Repeated patterns of crocheting can get boring over the period. To spice up the art of knitting and crocheting with various yarns, today we present to you the enhanced version of half double crochet- the Extended Half Double Crochet (EHDC).
But what is so special about the extended double crochet stitch? Well, we can tell you it adds up the features of half double crochet and double crochet and makes a better version of them. For a better understanding, give this pattern a try. We assure you that it will be worth your time to get the amazing results at the end.
Since you are acquainted with half double crochet and double crochet, you can easily make this advanced version with the simple instructions given here. So, follow them carefully. Like always, grab the materials first.
Materials Required for Extended Half Double Crochet
This is the first time you are trying the extended version of a half-double crochet stitch. Thus, you should arrange the materials well before starting with the stitch so that you do not panic or get overwhelmed.
| Yarn | Tape Measure |
| Hook(s) | Tapestry Needles |
| Scissors | Stitch Markers |
Various Stitching Skills
The crochet stitching skills differ from the general stitching skills and require using yarn and crochet needles. Crochet stitching requires you to form loops directly on the fabric with bigger stitches than knitting. The resultant fabric is dense and textured, and the pattern requires basic knowledge and some practice. Each crochet stitching technique differs from the others in terms of texture and ways of placing the needle to tie the knot.
The six basic crochet stitching techniques are- chain stitch, single crochet stitch, double crochet stitch, half double crochet stitch, treble crochet stitch, and slip stitch.
The skills required to make the extended half double crochet stitch are:
1. Half Double Crochet Stitch
The half double slip stitch is done in the following pattern- Yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, and pull through all the loops on the hook. One stitch gets completed after one such round.
2. Double Crochet Stitch
Yarn over the hook from front to back, insert the hook into the desired stitch, and again yarn over and carry the yarn through the stitch. This will make double loops. Yarn over, pull the yarn through the first two loops and repeat the process with the last two loops. The double crochet stitch is ready.
3. Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch
What is an Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch?
As we said, it’s the combination of half double crochet stitch and double crochet and an advanced version of both of them combined. It is the same height as a double crochet stitch but taller than the half double crochet stitch. By the word extended, one can figure that it is the extension of something prevailing already.
Likewise, an extended half-double crochet extends the chain at the beginning of the stitch. Adding the chain at the beginning of the stitch keeps the classic look of half double stitch alive while the extra chain adds the extra length, after which you can continue working the half double crochet stitch as usual.
How to Make the Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch?
Making up a blanket or sweater with extended half double crochet stitches can work up faster than the usual time taken to make the same with half double crochet or double crochet stitches. Let’s understand the simple steps involved in the making as we have detailed here in the segment below:
- Yarn over the hook
- Insert the hook from front to back through the stitch to be worked.
- Yarn over the hook.
- Draw a loop through the fabric.
- Yarn over and draw through the first loop only, forming a chain stitch
- Yarn over and draw through the remaining loops on the hook.
This explains the basic structure of making the extended half double crochet stitch. Let’s get into the details of making a blanket as well for a better understanding of the pattern. Start with any number of chains that you want for your structure. Follow our comprehensive detailing for your project.
- Row 1: In the 3rd chain of the hook, make 1 extended half double crochet, then yarn over. Now insert the hook in the 3rd chain from the hook and pull up a loop. Again, yarn over and pull up a loop through 1 loop only. Yarn over and pull up the yarn through all 3 loops now. Make 1 extended half double crochet in each chain stitch and turn the work.
- Row 2: Stitch 2 chains. Make 1 extended half double crochet stitch in the 1st stitch and yarn over. Insert the hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop. Again, yarn over and pull up a loop through 1 loop only. Yarn over and pull up the yarn through all the 3 loops this time. The step will repeat the same way as done for Row 1: Make 1 extended half double crochet stitch in each stitch across and turn the work.
- For Multiple Rows: Repeat the process of 2nd row until the desired length of your blanket, and then hem the edges. You can also add fringes to the end of the blanket if you want. We have explained the process of making the fringes in one of our previous articles; please go through it for a brief.
Additional Note: Chain 2 at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.
What Can Be Made Using Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch?
Crochet stitches are used to make innumerable household things, and the yarns make the softest winter accessories. Various patterns like single crochet, double crochet, etc., are used to knit handmade accessories, which, along with looking chic, keep us warm and protected. Numerous things can be made using the extended half double crochet stitch, just like any other one.
- Pillowcases
- Coasters
- Washcloth
- Scarves
- Socks
- Potholders
- Blankets
- Bags
- Gloves
How to Use the Extended Half Double Crochet Stitch?
Just like the half-double crochet stitch, this stitch can be used to work on a wide range of patterns, including Square, Round, Rows, Hexagons, and along the Edges. Apart from what we have detailed so far, here are a few important points that we would like to bring to your notice associated with this stitch idea.
Even though you are familiar with the half-double crochet stitch, the extended half-double crochet stitch works a bit differently than the former. Thus, there are certain things that you should keep note of while knitting using this stitch.
- Try to work with the chainless foundation chain at first rather than crocheting a starting chain. This works as a foundation chain and first chain into one.
- Before taking on a full project using this stitch, practice it multiple times to master the technique.
- Since there is not much to hold, the first row can challenge beginners. Have your patience while working through it.
Common Mistakes People Make while Crocheting
We understand that crocheting is considered an ‘old granny thing’ to do. But, the fact that it is again gaining popularity and more and more people are trying their hands at the various patterns of crocheting made us realize the fact that there are certain common mistakes that people commit while crocheting, which leaves them unsatisfied with their results and thus they get disheartened.
We are here to help you rectify these mistakes so that you can make a successfully extended half-double crochet project.
1. Correct Hook Size
Remember the thumb rule- ‘the thicker the yarn, the bigger the hook and vice versa’.
The yarn skein is the best tool to look up to when confused regarding the yarn and hook sizes. The yarn label has all the information you need to know. The yarn label clearly mentions the hook size that specific yarn will require to crochet itself. It is mentioned for UK and US terms, and you can refer to the conversion chart in case of confusion.
We suggest you go with the labeled recommendations in the beginning for your practice and then experiment with various sizes once you are comfortable with the stitch and the pattern. Fabrics respond differently to different hook sizes, and you will eventually understand your go-to yarn and hook size.
2. The US and The UK Terms Confusion
Oh, it’s an eye-roller problem. Why couldn’t the crochet producers simplify the process by mentioning one single term? Well, since the problem exists, we are here with the solution. Double Crochet(DC) in the UK is termed a Single Crochet(SC) in US crocheting terms. Likewise, Treble(TR) in the UK is termed a Double Crochet(DC) in the US and many other confusing terms.
You must know the difference before you start working. Whichever technique tutorial you wish to follow, check for its UK or US terms first and then proceed. It is generally mentioned at the beginning of the tutorial.
3. Holding Yarn and Hook
Remember the good old times when we first learned how to hold a pencil and how to hold a knife? That is the exact procedure to need to follow, withholding yarn and hook. If you wish to hold the hook like a pencil, you will have to insert the hook so that you are writing a book. However, if you wish to hold the hook like a knife, hold it like you are about to cut the chocolate cake. You will have to figure out your individual preferences.
For the yarn, start to practice holding the working yarn with a little tension as you work with it. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to provide the tension. But make sure to keep the flow smooth.
4. Reading Instructions
One of the most common blunders mistakes people make while crocheting is not having enough patience to read and understand every instruction given in the tutorial. What is the rush, after all? Spare the extra 5 minutes to save the ‘about to be wasted’ 60 minutes. The most important thing to follow in the instructions is the abbreviations.
You must know the abbreviation used for every particular stitch the designer mentioned. They usually mention it at the beginning of their written tutorial. Knowing the correct full form of the abbreviations lets you save time that might be wasted on wrong understanding. Craft Yarn Council has taken the initiative to explain each abbreviation for the crocheter community.
5. Giving Up Too Soon
This is a common problem among the beginners. Crocheting is a skill that demands time, patience, and a lot of practice. You might get overwhelmed by the wonderfully worked project of your peer, but do not forget that there is no point comparing your first with someone’s 100. At first, you might end up making really messy projects, but trust us! You will eventually reach the point where someone will be in awe of your skill, and you will advise them to have patience when they get overwhelmed. But you need to have patience and keep crocheting.
Whenever you feel like it’s not working out, take a break and stall out in the neighborhood. Start again with fresh energy, and your yarn and hook will do their magic.
Overview
The extended half double crochet can be easy to work when you have mastered the technique of half double crochet. It beautifully incorporates the length of double crochet stitch and the texture of half double crochet stitch and makes a project faster than the two others.
Just like the extended single crochet, the extended half double crochet stitch amplifies the beauty of this texture and creates soft and squishy blankets or sweaters or any other thing that you are knitting. The projects can be completed in a day. Thus, you need not sit down and give it a whole lot of time; just some time out on the weekend, and the project will be ready. But, first, you will have to acquaint yourself with this stitch.
So, grab your materials and start working. Let us know how well you could follow the instructions and how the final result turned out to be. We await your views! Happy Crocheting!
