How to Crochet the Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch
Learn how to crochet the extended half double crochet stitch in this step by step photo tutorial. The extended hdc abbreviated as ehdc or sometimes exhdc in written crochet patterns.
Simply put, the exhdc is an extended, or taller version of the half double crochet stitch. Essentially you’re crocheting an extra chain to start the extended hdc stitch.
There is also a video tutorial for the exhdc stitch. It shows you how to crochet one when you start a row. Here I’ve chained 2 to start the row (my preference). You can chain 3, if that’s more comfortable for you.
I usually only chain 1 when starting a row of regular half double crochets. Since the extended half double crochet is taller, I chain 2 to get started. I know many prefer to ch 2 before a hdc, so you may prefer to ch 3 before an ehdc.
I tend to keep my tension relatively loose as I crochet. That’s probably one reason I prefer to only chain 1 on hdc stitches. But, again, use what you are comfortable with when starting a row.
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The extended half double crochet stitch is similar in height to a double crochet stitch. So, in theory, if your pattern calls for an exhdc, you could sub it out with a double crochet. However, the really cool thing about extended stitches is that they look almost the same as their regular counterpart.
If I crochet a row of hdc and then a row of exhdc they will look about the same. If you’re looking for it, you’ll be able to tell the difference. And I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that you can see how the extended half double crochet is taller than the regular hdc.
More Crochet Stitches
If you enjoy the look of this stitch, you might enjoy crocheting these patterns where I use the exhdc.
- Pixie Spice Crochet Hat-an easy pixie style hat that’s crocheted in a rectangle and seamed to create the tip. This free hat pattern includes 9 sizes.
- Raspberry Ridges Crochet Blanket-a textured crochet blanket that combines alternating sections of stitches.
This is a neat stitch tutorial called the linked double crochet from Heart Hook Home. I love finding different stitches to incorporate into designs.
Materials
In this tutorial I’m using my Furls Streamline 8mm hook + Bernat Maker Home Dec Yarn in Woodbury. To crochet this stitch you can use any size yarn and compatible hook.
How to Crochet the Extended Half Double Crochet
Yo, insert hook in st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through one loop, yo and pull through last 3 loops on hook.
Ehdc Video Tutorial
You can watch the full step by step video tutorial of the extended half double crochet on my YouTube channel.
Extended Half Double Crochet Tutorial
Extended Half Double Crochet
Learn how to crochet the ehdc, extended half double crochet stitch in this step by step tutorial.
Materials
- To crochet this stitch you can use any size yarn and compatible hook. The yarn I'm using is Bernat Maker Home Dec Yarn in Woodbury.
Tools
- In this tutorial I'm using my Furls Streamline 8mm hook.
Instructions
- Yo, insert hook in 3rd chain from your hook, yo and pull up a loop, you'll have 3 loops on your hook.
- Yo and pull through one loop,
- Yo and pull through last 3 loops on hook.
- Rep in next ch: Yo, insert hook in next ch, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through one loop, yo and pull through last 3 loops on hook.
- Continue repeating step 4 in each chain in the row.
- Turn your work, ch 2 to start the row. Starting in the first st: Yo, insert hook in st, yo and pull up a loop, yo and pull through one loop, yo and pull through last 3 loops on hook. Rep across.
- Keep repeating step 6 for your desired length.
Notes
To begin a row from a chain you would start the same way you begin for a double crochet. Chain 2 more than the number of stitches you want to end up with. If I want 10 exhdc stitches, then I will chain 12, exhdc in the 3rd chain from my hook and in each ch across. The first 2 skipped chains will not count as a stitch.
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