How to Crochet Spike Stitch, Made Easy for Beginners

The crochet spike stitch creates long raised stitches that extend down into lower rows to add texture, contrast, and decorative detail to crochet fabric. This easy technique is worked by inserting the hook into rows below the current row, creating elongated stitches that appear to “spike” across the surface of the fabric. Spike stitch is popular for blankets, scarves, shawls, borders, bags, and geometric crochet designs because it creates striking texture without complicated techniques. This tutorial will show you how to crochet spike stitch step-by-step.

What is a Spike Stitch?

The crochet spike stitch is a textured crochet technique where stitches are worked into lower rows instead of the current row. By dropping the hook into earlier rows, the stitch elongates and creates decorative vertical lines across the crochet fabric. Spike stitch is also sometimes called elongated crochet stitch or a long crochet stitch. This stitch should not be confused with the extended single crochet stitch, which is a completely different technique. See also the spider crochet stitch.

Explore more unusual stitch patterns in the complete crochet stitches library.

Here you can see a single crochet spike stitch on the left and a double crochet spike stitch on the right.

How to Crochet Spike Stitch (Step by Step)

1. Crochet a Base

Start by making 5 rows or rounds of regular crochet stitches with color 1 (like single crochet, double crochet, etc.) according to your design. For the purpose of demonstration, let’s start with working on a single crochet base.

2. Join New Color and First Spike

• Join color 2 and chain 1, and turn to begin a new row. Single crochet 1 stitch.
• Insert your hook into the next space in the second row below the hook. (See needle.)
• Pull up a loop, bringing the yarn up to meet the other loop on your hook.

It is important to keep in mind that the only difference between regular crochet stitches and the spike stitch is where the hook is inserted to begin the stitch. If you were crocheting a standard single crochet stitch, you would insert the hook into the next stitch in the row, but with the spike stitch, you would insert it into the row (or multiple rows) below, being sure to work through both loops at the same time.

• Yarn over and pull through two loops (exactly like a regular single crochet), completing the SP-2.

3. Next Spike Stitches

• Make a SP-3 stitch into the following place, working into the third row below. (inserting hook into the 3rd row below)

• SP-4, repeating the previous steps but working into the fourth row down. Do not pull your stitches too tight. They must come up to the same level every time.

• Continue (SP-2, SP-3, SP-4) to the end of the row. Or reverse the order and after SP-4. Work SP3, then SP-2.

The picture shows working in reverse order. Here, I separated the spike sets with 2 regular single crochet stitches.

4. More Base Rows

Work 4 – 5 additional rows of single crochet before connecting C1 and working another spike stitch row. When the colors are changed, the spike stitch stands out more.

5. Repeat Spike Stitch Pattern

Keep repeating until your work is the required length. This stitch is completely reversible. You do not always have to work different length spike stitches. You can choose to do just one length combined with regular stitches.

As mentioned in point one above, you do not have to work your spike stitches into single crochet backgrounds. You can make spike stitches on any base, dc, hdc or even treble stitches. The spike stitch just has to be inserted into a lower row. It doesn’t matter what stitches your rows are made up of!

Tips for Crochet Spike Stitch

The spike stitch is worked in the same manner as a single crochet stitch, except that instead of working into the current row, you drop down and work it into a row below that current row.

Always pull the yarn up so that the top of the stitch is exactly where it would be if this were a regular crochet stitch. Spike stitch can be worked into the row directly below or a number of rows below; the further down you go, the longer the stitch.

Within a row, the spike stitch is combined with conventional crochet stitches. For instance, you could work three single crochets, followed by a spike stitch, then repeat that pattern across the row. This is a popular option for making a quick spike stitch border on a project.

What is Spike Stitch Used For

Spike stitches can be used to create beautiful effects and elaborate designs in crochet patterns such as blankets, scarves, shawls, and clothing. They give you a way to add raised elements without having to use challenging or complicated methods.

Spike crochet stitches can be used in a lot of different ways and can be mixed with other stitches to make beautiful things. They let you try out different textures and make stripes way more interesting!

Spike Stitch Variations

Granny Spike Stitch

For those of you who love the “cluster” look of granny stitch crochet as much as I do, here is a Granny version of spike stitch.

Special Stitches – Double Crochet Spike Stitch: YO, insert hook in the ch sp two rows down, YO, and finish the dc as usual.

• Foundation Row: Chain multiples of 4 until the desired width is reached, plus 1 for turning.
• Row 1: Begin with 2dc in the fifth chain from the hook, ch1, and skip 3. Repeat (*3 dc, ch 1, skip 3, 3 dc*) across. When there are 4 stitches remaining, ch 1, skip 3 stitches and make 2 dc in the last chain.
• Row 2: Change color. Ch 2 and turn. *1 dc, 1 dc spike into the center st of the row below (ie. into foundation ch.), 1 dc, ch 1* in each ch sp across. To complete the row, make 2 dc in the first ch 2 sp of the previous row.
• Row 3: Change color. Make a ch 2 and turn. *1 dc, 1 dc spike into the center st of the row below, 1 dc, ch 1* in each ch sp across. To complete the row, make 2 dc in the first ch 2 sp of the previous row.
• Rows 4 and up: Repeat row 3 for as long as you want your project to be.

For the final row of your project: Instead of double crochets on either side of the spike, perform SINGLE crochet, double crochet spike stitch, SINGLE crochet. Weave in all those ends.

Color and Length Variations

You can make your crochet project look different by changing the height and spacing of the spike stitches. It’s important to know that spike crochet stitches can be different in terms of how many stitches down you work, how tall the spike is, and where in the pattern it goes. Always look at the directions for your pattern to find out exactly how to do the spike stitch in a certain design.

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Spike Stitch Projects

You can make a wide range of projects with the spike crochet stitch. Here are some ideas:

• Blankets and Afghans: Make lines, chevron patterns, or complicated shapes.
• Scarves: Combine them with ribbing or lace-work.
• Hats: Raised lines and geometric shapes.
• Shawls and Wraps: Make lace designs or add texture to your shawls.
• Bags and Purses: Add texture to certain parts of the bag.
• Garments: Sweaters, cardigans, or tops.
• Home Decor: Pillows, plates, table runners, and wall hangings.

Spike Stitch vs Extended Single Crochet

Spike stitch and extended single crochet are often confused because of their similar names, but they are completely different techniques.

Spike Stitch	Extended Single Crochet
Worked into lower rows	Worked into current row
Creates vertical elongated spikes	Creates taller single crochet
Decorative texture	Slightly taller dense fabric
Used for geometric effects	Used for smoother drape

Spike Stitch FAQs

In Conclusion

The crochet spike stitch creates textured crochet fabric by working elongated stitches into lower rows. Although the stitch looks detailed and decorative, it is surprisingly easy because it is worked exactly like a normal crochet stitch. Because spike stitch creates dramatic texture and geometric detail without complicated techniques, it is especially suitable for blankets, scarves, borders, bags, and modern crochet projects.