The extended single crochet, often shortened to exsc, sits in a useful middle space between two stitches most crocheters already know well. It is slightly taller than a standard single crochet but noticeably flatter than a half double crochet, and the face of the fabric comes out smoother than either one.
Extended Single Crochet
That combination makes it surprisingly versatile. The fabric stays dense enough to feel substantial in a garment or a blanket, yet it drapes far better than a tightly worked sc and skips the visible ridges that hdc tends to leave behind. Once you have worked a few rows, the rhythm clicks quickly, and exsc becomes one of those quietly reliable stitches you reach for without thinking about it. It is also a forgiving stitch to practice on, because the slightly taller profile makes each loop easier to see, which is exactly why so many makers find it more comfortable than working dense rows of plain single crochet.
Materials
- Yarn of your choice
- Appropriate crochet hook
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for finishing
Before you start: keep your tension relaxed and even, use a stitch marker if the first stitch of each row trips you up, work under both loops unless told otherwise, and count at the end of every row. Straight edges come from honest stitch counts, not luck.
The Stitch Itself
The extended single crochet adds one yarn-over to the standard sc. That one extra step is what gives it height and that flatter, smoother face.
To work an exsc:
- Insert hook into the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Two loops on the hook.
- Yarn over and pull through only the first loop. Two loops remain.
- Yarn over again.
- Pull through both loops.
The stitch is complete.
The Pattern
Row 1
- Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop — two loops on your hook.
- The extension step: yarn over and pull through only the first loop. Two loops remain.
- Yarn over again and pull through both loops to complete the stitch.
- Repeat across the rest of your chain for a total of 10 extended single crochet stitches.
- If you’re still learning how to read crochet patterns, no stress! Follow the video tutorial below and use the written pattern below as you get more comfortable!
Work the first few stitches slowly until the motion feels natural — that extra yarn-over is what builds the stitch’s height, so skipping it flattens everything. Count carefully and finish with 10 stitches.
Turning
At the end of the row, chain 1. Turn your work away from you and to the left. Turning the same direction every time keeps both loops of the next row easy to read.
Row 2
- Insert your hook under both loops of the very first stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop. Two loops on hook.
- Yarn over, pull through one loop.
- Yarn over, pull through both loops.
- Repeat across the entire row.
Continuing
Repeat Row 2 for as many rows as desired. Keep your stitch count consistent, your tension even, and turn the same direction each time.
What the Finished Fabric Looks Like
Dense and sturdy without feeling stiff. Flatter than standard single crochet, with a smoother surface and noticeably more flexibility than tightly worked stitches. It also skips the pronounced ridges of half double crochet, which is what makes it such a clean choice for garments, blankets, and anything where you want fabric — not texture — to do the talking.
FAQ
Is the extended single crochet harder than regular single crochet? No — it’s the same motion with one extra yarn-over. If you can work an sc, you can work an exsc within a few minutes of practice.
Why do my edges look uneven? Almost always a stitch-count issue. The first and last stitches of each row are the most commonly missed. A stitch marker in the first stitch and an honest count at the end of every row solves it.
Can I substitute exsc for sc in a pattern? You can, but expect a taller, slightly drapier result. Your row count will shrink and your gauge will shift, so swatch first if dimensions matter.
