I sometimes use the extended single crochet (esc) in my patterns instead of the half double crochet (hdc) when I'm creating a graduation of stitches because the hdc creates an additional line along the back side of your fabric from the unworked yarn over (that's the 3rd loop we sometimes work into!). The same concept can be applied to other stitches as well, basically working a chain 1 after pulling up your first loop before continuing on with the rest of your stitch. It will give your stitch just a tiny bit of extra height!
Let's have a look at how to do it!
Extended Single Crochet (esc) Written Instructions:
Step 1: Insert hook into designated stitch, yarn over (yo) and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
Step 2: Yo and pull through 1 loop (2 loops on hook). This creates that chain 1 before the stitch that gives it just a smidge more height!
Step 3: Yo and pull through both loops on hook to complete esc.
Et voilà!
Here are a few of my patterns that include using this stitch!
In that last one, Granny at a Rave, the extended single crochet is actually used as part of the increase! You'll find that technique in my Parallel Celebrations Shawl, too.
Have you tried extended stitches before? What do you think of them?