There are many crochet stitches whose names actually mean a grouping of stitches rather than a specific stitch itself. For example, the very popular Granny Stitch, which is in fact just 3 double crochets in 1 space. The Spike Stitch is one of these stitches.
The Spike stitch is made by using Long Single Crochets and inserting your hook into rows below your working row. It can be made into varying heights and any internal you chose. This makes for a very versatile and relatively simple stitch that can add color and texture to a variety of projects.
Below are step by step picture instructions on creating this stitch in your work. If you are a video tutorial person, scroll to the very bottom!
The Spike Stitch
A Spike stitch project is typically made of rows of single crochet color blocks with a spike stitch row every x amount of rows. For this example, I am using 3 rows in-between each spike stitch row to create a color block of 4 rows each. So to begin I need 4 rows of single crochets.
I am using Lion Brand Re-Up yarn, which can be found on their website or I usually find a good deal at JOANN Fabric and Crafts - . I am also using a 5.5 mm Susan Bates hook.
I am not currently sponsored by Joann (though I hope to be one day!) or receiving any pay for this recommendation.
Instructions
Chain any number (I did 13 for my swatch).
Row 1: In the second chain from the hook, single crochet. Single crochet in each chain. (This makes 12 SC in my swatch). Turn your work.
Row 2: Chain 1. Single crochet into each stitch. Turn your work.
Row 3: Chain 1. Single crochet into each stitch. Turn your work.
Row 4: Chain 1. Single crochet into each stitch. Color Change at the end of the row. Turn your work.
Now that our four base rows of single crochets is complete, it is time for our Spike Stitch Rows. In order to do our Long Single Crochets, its first important to note where we will be inserting our crochet hook when the instructions say x rows below.
Row 5: Chain 1. Single crochet in the first stitch.
Insert your hook
Yarn over and pull up a loop
Yarn over and pull through both loops
Row 5 (cont'd): Long Single crochet in 1 Row below.
Insert your hook 1 row below the next stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop so it reaches the same height as the first loop on your hook
Yarn over and pull through both loops
Row 5 (cont'd): Long Single crochet in 2 Rows below.
Insert your hook 2 rows below the next stitch
Yarn over and pull up a loop so it reaches the same height as the first loop on your hook
Yarn over pull through both loops on the hook
Row 5 (cont'd): Long Single crochet in 1 row below. SC in the next stitch.* Repeat pattern (LSC in 1 row below, LSC in 2 rows below, LSC in 1 row below, SC) until the end of the row. Turn your work.
If you have followed the pattern listed above, your work will end up looking like this
Row 6-8: Chain 1. SC in each stitch. Turn your work.
Row 9: Repeat Row 5.
Getting Creative with the Spike Stitch
If you were to repeat the row instructions above exactly you'd end up with an alternating work like this, a design a made from a chalk bag used in rock climbing.
Or if you make mirror images of the pattern with your spike stitch rows, you get this almost houndstooth effect which is featured in my upcoming Spiked Dress pattern!
If you are a fan of video instructions, click below!
Once you practice this enough to be confident in your hook placement each time, this stitch becomes relatively simple and has a very wide range of deigns that can be created with it!
Happy Crocheting!
- Cristina