Alternating Single Crochet Spike Stitch Tutorial

The Alternating Single Crochet Spike stitch has quickly become one of my top choices. It's a stitch that effortlessly brings depth, creates elegant vertical columns, and adds a delightful texture to your crochet projects. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to master! Join me in discovering how to crochet this charming stitch.

Despite its intricate appearance, this stitch is remarkably beginner-friendly. It relies on the simplest of crochet stitches: the single crochet. You'd be surprised how straightforward it is. This stitch is perfect for crafting items like washcloths or trivets, although keep in mind that it can yield a slightly denser fabric. Due to the nature of the single crochet, it might take a bit more time to complete a project compared to other stitches, but the striking vertical columns it produces make every moment worth it!

Things to know:

This stitch uses single crochet (abbreviated as sc).

This stitch also uses a single crochet spike stitch (abbreviated as Ssc).

This stitch needs to start with a chain in an ODD number of stitches to work out correctly.

If you are using a foundation crochet stitch you’ll want to start with an even number of stitches. This is because with this method of starting you eliminate the crochet chain.

Instructions

To make the Alternating Single Crochet Spike Stitch:

1. Chain an odd number of chains. Note that the final chain made will be the side of the first stitch of the row.

2. Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain to the end.

3. Chain one and turn. Single Crochet in the first two stitches.

4. Single Crochet Spike Stitch over the next, single crochet in the next. Alternate these two stitches to the end of the row.

To start a new row, chain one and turn, then repeat steps 3 & 4 until the piece is as tall as you like.