Crochet Spike Stitch Patterns – Spike Up Your Crochet! Textured Spike Stitch
Are you ready to add some serious pizzazz and texture to your crochet projects without learning a super complicated new technique? Then let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorites: the Spike Stitch!
It might sound pointy or aggressive, but trust me, this stitch is all about adding gorgeous visual interest, creating cool color patterns, and giving your fabric a unique feel. If you know how to make basic stitches like single or double crochet, you’re already halfway there.
So, grab your hook and let’s unravel the magic of the Spike Stitch!
What Exactly is a Spike Stitch, Anyway?
Here’s the secret: A Spike Stitch isn’t technically a new type of stitch.
Instead of being about how you wrap your yarn, it’s all about WHERE you put your hook. Normally, you work into the top loops of the stitch directly below in the previous row. For a spike stitch, you bravely dive deeper! You insert your hook into a stitch (or space) one or more rows below your current working row.
Think of it like reaching down to a lower shelf instead of the one right in front of you.
The Magic Behind the “Spike”
When you insert your hook lower down and pull up a loop, you have to stretch that loop all the way up to the height of the row you’re currently working on.
This creates a lovely, elongated vertical bar of yarn that sits on top of the rows you skipped over. THAT elongated bar is your “spike”! You then finish the stitch (whether it’s a single crochet, double crochet, etc.) as normal at your current row’s height.
(Imagine a little vertical line of yarn standing proudly on the surface of your fabric – that’s the effect!)
How to Make a Spike Stitch (Example: Single Crochet Spike)
Ready to try? Let’s walk through making a Single Crochet Spike Stitch (sc spike) going down one extra row (so, into the row below your previous row).
- Target Acquired: Look at the stitch directly below where you’d normally work your next stitch. Now, look one row further down from that. That’s your target stitch!
- Dive In: Insert your hook into the top loops of that target stitch way down there.
- Yarn Over & Pull Up: Yarn over your hook.
- Stretch! (The Crucial Bit): Pull that loop through the stitch and keep pulling it upwards until it’s level with the loops on your current working row. Don’t pull it tight! Keep it relaxed, or your fabric will pucker. You’ll have two loops on your hook, both at the height of the current row.
- Finish Line: Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook. Bam! That’s a single crochet spike stitch.
- Important Note: You usually skip the stitch in your current working row that sits directly behind the spike stitch you just made. This keeps your stitch count correct! (Unless a pattern specifically tells you otherwise).
You can do this with other stitches too, like Half Double Crochet (hdc spike) or Double Crochet (dc spike). The only difference is you start the stitch as usual (e.g., yarn over for a dc) and pull the elongated loop up to the height required for that stitch before finishing it. You can also spike down two, three, or even more rows for longer spikes!
Why You’ll LOVE the Spike Stitch
- Jaw-Dropping Texture: It literally adds another dimension to your fabric. Those vertical bars pop!
- Amazing Color Play: This is where spike stitches shine! Working spikes with contrasting colors pulls strands of a lower color up, creating incredible graphic designs, stripes, and patterns reminiscent of mosaic crochet.
- Surprisingly Simple: Once you get the hang of the placement and tension, it’s just a basic stitch in a different spot.
- So Versatile: Use it for subtle texture with the same color, or go bold with contrasting yarns. Works with sc, hdc, dc, and beyond!
Crucial Tips for Spike Stitch Success
- TENSION IS KING! I can’t stress this enough. That elongated loop must be pulled up loosely to the height of the current row. Too tight = puckering fabric. Practice getting this relaxed tension right.
- Don’t Forget to Skip: Remember to skip the stitch(es) in the current row behind your spike to maintain your count.
- Read Your Pattern: Pay attention to exactly where it tells you to insert the hook (which row below, and whether it’s in the stitch loops or a space).
- Be Consistent: Try to keep the tension of your spikes uniform for the neatest look.
Where Can You Use This Awesome Stitch?
The possibilities are endless! Try spike stitches in:
- Blankets & Afghans: Add gorgeous textured stripes or patterns.
- Bags & Totes: Creates a sturdy, visually interesting fabric.
- Pillows: Instant textural upgrade!
- Scarves & Cowls: Add definition and warmth.
- Placemats & Home Decor: Create unique, modern designs.
Ready to Spike It Up?
The Spike Stitch is a fantastic tool to have in your crochet arsenal. It looks impressive but is built on the basics you already know. So, grab some yarn (maybe try two contrasting colors!), practice that elongated loop tension, and start adding some spiky personality to your next project!
Have you tried the Spike Stitch before? Got any favorite patterns that use it, or extra tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
Crochet Spike Stitch Patterns Diagrams
