Crochet Stitch: Braided Extended Half Double Crochet

I know you are already thinking, with that name, no way. I hate abbreviations and long titles too, but please 🙏, stay with me, and you will see that the name is more challenging than the stitch itself! 

The Braided Extended Half Double Crochet is a gorgeous stitch that creates a beautiful texture and looks like knitting. It has marvelous flexibility and drape, which is achieved by working on the front loops only and using the Extended Half Double Crochet stitch (that is where the complicated name comes from!). Extended stitches give a little more height to the row and take away some of the density, in this case, of the half double crochet, still delivering an amazing softness. With only a two-row repetition pattern, you will be creating a skillful piece that looks like knitting! Watch the step-by-step video tutorial or find the written instructions below. 

To make the Extended Half Double Crochet (EHDC) — 

I think of the Extended Half Double Crochet as the mix of the Half Double Crochet and the Double Crochet stitches. If these two were to have a son, the Extended Half Double Crochet would be it 😁. Here are the instructions: 

Yarn over, and insert the hook in indicated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through the first loop only (still 3 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through 3 loops at once (1 loop on hook).

In the end, it is like making a Double Crochet, but pulling after the first loop instead of the second. 

Step by Step Guide to Braided Extended Half Double Crochet (BEHDC) — 

Any multiple of stitches

1º Row (RS - foundation row ): Make 3 chains, make an extended half double crochet in each chain to the end of row; turn.

2º Row (WS): Chain 1, slip stitch through the front loop only of each extended half double crochet; turn.

3º Row (RS): Chain 3, make an extended half double crochet through the front loop of each stitch to the end of row; turn.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for the pattern.

Pro Tips —

The beauty of this stitch lies in its drape and movement. I recommend using a hook half or one size larger than you would normally use for the selected yarn. This will create that soft and flexible texture, making the piece less stiff.

Try your best to make the slip stitches as loosely as possible. It will speed up your next row, making it easier to insert the hook for the Extended Half Double Crochet stitches.

I hope I have inspired to create gorgeous, meaningful projects together! Share with me on social media tagging us @maxandherb or using #creatingmadesimple. ❤️