The Granny Spike Stitch is a beautiful crochet pattern that combines the classic look of granny clusters with elongated spike stitches for an eye-catching textured design. The stitch creates neat rows of colorful clusters separated by small vertical stitches, giving blankets, scarves, baby projects, and home décor a lovely geometric appearance.

The pattern is especially attractive when worked in contrasting colors. As shown in the example, shades of white, light blue, and royal blue create a fresh striped effect, but you can easily customize the colors to match your project.

This is also a beginner-friendly pattern once you understand the basic granny cluster and spike stitch.

What Is the Granny Spike Stitch?

The Granny Spike Stitch is based on the familiar granny stitch, where groups of three double crochet stitches are worked together as a cluster. Spike stitches are then used to add height and definition between the clusters.

The result is a fabric with:

• Repeating granny-style clusters
• Small elongated stitches between the clusters
• Attractive horizontal stripes
• Moderate texture
• A flexible, comfortable drape
• Excellent color definition

It works particularly well for blankets because the stitch pattern grows quickly while still creating plenty of visual interest.

Materials

For a project similar to the sample shown, you will need:

• Worsted-weight or medium-weight yarn
• Crochet hook appropriate for your yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn needle
• Measuring tape

A 4.0 mm crochet hook is a good starting point for medium-weight yarn.

For a three-color project, try:

• Color A: White
• Color B: Light blue
• Color C: Royal blue

You can also make the entire project in one color for a subtle textured effect.

Crochet Abbreviations

US crochet terminology:

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• dc – double crochet
• sp – space
• st/sts – stitch/stitches
• sk – skip
• rep – repeat
• beg – beginning

Pattern Notes

Before starting, keep these points in mind:

1. The pattern is worked in rows.
2. Each granny cluster consists of 3 double crochet stitches.
3. The spike stitch is worked into a lower row to create the elongated appearance.
4. Keep your tension relaxed when making spike stitches.
5. Color changes can be made at the end of each row.
6. The turning chain does not count as a stitch unless otherwise specified.

For a blanket, you can make the starting chain as wide as you want. The exact chain multiple can vary slightly depending on the particular edging and variation you choose, so make a small swatch first.

Granny Spike Stitch Pattern

Foundation Chain

Chain a multiple of 3, plus the number of chains needed for your chosen border and turning chain.

For a small practice swatch, try:

Chain 30.

Add the appropriate turning chain for the first row.

Row 1 – Foundation

Work double crochet stitches across the foundation chain.

Ch 3, dc in each ch across.

Turn.

This first row creates a firm foundation for the textured rows above it.

Row 2 – First Granny Clusters

Begin creating the granny-style groups.

Work your first cluster of 3 dc into the appropriate stitch or space. Skip the indicated stitches between clusters and continue working groups of three double crochet stitches across the row.

At the end of the row, work the final stitches according to the established edge pattern.

Turn.

You should now begin to see small groups forming across the fabric.

 

Row 3 – Spike Stitch Row

This is the row that gives the pattern its distinctive appearance.

Chain your turning chain.

Work the granny clusters according to the previous row. Between the clusters, work a spike stitch into the lower row, pulling the loop upward to approximately the height of your current row.

The important part is not to pull the spike stitch too tightly. It should remain long enough to create the characteristic vertical accent.

Continue across the row:

Granny cluster, spike stitch, granny cluster, spike stitch

and repeat as established by your stitch pattern.

Finish the row and turn.

How to Make a Spike Stitch

The spike stitch may look complicated, but it is actually very simple.

1. Insert your hook into the designated stitch or space in the lower row.
2. Yarn over.
3. Pull up a long loop.
4. Bring the loop up to the height of the current row.
5. Complete the stitch according to the variation you are using.

The key is loop height.

If the loop is too short, the stitch will disappear into the fabric. If it is pulled excessively long, it may become loose and uneven.

Practice a few stitches until the spike stitches have a consistent height.

Color Changes

One of the best features of the Granny Spike Stitch is its ability to showcase multiple colors.

For a design similar to the pictured sample, you can alternate:

White → Royal Blue → White → Light Blue → White → Royal Blue

Continue repeating your chosen sequence.

Tip for Clean Color Changes

Change colors during the final yarn-over of the last stitch of the previous row. This helps the new color begin neatly at the edge of the next row.

When changing colors, avoid carrying several colors loosely along the side of the project. For blankets, it is usually cleaner to fasten off each color and weave in the ends later, especially when the color sequence changes frequently.

Creating the Granny Clusters

The granny cluster is the main building block of this pattern.

A standard cluster consists of:

3 dc worked into the same space.

To make one:

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert hook into the designated space.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
4. Yarn over and pull through two loops.
5. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
6. Repeat twice more in the same space.

You now have a three-double-crochet granny cluster.

The clusters should remain relatively relaxed. Tight clusters can make the finished fabric stiff and reduce the attractive drape of the pattern.

Continuing the Pattern

Repeat the granny cluster and spike stitch rows until your project reaches the desired length.

A simple color sequence might look like this:

Row	Color
1	White
2	Royal Blue
3	White
4	Light Blue
5	White
6	Royal Blue
7	White
8	Light Blue

Repeat this sequence throughout the project.

You can make the stripes narrow by changing color every row, or create wider stripes by working two or more rows in the same color.

Granny Spike Stitch Blanket Ideas

This stitch is particularly suitable for blankets because it produces a decorative fabric without requiring complicated stitch combinations.

Baby Blanket

Use soft pastel colors such as:

• White
• Baby blue
• Soft gray
• Pale pink
• Cream

A light blue and white combination creates a clean, classic baby blanket.

Modern Throw

For a contemporary look, try:

• White
• Charcoal
• Light gray
• Navy

Keep the color changes consistent to emphasize the geometric structure.

Rainbow Blanket

Use a different color for each stripe:

• Red
• Orange
• Yellow
• Green
• Blue
• Purple

The white rows between the colors can make every shade stand out.

Coastal-Inspired Blanket

For a seaside feel, combine:

• White
• Aqua
• Sky blue
• Navy

This combination closely resembles the fresh blue-and-white appearance of the sample.

How to Keep Your Edges Straight

Maintaining straight edges is one of the most important parts of making a crochet blanket look professional.

Count your stitches at the end of every few rows.

If the blanket becomes wider, you may have accidentally worked an extra stitch at the edge. If it becomes narrower, you may have missed a stitch or cluster.

Pay particular attention to the first and last stitches of each row.

Using stitch markers can make the edges much easier to identify.

Recommended Border

A simple border works beautifully with the Granny Spike Stitch.

After completing the main body, work one round of single crochet around all four sides.

For the corners, work several single crochet stitches into the same corner space to help the fabric turn smoothly.

You can then add a second decorative round using:

• Single crochet
• Half double crochet
• Reverse single crochet
• Shell stitches
• Simple granny clusters

For a colorful blanket, a white border can frame the blue stripes beautifully.

Troubleshooting

My spike stitches look too short.

Make sure you are inserting the hook far enough down into the lower row and pulling the loop up to the height of the current row.

My spike stitches are too loose.

Avoid pulling the loop excessively high. Try to make every spike approximately the same height.

My clusters look uneven.

Check your tension and make sure each cluster contains the same number of double crochet stitches.

My blanket edges are wavy.

This can happen if your tension changes or if too many stitches are added along the edges. Count your stitches regularly and avoid making the turning chain excessively loose.

My blanket is becoming narrower.

Check the first and last stitch of each row. These are the most common places to accidentally skip a stitch.

Granny Spike Stitch Swatch

Before starting a large blanket, make a small swatch.

Try approximately 20–30 starting chains and work several rows.

Use the swatch to check:

• Stitch definition
• Yarn weight
• Hook size
• Color combination
• Fabric drape
• Tension
• Finished width

If the fabric feels too stiff, try a larger hook. If the fabric feels too loose, try a smaller hook.

Remember that crochet tension varies from person to person, so your gauge may differ from someone else’s even when using the same yarn and hook.

Project Ideas

Once you master this stitch, you can use it for much more than blankets.

Try making:

• Baby blankets
• Lap blankets
• Large afghans
• Crochet scarves
• Cowls
• Pillow covers
• Cushion fronts
• Table runners
• Bed runners
• Baby comforters
• Wall hangings
• Tote bags
• Shawls

The repeating structure makes it easy to adapt the stitch to different project sizes.

Why You’ll Love the Granny Spike Stitch

The Granny Spike Stitch combines two classic crochet techniques into one attractive pattern. The granny clusters give the fabric a familiar handmade appearance, while the spike stitches add vertical definition and texture.

It is also an excellent pattern for experimenting with color.

A simple two-color combination can look modern and elegant, while several bright colors can create a cheerful striped blanket. Neutral colors can give the stitch a sophisticated appearance suitable for home décor.

The stitch also grows relatively quickly, making it satisfying for larger projects.

Final Thoughts

The Granny Spike Stitch is a wonderful crochet pattern for anyone who enjoys textured stitches and colorful striped designs. With its combination of granny clusters and elongated spike stitches, it creates a fabric that looks much more complicated than it actually is.

The blue, light blue, and white combination shown in the sample is particularly striking, but don’t be afraid to experiment with your own palette.

Start with a small swatch, practice keeping your spike stitches the same height, and then move on to a larger project. Once you understand the repeating sequence, you can easily turn this stitch into a beautiful blanket, scarf, pillow, or other handmade creation.

Save this free Granny Spike Stitch pattern and try it with your favorite yarn colors!