Extended double crochet and extended double 2 together tutorial

In this tutorial you will learn how to crochet the extended double crochet stitch (US terms) and the extended double crochet 2 together, i.e. the extended double crochet decrease.

I use US standard crochet terms throughout this post, but in UK terms these stitches are called the extended treble and extended treble 2 together.

I love using extended crochet stitches to design crochet accessories and garments where I want the fabric to have a lot of drape. (See pattern list after the tutorial.)

The stitch creates a lovely simple and elegant crochet texture, perfect for classic items with no fuss and all the class!

You can find a detailed photo, video and written tutorial for the extended single crochet (UK extended double) in this post.

Images in this tutorial are shown right handed.

Written instructions for the extended double crochet (edc)

The abbreviation for the extended double crochet is edc. In some cases, people use an ‘x’ or even ‘ex’ for the ‘extended’ part so you may also see it written as ‘xdc’ or ‘exdc’.

Below are step-by-step instructions explaining how to make the extended double crochet stitch;

1. Yarn over, insert hook
2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
3. Yarn over, pull through one loop (3 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over pull through two loops (2 loops on hook)
5. Yarn over, pull through two loops to complete the stitch

The image below shows you a close up of the extended double crochet stitch.

Written instructions for the extended double crochet 2 together (edc2tog)

The instructions below describe how to make an extended double crochet decrease, or extended double crochet two together;

1. Yarn over, insert hook into first stitch
2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
3. Yarn over, pull through one loop (3 loops on hook)
4. Yarn over, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook)
5. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch
6. Yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook)
7. Yarn over, pull through one loop (4 loops on hook)
8. Yarn over, pull through two loops (3 loops on hook)
9. Yarn over, pull through all three loops to complete the stitch

The image below shows you a close up of a crochet swatch with two edc2tog worked on the top row. You can see how it shortens the row and causes that little bit of curl on the swatch.

Video tutorial for edc and edc2tog

Below is a quick and simple video tutorial demonstrating how to crochet both the extended double crochet and the extended double crochet two together.

The videos are captioned and available in left and right handed versions.

Extended double crochet video tutorial – right handed

Extended double crochet video tutorial – left handed

Crochet patterns using extended double crochets

I have a range of patterns which use the extended double crochet, including 4 brand new designs which feature in the forthcoming Fine Lines Collection (the inspiration behind this tutorial). All of the patterns in the collection use a combination of extended double crochets and chain stitches and that’s it!

In the meantime, here are some current crochet patterns using the extended double crochet;

• Circles in the sand tee (free pattern)
• This way up scarf and hat (free filet crochet pattern)
• Granny weave blanket (this free crochet pattern uses edc and edc post stitches if you want something different!)
• Studio Stripe Scarf (free pattern)
• Studio beanie hat set (one free variation)

The image below shows how well the edc stitch works with filet crochet patterns (in place of the typical double crochet).

You can learn more about filet crochet here, including how it looks with different height stitches.

Crochet patterns made using the extended single crochet

Just in case you get the bug for extended stitches, below are some patterns which use the extended single crochet in case you want to try them

• Any yarn will do sweater
• Any yarn will do cardigan
• Any time cardigan (free pattern)
• Abundance cardigan
• Wrapped up balaclava hood (free pattern)
• Summertime handout top (free pattern)
• Slice of sunrise shawl (free pattern)
• Hidden wavelengths cowl (free pattern)
• Happy days cardigan
• Free flow sweater
• Clarity sweater (free pattern)

You can find the tutorial for extended single crochets here.

I hope you found this tutorial useful. Don’t forget to share it with your friends or pin to pinterest for later.