How to Crochet Spike Stitch - Made Easy for Beginners

The spike crochet stitch is a way to make your crochet items look more interesting and add texture. By putting your hook into lower rounds or rows and making stitches that stand out from the surface, you can make long spikes that give your fabric an individual look. This tutorial will show you how to crochet spike stitch into single crochet for a beautifully textured look.

Spike Stitch Crochet Tutorial, Free Spike Crochet Pattern

What is a Spike Stitch?

The "spike crochet stitch" is a way to make long stitches that protrude out from the surface of the fabric. To make a spike or raised look, you put the crochet hook into a lower row or round of stitches instead of the loops of the current row.

It is a simple crochet stitch that may be used to give stunning detail to a project's body or border. The spike stitch has also been referred to as the elongated crochet stitch, which gives you a sense of how it looks.

The Basics of Spike Stitch

To crochet a spike stitch, you start by following your design to crochet a row or round of regular stitches. Then, you skip one or more stitches and put your hook into a stitch from a lower row or round instead of working into the loops of the current row.

It is made in the same manner as a standard crochet stitch, except that it is set up differently to appear longer than a traditional crochet stitch. Despite a similar name, this stitch is not to be confused with the extended single crochet, which is a separate stitch.

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

Supplies for Spike Stitch

• You can use any yarn with a crochet hook suitable for that yarn.
• As always, you will need scissors to cut your yarn, and a yarn needle for weaving in the ends.

Abbreviations Used for Crocheting Spike Stitch

All instructions in this spike stitch tutorial use US terms.

• ch = chain stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet spike
• st = stitch
• sp = space
• YO = yarn over
• C1 = color 1
• C2 = color 2
• SP-2 = spike stitch 2 rows below
• SP-3 = spike stitch 3 rows below
• SP-4 = spike stitch 4 rows below

Skill Level for Spike Stitch

Any skill level, as long as you know how to make the basic crochet stitches listed above. This is an easy crochet stitch.

Where to Insert the Crochet Hook in Spike Stitch

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 spike stitch, you will insert it into the row (or multiple rows) below, being sure to work through both loops at the same time.

Step by Step Instructions for Crochet Spike Stitch Pattern

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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!

How to Crochet 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.

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.

What Can I Make with Spike Stitch?

With the spike crochet stitch, you can make a wide range of projects with structure and visual interest. Here are some ideas:

• Blankets and Afghans: Use spike stitches in different stitch designs to give your blankets more depth and dimension. You can make lines, chevron patterns, or even complicated shapes.
• Scarves: Spike stitches will make your scarves and cowls stand out this winter. Combine them with other stitch patterns, like ribbing or lace-work, to make unique and eye-catching designs.
• Hats: Use spike stitches to give your crocheted hats a little extra flair. With the spike stitch, you can make raised lines, geometric shapes, and even flower designs.
• Shawls and Wraps: You can make intricate lace designs or add texture to your shawls and wraps by using spike stitches. In these kinds of projects, it can be especially useful for making border features or points of interest.
• Bags and Purses: Add spike stitches to your crochet bags to make them look more interesting.  You can use them to make designs or add texture to certain parts of the bag, like the flaps or handles.
• Garments: Try out spike stitches to make sweaters, cardigans, or tops with interesting patterns. You can use them as panels, borders, or even as a pattern all over your clothes to make them truly unique.
• Home Decor: Pillows, plates, table runners, and wall hangings can all be made with spike stitches to make them look more interesting and appealing. You can use them to add designs, borders, or different textures to these things.

Crochet Spike Stitch - In Conclusion

When using the spike stitch, it's important to pay close attention to the pattern directions. Of course, this only applies to patterns that specifically direct you to use spike stitch.

Different designs may have specific rules about how many stitches to skip, how high the spikes should be, and where they should go in the design. You can take this knowledge you now have of spike stitch and create your own patterns if you wish!

By learning how to do the spike crochet stitch, you can make your crochet projects look better and give them a unique touch. With practice and experimentation, you'll find fun ways to use spike stitches in your crochet patterns and improve your skills.