Needlecrafts Crochet Crochet Basics

How to Crochet a Spike Stitch

Layers of Crochet Spike Stitch

The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

The crochet spike stitch, sometimes called the single crochet spike stitch, is an easy crochet stitch that can be used to add beautiful detail to the body or edging of a project. The stitch has also been called the elongated single crochet or the long single crochet, which gives you an idea of what it looks like. It is worked exactly like a regular single crochet stitch except that it is placed uniquely so that it looks longer than the traditional single crochet. Do not confuse this stitch with the extended single crochet, which is a different stitch, despite the confusingly similar name.

  • 01 of 09

    Understanding Crochet Spike Stitch

    Crochet Spike Stitch, three heights

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    The spike stitch is worked using the same steps as a single crochet stitch, but instead of working into the current row where you are crocheting, you drop down and work it into a row below that current row. You always draw the yarn up so that the top of the stitch is still exactly where the top would be if this were a normal single crochet stitch. You can work spike stitch into the row immediately below or several rows below; the lower you go, the longer the stitch is.

    Spike stitch is often used in combination with regular single crochet stitches within a row. For example, you might work three single crochet, then a spike stitch and repeat that pattern across the row. This is a common choice for creating an easy spike stitch edging on a project.

    Spike stitch can also be used to create a design by playing with different heights of the stitch within the same row. Spike stitch worked one row down, then the next worked two rows down and the next three rows down is an example of this. We'll look more closely at these options but what you should know as we begin is that all of these variations on how it is worked are worked the same way; only the placement of the stitch (where you insert the hook to begin) is different from option to option.

    Finally, this stitch is crocheted, but it bears some resemblance to the embroidered blanket stitch. If you'd like to do a crocheted version of the blanket stitch instead of embroidering it to create a detailed design on a project, this stitch is one possible substitute.

  • 02 of 09

    Single Crochet With Spike Stitch

    Single Crochet Edging

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    The best way to practice a spike stitch is to begin with a fabric made from single crochet stitches. Switch colors as you begin the row where you will include spike stitch, as this will make it easy for you to see what the stitch looks like against the rest of the fabric.

    Begin by making a few regular single crochet stitches across the row. In this tutorial, we'll alternate 3 dc and then one spike stitch, so go ahead and make three single crochet stitches to start this row.

  • 03 of 09

    Spike Stitch: Where to Insert Crochet Hook

    Single Crochet Stitch

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    Remember, the only difference between single crochet and spike stitch is where you insert the hook to begin the stitch. If this were a regular single crochet stitch, you would insert the hook into the next stitch in the row (working through both loops).

  • 04 of 09

    Begin Crochet Spike Stitch

    Crochet Spike Stitch

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    Since this is a spike stitch, we are instead going to insert the hook into the row directly below the spot where you would insert it if this were a regular single crochet stitch.

    Note that the spot might be slightly to the left or right, rather than directly below, where you would insert the hook for single crochet. This is because most people crochet with stitches that lean slightly, and this gets exaggerated as you turn the fabric in each row so that every other row is slightly tilted. Look to the rows above and below to find the right spot or count over the correct number of stitches from the edge before inserting your crochet hook or spike stitch.

    Continue to 5 of 9 below
  • 05 of 09

    Yarn Over, Pull Through, Draw Up

    Draw Up Loop

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    After inserting the hook into the correct spot, yarn over and pull through just as you would with a typical single crochet stitch. Draw the loop all the way up so that the top of it is in line with the other single crochet stitches in the top row. This is what makes the stitch elongated.

  • 06 of 09

    Yarn Over, Pull Through

    Yarn Over, Pull Through

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook, completing the steps of the single crochet stitch to finish the crochet spike stitch.

  • 07 of 09

    Spike Stitch Crochet Border

    Crochet Spike Stitch Border

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    If you are working with a spike stitch to create crochet edging for a project, then continue working three single crochet stitches and a spike stitch across the row.

  • 08 of 09

    Playing With Crochet Spike Stitch

    Crochet Spike Stitch Heights

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    As mentioned, a crochet spike stitch doesn't have to be made by inserting the hook into the second row of the project; you can insert it two, three, or more rows below the current row. This is a great way to add detail and design to any project. The stitch is always worked the same, regardless of where the hook placement is initially. Play around with different heights in the same row to create interesting patterns for a border. 

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Layers of Crochet Spike Stitch

    Layers of Crochet Spike Stitch

    The Spruce / Kathryn Vercillo

    If you are looking to create a crochet project with a lot of rich texture, try working several rows that incorporate spike stitches. Use different heights of stitches throughout each row to make intriguing decorations. Play with color changes for an even more dynamic design.