Crochet Spike Stitch Guides: 7 Clear Tutorials
Spike stitch adds elongated vertical detail by working into a lower row. These three 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 at Treasurie explains that spike stitches are worked into lower rows to create elongated raised detail. The stitch can reach one or multiple rows below the current row. Deciding how many rows down to reach is the main variable that changes how dramatic the spike effect looks.
2. Beginner Spike Stitch Tutorial
Kate at Crochetpedia alternates regular single crochet with elongated stitches worked below. The tutorial is rated for beginners and uses US terminology. Alternating with regular single crochet rather than spiking every stitch keeps the fabric from becoming too open.
3. Spike Stitch Technique Guide
Mary at Kickin Crochet notes that the technique works with most standard crochet stitches except slip stitch. Pulling each loop to the height of the current row helps prevent the fabric from pinching. Knowing which stitches to avoid combining with spike stitch is useful before you commit to a full project.
4. How to Crochet the Spike Stitch
Bella Coco Crochet offers right- and left-handed video versions plus a UK/US term converter, useful if you learned in a different terminology system than the source you’re following. Having both hand-orientation videos in one place saves hunting down a separate left-handed tutorial elsewhere.
5. Spike Cluster Stitch Afghan
Tamara Kelly at Moogly writes the spike stitch into nine full blanket sizes from baby through California king, and gives the underlying stitch multiple (6, plus 5) so you can also work out a custom size yourself. Nine finished sizes is more built-in range than any other project on this list.
6. Spike Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Allison at Dream a Little Bigger teaches a gradient-spike technique on an H hook, where the spikes increase and then decrease in size across the row, with a step-by-step explanation of the directional hook insertion. The gradient effect requires more planning than a uniform spike row, since the spike length changes every few stitches.
7. Crochet Granny Spike Stitch
Robin at Hooked by Robin works a double crochet spike into the chain space two rows down, then into the center stitch of the row below, a granny-stitch spike variant rather than the straight vertical spikes taught elsewhere on this list. Working into a chain space rather than directly into a stitch is what gives this variant its distinct granny-stitch look.
Start with a swatch
Use a small swatch to practice bringing the elongated loop to the correct height. Once that feels even, use one guide’s placement method consistently in the larger project.
