Crochet Spike Stitch Variation Tutorial (Easy 2 Row Repeat)
- Lenka
- Sep 19
- 5 min read
There’s something about discovering a new stitch variation that feels like unlocking a little secret ✨ The Spike Stitch has always been a favourite of mine, and this version is such a simple twist but creates a whole new texture. It’s only a 2 row repeat, but it adds so much character — the kind of detail that makes a blanket, scarf, or even a small project feel extra special.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you step by step through this Spike Stitch Variation so you can try it for yourself. Grab your yarn and hook, and let’s dive in together
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Before we get into the actual pattern, I also created the Ultimate Crochet Hack Sheet! It's 2 pages with basic crochet abbreviations and symbols, hook sizes in US and UK versions, all the yarn types (with recommended hooks and projects), etc. Feel free to click on the pic or a link to my shop where you can find more details.
Video Tutorial
Check out my YouTube video tutorial where I cover everything. It's a fantastic complement to any written pattern. You're welcome to leave feedback in the video comments.
Recommended Materials
In this tutorial, I use LionBrand Cotton24/7 cotton yarn. I find that the texture stands out more with cotton yarn, and its bright colours are beneficial during tutorials. For this yarn I use a 4mm/G-6 crochet hook.
However, if you're new to crocheting and just practicing, I highly recommend using any solid color acrylic yarn that works with a 5mm/H-8 hook size.
Below is the crochet chart for the Spike Stitch. It's an excellent method for learning to read crochet charts, and understanding written instructions can sometimes be beneficial.
Direction for Spike Stitch
Start with any even number of foundation chains (FCH).
ROW 1 – Make your first single crochet (SC) into the 2nd chain from the hook. Continue working SC into each chain across the row. When you reach the end, chain 3 and turn.
ROW 2 - Your first 3 chains count as one double crochet (DC) plus a chain-1 space (the first 2 chains = DC, the 3rd chain = space). Skip the next stitch, then work 1 DC into the following stitch. Chain 1, skip the next stitch, DC into the following stitch.Repeat this sequence across the row.
End the row with a DC in the last stitch — but don’t finish this last DC just yet! In the next step, I’ll show you how to attach a new yarn colour.
How to Join New Yarn Colour
At the end of every DC row with chain spaces, you’ll join a new yarn colour. To do this, work the last double crochet only halfway: yarn over, insert your hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through two loops. You should now have 2 loops left on your hook.
Grab your new colour, place it over your hook, and pull it through those two remaining loops. That’s it! You’ve finished your last DC with the new yarn, and you’re ready to continue with Row 3.
Note: If you’re working this stitch with two colours, don’t cut your yarn. Keep the first colour attached and carry it loosely along the side, so you can easily pick it up again for the next row. (I'll show you in the next steps).
Row 3 -Chain 1 and turn your work. Start with a single crochet (SC) into the first stitch. In the next stitch, work your first spike stitch: yarn over (YO), insert your hook into the skipped stitch from the previous row, YO and pull up a loop, extending it so it reaches the height of the current row. Then finish the stitch as you would a regular double crochet (DC).
Continue alternating between SC in the next stitch and a spike stitch into the skipped stitch from the previous row. Work this repeat across until the end of the row. Your last stitch will be a SC into the 2nd chain (this stitch might be a little hidden, as it comes from the starting chain of the previous DC row with chain spaces).
Row 4 - At the end of Row 3, chain 3. The first 2 chains count as 1 double crochet (DC) and the 3rd chain counts as a chain-1 space.
Repeat Row 2 across the row, working DC stitches separated by chain-1 spaces, using the same colour as Row 3.
At the very end of Row 4, when you make the last DC, don’t finish it completely. Instead, grab your first colour (still attached), place it over your hook, and pull it through the 2 loops to complete the stitch. This way, you’ll switch back to the first colour for the next row.
Row 5 - until desired length - Continue repeating Rows 3 and 4, switching colours every two rows. This means you’ll always change colours after completing a DC row with chain spaces.
Ta-daa! You’ve just learned the Crochet Spike Stitch Variation 🎉
A simple 2 row repeat with a lot of personality. I’d love to see what you’ll make with it — don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @happyheartsy so I can cheer you on!
If you’d like more stitch ideas, you can check out my other tutorials or hop over to YouTube for even more step-by-step videos.
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Happy stitching,
Lenka
