Stitches that dive into rows below — instant color drama. ImproverUS: spikeUK: spike
Spike Stitch has the same name in US and UK patterns (abbreviated spike), so you can follow either without converting.
Video tutorial — pick your hand
Every stitch in Crochets has a mirrored lesson for lefties — no more mentally flipping videos.
🎬 Right-handed video by Tamara Kelly – Moogly on YouTube.
How to crochet the Spike Stitch — step by step
Work a row of single crochet as normal.
For a spike: insert the hook one or more rows below the current row, directly beneath the next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up a loop and lengthen it to the height of the current row so the fabric doesn't pucker.
Yarn over and pull through both loops. Vary the depth (1, 2, 3 rows down) for a chevron of spikes.
Instructions use US terms. Working left-handed? Do exactly the same moves as a mirror image — insert the hook from the same side of the stitch, working from left to right instead of right to left.
Where to use it
Colourwork techniques let you draw pictures and geometric patterns with yarn. Each has its own way of managing the unused colour.
Common mistakes with the Spike Stitch
Carrying the unused yarn too tight — floats pucker the fabric.
Changing colour on the last pull-through of the *old* colour instead of the new one; always finish the last stitch of the old colour with the new colour.
Not weaving in ends as you go — save yourself a whole evening at the end.
Planning a project with the Spike Stitch? Use the free yarn calculator to work out how many skeins you need, and the foundation chain calculator to get the width right the first time.
The Spike Stitch has the same name in UK and US terminology, abbreviated spike.
Is the Spike Stitch good for beginners?
It is an improver stitch — comfortable once you know the basic stitches. Stitches that dive into rows below — instant color drama.
Can I crochet the Spike Stitch left-handed?
Yes. Left-handed crocheters work the same stitch as a mirror image — right to left becomes left to right. Crochets includes a left-handed video for the Spike Stitch, and its pattern tools write instructions in your working direction.
What is the Spike Stitch used for?
Colourwork techniques let you draw pictures and geometric patterns with yarn. Each has its own way of managing the unused colour.
Learn the Spike Stitch in your hand, at your pace
Crochets has 300 stitches with right- and left-handed videos, a pattern designer that writes the pattern for you, and a photo preview of your finished piece. Free to start.