Crochet for Beginners: Common Questions & Answers

Extended stitches, sometimes called Elmore stitches are taller, slightly looser versions of the standard stitches. Each of the customary stitches can be extended to create a stitch with an intermediate height. These transitional stitches may be used to create smooth curves or a looser fabric than is possible with the standard stitch patterns. Extended single crochet is also known as ESC or double single crochet. Create an extended stitch by adding an extra “yarnover, pull through loop” step to a basic stitch pattern. The extended sc is easy to do and it gives a better drape than standard sc, so its very useful in crochet garment making. ESC in the body of a cardigan or sweater gives a beautiful drape without being too bulky or having too many holes. To make it, simple follow these steps: Insert hook into stitch, yarnover and pull up a loop; yarnover and pull through one loop on hook. Yarnover and pull through two loops on hook.

A cluster is a generic term used to refer to any group of stitches that have been worked together. A cluster is made by working several partial stitches in a row, then finishing them all together with one final “yarnover, pull through all loops.” The base of the cluster may be in one stitch or space, or it may range over several stitches, but when the stitch is complete and all the loops are finished off together, it counts as a single stitch on the next row or round.
One example of a 3-dc cluster might be: Yarnover, insert hook in next stitch and pull up a loop, yarnover and pull through two loops on hook; (yarnover, insert hook into same stitch and pull up a loop, yarnover and pull through two loops on hook) two times, yarnover and pull through all four loops on hook. The term cluster is used to denote many different stitch pattern variations. It could refer to decreased stitches as in dc3tog; a popcorn, bobble, or puff stitch; or another variation. Always check your pattern for instructions particular to that pattern.

A shell, or fan, stitch is a group of stitches worked into the same base stitch. Crowding the base of the stitches into one spot forces the top of the stitches to spread out into a shell or fan shape. If you are working from a published pattern, be sure you are reading the instructions carefully. Because the top of the stitches need room to spread, it is necessary to leave space on either side of the shell. Be sure to skip enough stitches between shells to show off the pattern.

Here is my post about shell stitches for those who want to learn more: https://lifehack.craftorator.com/102-crochet-for-beginners-learning-the-shell-stitch.html

Here are some ways to neaten your popcorn stitch.
Work the stitches on a slightly smaller hook than you have been using for the rest of the stitching.
Make your popcorn stitch with fewer stitches.
Make a bobble instead of a popcorn.

Here is my post about popcorn stitches for those who want to learn more:
https://lifehack.craftorator.com/112-crochet-basics-popcorn-stitch.html

Although they don’t look exactly the same, you can usually substitute a bobble for a popcorn and vice versa, since both stitches, when completed, count as a single stitch. Puff is different and usually you can’t use it instead of bobbles or popcorns. However, be consistent: Don’t substitute bobbles and popcorns willy-nilly throughout your fabric.

Yes! When you take the hook out of the stitch, reinsert it into the stitch from front to back, and the popcorn goes to the front of the work. If you insert it from back to front, the popcorn ends up on the back of the work. You may need to use your fingers to encourage the stitches to go to the side of the fabric you want them to.