How to knit the Spike stitch: One gorgeous pattern!

In today’s tutorial, I’m sharing how to knit the Spike stitch, a wonderful pattern full of volume and texture!

Although there are four setup rows to begin with (working a classic 2 x 3 Rib stitch), it’s a four-row repeat pattern.

As a matter of fact, the Spike stitch looks similar to the Seagull pattern we practiced years ago, yet it’s much more eye-catching 😉

However, it’s stretchy, so if you’re looking for something special to substitute the Rib stitch, this one is for you.

Furthermore, it can be used as a main stitch to knit accessories, such as hats, scarves, and cowls, but also blankets, sweaters, and cardigans.

Last but not least, the so-called wrong side of the work looks nice too (like a Rib stitch with little stars).

Without further ado, grab your needles, and some yarn, and let’s knit a lovely swatch!

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

RS: Right side of the work

K: Knit

P: Purl

sl1pw: Slip the first stitch purlwise (pass it onto the right-hand needle as if to purl)

wyib: With yarn in back

wyif: With yarn in front

k2togtbl: Knit two stitches together through the back loop

k2tog: Knit two stitches together

BO: Bind off

WS: Wrong side of the work

Notes before starting the Spike stitch:

If you tend to knit too tight, I’d suggest using a needle size larger than what you’d normally work with.

The odd rows form the right side of the work.

We’ll start with 4 setup rows. They will be made just at the beginning and aren’t part of the pattern.

After those first four rows, we’ll keep repeating rows 5 to 8.

Please note that after row 5 the number of stitches will increase (you’ll end up with 2 more stitches per repeat).

Nevertheless, you’ll get back to the original number after row 7.

This swatch was made out of 100% wool yarn (worsted weight, smooth, pretty easy to work with) #ad

With my pointy US 8 (5 mm) bamboo needles #ad

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How to knit one gorgeous pattern: The Spike stitch

CO multiples of 5 + 4; i.e.: 5 * 3 = 15 + 4 = 19 st.

Setuprows 1-4: 1º and 3º rows (RS): sl1pw (edge st), *P2, K3*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, ending with P2, K1 (edge st)

2º and 4º rows: sl1pw (edge st), *wyib K2, P3*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, ending with K2, P1 (edge st)

Rows that create the pattern:

5º row: sl1pw (edge st), *P2, insert the right-hand needle into the second stitch four rows below, K1, K3, insert the right-hand needle into the second stitch four rows below, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, ending with P2, K1 (edge st)

6º row: sl1pw (edge st), *wyib K2, wyif sl1pw, P3, sl1pw*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, ending with K2, P1 (edge st)

7º row: sl1pw (edge st), *P2, k2togtbl, K1, k2tog*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, ending with P2, K1 (edge st)

8º row: sl1pw (edge st), *wyib K2, P3*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, ending with K2, P1 (edge st).

These last 4 rows (5-8) form the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO working each stitch as it presents after row 7 (WS).

This is the other side of the work:

Enjoy the video tutorial:

How to knit the Spike stitch pattern

Thank you for watching, and don’t forget to share the love 🙂

Hugs, and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly

PS: Searching for another pretty pattern with full volume and texture? Take a look!

How to knit the Scrunchy stitch