The purpose of this study was to explore the posibilities and challenges with simulating fatigue crack growth (FCG) by the extended finite element method (XFEM). Another aim was to develope a procedure for XFEM FCG simulations in Abaqus by means of scripting. Finally was the procedure used to simulate FCG in an API standard, cone shaped threaded connection. Different FCG models were reviewed by a limited litterature search and a procedure 2D FCG simulations was carried out by a python script. The procedure succeeded with the simulation of FCG when applied to a model with refined mesh around the crack tip. In the suggested partial tasks of the thesis description were a procedure 3D FCG simulation also suggested, but as this required more computer capacity than available in the study this was not carried out.