made (1 st).
Row 3: Continue with Extended Double Crochet
For the next stitch, yarn over and insert your hook into the next chain. Yarn over and pull up a loop, giving you three loops on the hook. Follow the same steps as before: yarn over, pull through the first loop, yarn over again and pull through two loops (2 loops left), and finally yarn over to pull through the last two loops, completing your second EXdc. Your work will begin to build a tall, textured fabric (2 sts).
Row 4: Repeat Extended Double Crochet
Continue the pattern by working an EXdc into each chain across the row. Each time, yarn over, insert into the next stitch, and follow the EXdc process you’ve learned. Remember, your fabric should start to show a lovely wave-like texture, and you’ll notice how much taller the EXdc is compared to a standard double crochet (count your stitches to ensure you’ve reached the desired number, e.g., 20 sts).
Row 5: Transition to the Next Row
At the end of Row 1, turn your work. Begin Row 2 by chaining three (this counts as your first EXdc). Now, yarn over and insert your hook into the top of the last EXdc made from the previous row. Pull up a loop, yarn over, and follow the EXdc instructions to create your first stitch in this new row. Continue with the EXdc into each stitch from the previous row, maintaining that lovely texture (stitch count should remain the same).
Row 6: Continue Rows of Extended Double Crochet
Repeat Row 2, ensuring to keep your tension consistent for even texture. Every time you work an EXdc, monitor the height and feel of your fabric; it should be soft and airy. This step is crucial for projects designed to drape beautifully, like shawls or light blankets. Maintain warm, steady tension as you crochet across, visualizing your completed project (continue until you’ve reached your desired length).
Expert Tips for Extended Double Crochet
- Consistent Tension: Ensure your tension remains even when working the EXdc stitch; tight stitches can lead to a stiff fabric that lacks drape.
- Count Stitches Carefully: Always keep track of your stitch count to avoid losing or adding stitches, which can throw your project off balance.
- Mind the Foundation Chain: Avoid twisting your foundation chain to maintain a clear starting foundation, ensuring your project lies flat as it progresses.
- Use Stitch Markers: Consider marking your first stitch of each row with a stitch marker; this helps you identify the beginning of your row and prevents confusion.
- Finishing Techniques: For a polished look, weave in your ends securely and block your finished piece to enhance the texture of the EXdc stitch.
Washing and Care for Your Extended Double Crochet Stitch
- Hand Washing: Gently hand wash your finished pieces in cool water with a mild detergent to preserve the delicate nature of the EXdc stitch.
- Drying/Blocking: After washing, reshape your item while damp and lay it flat to dry; avoid hanging to prevent stretching.
- Storage: Store your crochet pieces in a cool, dry place, ideally in cotton or breathable bags to protect from dust and moisture.
- Avoiding Agitation: Never wring out or aggressively rub your item, as this could lead to felting or pilling of the yarn.
Extended Double Crochet Variations
Unlock your creativity by customizing the EXdc stitch to suit your unique crochet style!
- Yarn Substitutions: Swap medium-weight yarn for lightweight or bulky to change the overall look and drape of your projects.
- Color-Blocking Techniques: Integrate color-blocking by alternating rows of EXdc in different shades, adding a vibrant twist to your pieces.
- Texture Additions: Consider adding a pom-pom or fringe at the edges for a playful, textural finish that adds personality to your project.
- Sizing Adjustments: Modify the stitch count for wider or narrower pieces. Experiment with fewer or more EXdc for a unique feel.
- Cotton vs. Acrylic: Use cotton yarn for a breathable summer shawl, while acrylic provides warmth for cozy winter projects.
- Ombre Effect: Create a stunning ombre effect by gradually changing yarn colors over several rows, enhancing your work’s visual appeal.
- Border Finishing: Add a contrasting border with single crochet stitches around your project for a polished, professional look. For border ideas, check our guide on crochet borders.
- Mixing Textures: Pair EXdc with other stitch techniques like the half double crochet to create rich, mixed-textured fabric that captivates the eye.
Feel free to explore these variations and elevate your crochet experience!
Extended Double Crochet Stitch Tutorial FAQs
Can I use a different yarn weight for this stitch?
Absolutely! While medium-weight yarn (Category 4) is recommended, you can experiment with lighter or heavier yarns. Just keep in mind that this will affect your final texture and drape, so check your gauge and adjust your hook size accordingly.
How do I adjust the EXdc stitch size for bigger projects?
To make your project larger, you can increase your foundation chain, keeping in mind that the chain should be in multiples of 3 + 1 for the best results. Don’t forget to count your rows as well; they should still maintain the initial stitch count for uniformity.
My work is curling at the edges—why is that?
Don’t panic! Curling can happen if your tension is too tight or if the project is not balanced with enough weight. To fix this, try crocheting with a looser tension, or add a border of single crochet around your project once finished to help weigh it down and flatten it out.
What size hook should I use for the Extended Double Crochet?
I recommend using a 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook for the EXdc stitch. However, your choice might vary with different yarn types—feel free to test a few sizes to see which creates the best feel and drape for your project!
How can I fix dropped stitches while working the EXdc?
It’s an easy fix! If you drop a stitch, carefully pull the working yarn and use a tapestry needle to pick it back up, threading the yarn through the extra loops. You can also frog the stitches back to where you made the mistake if it’s too far down, then work back up using the EXdc stitch as normal.
Can I create a pattern using only the EXdc stitch?
Yes, indeed! The EXdc stitch is versatile and can be the foundation of various patterns. Try creating rows of alternating colors, or combine it with other stitches to enrich your design further. Experimentation is key—don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine!
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