Are you looking for a crochet stitch that effortlessly combines texture, lightness, and versatility? Meet a unique and fun extended single crochet stitch combination! This stitch is a game-changer, perfect for projects that need a little extra flair without sacrificing breathability. Whether you are crocheting summer tops, stylish market bags, or even lightweight blankets, this stitch provides the perfect balance of structure and softness.
In this tutorial, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this delightful stitch. By the end, you’ll be equipped to incorporate this beautiful combination into your next crochet masterpiece. Grab your favorite yarn and hook, and let’s create some magic!
Tips to Learn the Extended Single Crochet Stitch Combo
As much as we all would love to just grab our crochet hook and a lovely hank of yarn and begin. It is important to know what you need to do to prepare to learn a new stitch or technique. For today’s tutorial it isn’t anything too complicated, but there are a couple of things you should know before you begin.
A Foundation:
First off, you will need to begin your sample with a foundation. This foundation can be just about any stitch to work off of. Many people tend to begin with a starting chain. Yes, you can do that, but when learning a new stitch, I recommend you start with a stronger base. This allows you to concentrate more on the stitch you are learning than trying to place it in the proper pieces of the beginning chain. Working off of a foundation also gives you a good base to hold in your hands, allowing you to focus on the new stitches.
To create a stronger base to work off of, you can simple crochet a few rows of any stitch. It can be single crochet, half double crochet or even double crochets. It really doesn’t matter. I tend to always begin with a foundation row, it is just a technique I really like and it’s a good opportunity to practice it. If you are unfamiliar with a foundation row, watch my tutorial and give it a try!
Extended Single Crochet Stitch
Since this tutorial is a stitch combination you should know how to crochet the stitches that are included. The first one is a basic chain, this is a common stitch that you should already know.
The next stitch is the extended single crochet stitch. This is one of my favorite stitches because it is a taller stitch (almost as tall as a double crochet) so it works up quicker than short stitches, but it is also a very lightweight stitch. To learn the extended single crochet stitch, I recommend watch my YouTube Tutorial:
And Now: The Extended Single Crochet Stitch Combo Tutorial
Notation: the abbreviation for an extended single crochet is “esc”
You will begin with a foundation row (see above) in any even number of stitches. In the sample below I worked a foundation row of 20 half-double crochets.
After your foundation row has been completed you will turn and chain 3. This chain 3 will count as an esc plus a chain 1. Now, skip the first stitch and work an esc in the next st (by only skipping one stitch-your row st count will increase by 1-this is intentional, if you skip 2 the first “hole” is more noticeable).
You will now begin a repeat across the row of [ch 1, skip 1, esc in next st], repeat [ ] across the row.
Your first row has been completed! Turn your work and begin again with a chain 3 (this chain will also be counted as an esc plus a chain 1). For all remaining rows, skip the 1st st (last esc of last row) AND skip the chain space, esc in top of the esc from the prior row.
Continue to work the pattern repeat [ch 1, skip ch sp, esc in top of the esc from the prior row], repeat [ ] across row working your last esc in the 2nd chain of the turning chain of the prior row.
And continue to repeat the second row. Each row will continue to build a beautiful lightweight fabric with a fun texture.
Video Tutorial
Seeing the stitch through photos can be very helpful, however, being able to watch it can sometimes clarify it a little bit more. So, I have a video tutorial on this stitch combination. Check it out on YouTube.
Patterns that feature the Extended Single Crochet Stitch Combo
This versatile stitch combination is featured in a couple of my crochet patterns. If you enjoyed learning from the above tutorial, you may really enjoy working on these projects. The first one is a children’s blanket that is woodland-themed. This is a throw-sized blanket featuring adorable forest friends but is a more lightweight blanket due to the extended single crochet stitch combination. The blanket was released as a set including a wall hanging and coordinating pillow.
Another fun pattern that also includes the extended single crochet stitch combination is the Between Seasons Top. I designed this as a beginner-friendly garment since it is a simple design with limited seaming. As a warm weather top, it is important for it to be lightweight (who wants to wear a heavy sweater in summer?). So, this stitch combination was perfect.
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