Extended double crochet (US extended single crochet) is a great stitch to learn when you are ready to move on from the basic crochet stitches. Rather than using a turning chain at the beginning of a row of extended doubles, why not try a starting stitch instead?

You will likely see it abbreviated to starting exdc or starting edc (US starting exsc or starting esc).

If you haven’t yet mastered starting crochet stitches, now is the time. I use them in almost every pattern now because they are so much better than turning chains. Are you ready to ditch turning chains?

Here are the benefits of using starting extended double crochet stitches over turning chains:

• They create a thicker first stitch which is more substantial.
• The thicker stitch stops the big hole from forming on the edge of your work.
• The top of the stitch is really easy to work back into.
• No confusion with stitch counts. You use a starting stitch and mark it as your first and simply work into the next stitch.
• The edges of your fabric (if working in rows) are much neater.

Follow the tutorial below and look for the photos that explain how to crochet it and the anatomy of a starting extended double crochet/ starting extended single crochet stitch in rows.

Here’s how make Starting Extended double crochet/ Starting Extended single crochet stitches:

Step 1 – Extend the loop on your hook a little.

Step 2 – Place hook from front to back, through both loops of first stitch of the row, then yarn around hook.

Step 3 – Pull up a loop by bring hook and yarn from back to front of work (2 loops on hook), then yarn around hook.

Step 4 – Pull yarn through first loop ( 2 loops left on hook), then yarn around hook.

Step 5 – Pull yarn through both loops to finish.

It is well worth looking at the anatomy of the finished stitch. A slightly larger than usual stitch appears at the top and will be worked into on the next row. The starting extended double crochet forms both the top of the stitch and the height required to match the rest of the row.

Prefer a Video Tutorial?

If you would prefer a quick video tutorial, I have one here.

Other Useful Tutorials?

• Starting Double Crochet (US Starting Single Crochet) is here as a video tutorial OR here as a photo tutorial.
• Starting Half Treble (US Starting Half Double Crochet) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
• Starting Treble (US Starting Double Crochet) is here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.

Patterns that use Extended double Crochet/ Extended single crochet stitches