Get to Know the Spike Extended Double Crochet Stitch

Got a few spare minutes? That’s all you need to explore a new stitch pattern. Swatching a new stitch is a perfect mini crochet break—it doesn’t require a big time commitment or a huge setup, just your hook and yarn and a little curiosity. In just one short session, you can build your skills, flex your creativity, and maybe even find inspiration for your next big project.

Today, I’m sharing a stitch that’s simple, satisfying, and full of texture: the Spike Extended Double Crochet stitch pattern. It uses basic stitches in a two-row repeat to create a fabric that’s both eye-catching and fun to work. In this article, you’ll learn what makes it special, what kinds of projects it’s good for, and how to give it a try yourself with a swatch pattern and video tutorial.

What Makes This Stitch Special?

This pattern uses pairs of spike extended double crochet stitches worked over a row of single crochet to create little raised bundles of stitches across the fabric. By inserting your hook between pairs of stitches two rows below, placement becomes intuitive—making it enjoyable for both novices and experts. The result is richly textured and rhythmic to stitch.

What’s the Fabric Like?

This stitch produces a firm, textured fabric with minimal drape and stretch. It’s not stiff, exactly—but definitely stable. That structure comes from working over a row of single crochet and into the spaces two rows below, which also causes the base of each spike stitch to become slightly raised, adding to its unique texture. The use of spike stitches also makes this fabric reversible.

Because of the subtlety in the stitch definition, I recommend using a solid or semi-solid yarn. Variegated or self-striping yarns tend to hide the texture you’ve worked hard to create.

What Can You Make with It?

The fabric’s structure makes it ideal for home decor and accessories that benefit from stability. I used it as a border stitch in my Keep A Light On blanket, where it complemented the other raised stitches beautifully.

Here are a few other ideas to try:

• Use it with a medium- or chunky-weight tube yarn to make a sturdy basket.

• Pair it with a sport or DK-weight yarn for a reversible scarf or wrap.

• Work it with a medium-weight yarn and a smaller hook to create a textured pillow cover.

• While it’s not great for stretchy garments or accessories like hats or gloves, it could make a stunning structured jacket.

Just for fun, I swatched this stitch using Khyber Fingering from Lisa Souza Knitwear and Dyeworks—a gorgeous mulberry silk/cotton blend—and a 3.75 mm hook. Despite the yarn’s beauty, the swatch confirmed what I suspected: still too stiff for most garments, even after adjusting the hook size.

Give It a Try!

I swatch all the time—and not just for gauge. For me, swatching is play. It’s a way to learn what a yarn wants to become. As I stitch, I’m discovering how the yarn behaves, how it drapes, and how it showcases different patterns. Sometimes I think of it as a conversation between yarn and hook.

Swatching informs my designs, sparks new ideas, and builds a deeper understanding of the materials I work with. My box of swatches tells the story of my crochet journey—and yours can too.

To get started:

1. Grab your yarn and the hook size recommended on the yarn label.

2. Make a small swatch.

3. Assess the feel—too stiff? Go up a hook size. Too loose? Go down.

4. Once you’re satisfied with the fabric you’ve made, take a moment to jot down the name of the stitch, as well as the yarn and hook you used, for future reference.

5. Most importantly: have fun.

The best stitch for a project is the one where the yarn and pattern sing together—and discovering that harmony is part of the joy.

Spike Extended Double Crochet Basic Swatch Pattern

PATTERN NOTE

Chain-2 at beginning of row does not count as a stitch. For a more even edge, consider replacing this beginning chain-2 and the first double crochet in even-numbered rows with a stacked single crochet.

ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)

beg — begin, beginning
ch(s) — chain(s)
dc — double crochet (singular/plural)
edc — extended double crochet (singular/plural)
lp(s) — loop(s)
rep(s) — repeat(s)
sc — single crochet (singular/plural)
sk — skip, skipped, skipping
sp — space
spk — spike
st(s) — stitch(es)
yo — yarn over
*, **, *** — repeat directions following asterisks as indicated

SPECIAL STITCH

Spike extended double crochet (spk edc): Yo, insert hook in indicated sp, yo, pull up a lp to height of current row, encasing sc of previous row, yo and draw through first lp only, [yo and draw through 2 lps] 2 times.

INSTRUCTIONS

Ch a multiple of 2, plus 4 (for 2 sts on either end) and 1 (for the beg ch)

OR ch 31 to make a swatch like the ones shown above.

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across, turn. (30 sc)

Row 2: Ch 2 (see Pattern Note), dc in first 2 sc, *2 dc in next sc, sk next sc, rep from * across to last 2 sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn. (30 dc)

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each dc across, turn. (30 sc)

Row 4: Ch 2, dc in first 2 sc, *sk next 2 sc, 2 spk edc (see Special Stitch) in sp between next 2 dc 2 rows below, rep from * across to last 2 sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn. (26 spk edc, 4 dc)

Row 5: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (30 sc)

Row 6: Ch 2, dc in first 2 sc, *sk next 2 sc, 2 spk edc in sp between next 2 spk edc 2 rows below, rep from * across to last 2 sc, dc in last 2 sc, turn. (26 spk edc, 4 dc)

Row 7: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. (30 sc)

Rows 8–23: Rep Rows 6 and 7 eight times or until you reach the desired length.

I’ve also put together a video demonstration so you can see this stitch in action!

Next Week: A Rerun!

I’ll be on vacation next week, but with so many new subscribers — welcome to everyone who’s just joining us! — I thought it would be a great time to share a feature from a previous newsletter.

I often get asked about the best way to care for crochet market bags, and with farmers market season right around the corner, it’s the perfect moment to offer a refresher. In next week’s feature, I’ll cover the best tips to keep your bags looking fresh, clean, and ready for summer shopping.

Until next time…

Happy stitching,

Jennifer

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!

Having you in my crochet circle means so much to me. Sent on the first Friday, the monthly newsletter features new patterns, new stitch tutorials, tips and tricks, hot topics in the yarn industry, book and yarn reviews, customer projects, and a peek into my design process. Additional special mailings (like this one), which delve deeper into these topics, are sent on the Fridays that follow. Contact me at any time by replying to this email or to crochet@JenniferOlivarez.com. I would love to hear from you!

Follow me on Pinterest and YouTube

Feel free to forward this email to your crochet friends!
They can sign up by clicking the button below.

You are receiving this email because you signed up for my weekly newsletter. If at any point you decide that you no longer wish to receive these mailings, you may unsubscribe using the link below.