Half Double Crochet Spike Stitch Tutorial

The Spike Half Double Crochet is a crochet stitch combination that will ignite your creativity. It's a versatile stitch that lends itself beautifully to various projects such as bags, afghans, and cardigans. Its defining feature is the clever use of spike stitches that create an intriguing and textured look over what would otherwise be ordinary half double crochet stitches. This stitch opens up a world of design possibilities, adding depth and dimension to your crochet creations.

Traditionally speaking, spike stitches in crochet are made using a single crochet stitch that, instead of worked into the current row of your project, is worked one row below, 2 rows below, 3 rows below, etc. Spike stitches give great visual appeal to your crochet, and it is perfectly fine to make your own spike stitches as deep as you like. 

Instructions

• This pattern is a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1 for the base chain.

Instructions:

Base Row:

1. Single crochet (sc) in the 3rd chain from the hook, then sc in each chain from the previous row. This should give you an even number of single crochet stitches.

Row 1 (with CA):

1. Half double crochet (hdc) in the first stitch (no chain), then hdc in each stitch across. Turn.

Row 2-3 (with CA):

1. Repeat Row 1.

Row 4 (with CB):

1. Hdc in the first stitch (no chain).
2. Hdc in the stitch 3 rows below, then hdc in the next stitch.
3. Repeat from * to * until you have one stitch left.
4. Hdc in the last stitch. Turn.

Repeat Rows 1-4 until your project reaches the desired size. Optional: Finish with one row of single crochet stitches.

Note: When using color A (CA), cut the yarn after repeating 3 rows, then reattach it after the row with color B (CB). For color B, you will always cut the yarn after finishing one row.