Spike stitch adds elongated vertical detail by working into a lower row. These eight guides explain the placement in different ways, from a beginner written tutorial to a video and pattern reference.
Spike stitch is easiest to see clearly in a light, smooth worsted weight yarn while you’re learning the placement.
Spike stitch guides to explore
1. Spike Stitch Basics
Luisa Clare explains that a spike stitch is a long raised stitch worked into rows below, which adds texture, contrast and decorative detail without complicated technique. She says it is popular for blankets, scarves, shawls, borders, bags and geometric designs, and the page has a quick video guide and a step-by-step tutorial.
2. Beginner Spike Stitch Tutorial
Kate says the spike stitch is very easy, based on single crochet, and the trick is to alternate regular stitches with elongated ones worked in the rows below. It gives a nicely repetitive surface that works for blankets and home decor, and she has a video and a written pattern.
3. Spike Stitch Technique Guide
Kickin Crochet says spike stitches are an easy way to add interest, especially when you alternate color rows, and that you can make them from many standard stitches. The page has written instructions and a video, using Vidalana Ambient Worsted on a size H hook.
4. How to Crochet the Spike Stitch
Sarah-Jayne Fragola explains that the spike stitch is made by inserting the hook below the usual top loops, which creates a woven-like effect of vertical bars. Her page has a free step-by-step pattern and a video tutorial in both right and left-handed versions.
5. Spike Cluster Stitch Afghan
Tamara Kelly’s Spike Cluster Stitch Afghan combines Bernat Blanket in a solid color with Bernat All-In-One Blanket Granny, a yarn designed for 10.5 inch granny squares in 5 colors, which she calls granny square gone rogue. It is a much-requested pattern and a good next step once you know the basics, and it comes in any size.
6. Spike Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Allison’s tutorial teaches a gradient spike technique on an H hook, where the spikes gradually increase in length.
7. Crochet Granny Spike Stitch
Robin calls it the fab granny spike stitch, good for blankets and scarves. Her video takes you step by step through the stitch and through changing color, but it does not show the final ending row, so use the written pattern for that. It works a double crochet spike into the chain space two rows down.
8. Alternating Single Crochet Spike Stitch Tutorial
Ashlea says the alternating single crochet spike stitch is a new favorite, and creates depth, vertical columns and plenty of texture, and it is beginner-friendly because it uses only single crochet. She suggests it for a washcloth or even a trivet, because the fabric feels dense.
