In this free step-by-step crochet tutorial I show how to make the classic and the modified alternating spike stitch. This stitch is a solid crochet stitch with a nice texture. It creates dense, durable fabric and works great for potholders, washcloths, decorative pillow covers, laptop sleeves, baskets and other projects that need structure and durability.
This crochet stitch tutorial includes detailed photo instructions. For the classic stitch, I work in rows (it is a repeat of two rows), while for the modified stitch, I work in rounds (it is a repeat of two rounds).
To make this stitch, you need to be familiar with a chain, single crochet, single crochet back loop only (only for the modified stitch) and single crochet spike stitch. The single crochet spike stitch is made in the same way as the usual single crochet, but you have to insert your hook under the next stitch of the previous row or round. The photo instructions below show how to make this beautiful stitch step by step.
Materials and tools
Yarn: For this tutorial I use Järbo 8/4 100% Cotton Mercerized & Gassed 50 g yarn, color: 32018 (linen). However, you can use your favorite yarn depending on the crochet project.
Hook: I use a 2.0 mm hook. If you are using a different yarn, choose the hook size that is recommended on your yarn label.
Printable PDF and chart
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Photo instructions for the classic alternating spike stitch
Row 1
1. Start by chaining an even number of chains. You will start working in the second chain from your hook.
2. So, make a single crochet in the second chain from your hook.
3. Continue making single crochets in every stitch until the end of the row.
Row 2
4. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
5. Make a single crochet in the first stitch. Next you will make a single crochet spike stitch working under the next stitch of the previous row.
6. So, insert your hook under the second single crochet of the previous row and yarn over.
7. Pull the yarn through. Make sure to make a taller loop than usually. Now you have two loops on your hook.
8. Yarn over.
9. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a spike stitch!
10. Make a single crochet in the next stitch.
11. Make another spike stitch working under the next stitch.
12. Then make a single crochet in the next stitch.
13. Continue alternating spike stitches and single crochets until the end of the row. The row should end with a single crochet.
Row 3
14. Chain one and turn your work around. Chain one does not count as a stitch.
15. Make a single crochet in the first stitch.
16. Make another single crochet in the next stitch.
17. Then make a spike stitch working under the next stitch (under the single crochet of the previous row).
18. Make a single crochet in the next stitch.
19. Then make a spike stitch in the next stitch.
20. Continue working in the same way until you have one stitch left.
21. Then make a single crochet in the last stitch. For the rest of the pattern repeat rows 2-3.
Finished alternating spike stitch
22. Done!
Photo instructions for the modified alternating spike stitch
Round 1
1. Start by making a round base of single crochets (if you are not sure how to do it, you can take a look here). You should have an even number of stitches. At the end of the round join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.
Round 2
2. Chain one. It counts as a stitch. You will make a single crochet back loop only in the second single crochet of the previous round.
3. So, insert your hook grabbing only the back loop of the second single crochet and yarn over.
4. Pull the yarn through. Now you have two loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over.
6. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a single crochet back loop only!
7. Make another single crochet back loop only in the next stitch.
8. Continue making single crochets back loop only in every stitch until the end of the round.
9. At the end of the round join with a slip stitch to the chain one. You should have an even number of stitches (including the chain one).
Round 3
10. Chain one. It counts as a stitch.
11. Make a single crochet back loop only in the first single crochet back loop only. Next you will make a single crochet spike stitch working under the next stitch.
12. So, insert your hook under the next stitch of the previous round and yarn over.
13. Pull the yarn through. Make sure to make a taller loop than usually. Now you have two loops on your hook.
14. Yarn over.
15. Pull the yarn through both loops. You have just made a spike stitch!
16. Make a single crochet back loop only in the next stitch.
17. Make a spike stitch working under the next stitch.
18. Then repeat: make a single crochet back loop only in the next stitch and a spike stitch in the next one.
19. Continue working the same way until the end of the round. The round should end with a single crochet back loop only.
20. Then join with a slip stitch to the chain one.
Round 4
21. Chain one. It counts as a stitch.
22. Make a spike stitch working under the next single crochet back loop only.
23. Make a single crochet back loop only in the next stitch.
24. Make a spike stitch in the next stitch.
25. Then repeat: make a single crochet back loop only in the next stitch and a spike stitch in the next one.
26. Continue working in the same way until the end of the round. Then join with a slip stitch to the chain one. For the rest of the pattern repeat rounds 3-4.
Finished modified alternating spike stitch
27. Done!
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