The extended single crochet — or ESC — is one of my favorite little “in between” stitches. It’s taller than a single crochet but denser than a half double, and that one small difference gives your fabric the most beautiful woven texture and gorgeous drape.
If you can single crochet, you can already almost do this stitch — the extended single crochet just adds one extra step. That little step builds a soft, flexible fabric that’s perfect for scarves, wraps, blankets, and dishcloths.
This technique is used in my Periwinkle Scarf — an easy, beginner-friendly pattern that shows off the ESC beautifully.
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Before You Begin
- This stitch is worked in US crochet terminology
- The extended single crochet adds height and a lovely woven look compared to a regular single crochet
- I recommend a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row to keep your count
- I prefer to work in the back bumps of the foundation chain for a cleaner edge
- This post contains affiliate links — see the disclaimer at the top of this page
- If your stitches feel tight, go up a hook size
What You’ll Need
Yarn
- Any weight — worsted weight (#4) shown in tutorial for clarity
Hook and Notions
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- Ch /chs = chain /chains
- ESC = extended single crochet
- YO = yarn over
- St(s) = stitch(es)
- RS/WS = right side / wrong side
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner
Gauge
Not important for this tutorial
Stitch Multiple
Any number of stitches
Foundation Chain
Add 1 to your desired stitch count
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a single crochet and an extended single crochet?
The extended single crochet adds one extra step — after you pull up your loop, you yarn over and pull through just one loop before finishing the stitch. That extra step adds a little height and creates a soft, woven texture. It’s taller than a single crochet but shorter than a half double crochet.
Is the extended single crochet beginner friendly?
Absolutely! If you’re comfortable with the basic single crochet, you’ll pick this up in just a few stitches. It’s one of the easiest “next step” stitches to learn.
What projects work best with this stitch?
The ESC creates wonderful drape, so it shines in scarves, wraps, blankets, dishcloths, and bags — anywhere you want a soft, textured fabric.
My fabric feels stiff — what am I doing wrong?
Nothing! ESC can work up a little dense. If it feels too stiff, simply go up a hook size for a softer, drapier result.
Extended Single Crochet Instructions
Before you begin, make a slip knot and place it on your hook.
Foundation: Chain 21 (for a 20-stitch swatch)
To make an extended single crochet:
- Insert your hook into the stitch (or chain)
- Yarn over and pull up a loop — you now have 2 loops on your hook
- Yarn over and pull through just the first loop — this is the “extended” step and creates a little chain at the base of the stitch. You still have 2 loops on your hook
- Yarn over and pull through both loops — your extended single crochet is complete!
Row 1 (RS): Working in the back bumps of the chain, ESC in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. (20 sts)
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch), ESC in the first st and in each st across. Turn. (20 sts)
Repeat Row 2 for the length of your project.
You did it! You learned how to crochet the Extended Single Crochet!
After just a few rows, the ESC will start to feel like second nature — that lovely crochet muscle memory kicking in. To finish your swatch cleanly, add a simple single crochet border around all four sides for a polished look.
What You’ll Love About the Extended Single Crochet
- Taller than a single crochet, so your projects work up faster
- Creates a beautiful woven texture with wonderful drape
- Beginner friendly — just one extra step beyond a single crochet
- Works beautifully in any yarn weight
- Perfect for scarves, wraps, blankets, and dishcloths
Video Tutorial
Prefer to watch? Follow along with me in the step-by-step video tutorial below.
▶ Watch this tutorial on YouTube
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Common Beginner Mistakes
- Forgetting the “pull through one loop” step — this is what makes the stitch extended! If you skip it, you’re just making a regular single crochet
- Working too tightly — if the stitch feels hard to work into, go up a hook size
- Losing count — count your stitches at the end of every row
- Missing the first or last stitch — a stitch marker in the first and last stitch keeps you on track
Practice Before Moving On
- Work several rows until the motion feels natural
- Count your stitches at the end of every row
- Notice the little chain that forms at the base of each stitch
Crochet Patterns Using the Extended Single Crochet
Ready to put this stitch to work? Try this pattern that uses the extended single crochet:
- Periwinkle Scarf — an easy, beginner-friendly scarf that shows off the ESC beautifully
Engage With Us!
We would love to see how the extended single crochet is working up for you! Share your progress:
- Instagram & Facebook: Tag @AmericanCrochet and use #ACMakers
- Pinterest: Save this tutorial so you can always find it again!
Looking Ahead
Now that you’ve learned the extended single crochet, you’re ready to put it to work! Try the Periwinkle Scarf, and stay tuned for more tutorials added to the Crochet Techniques & Stitch Library.
Helpful Resources
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Keep Learning
Ready to explore more techniques? Head back to the library: → Crochet Techniques & Stitch Library
