Soft Spikes

Soft Spikes Blanket by Stitchedupcraft

What is Being Made

The Soft Spikes is a crochet blanket pattern designed as a cozy throw or baby blanket. This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Stitchedupcraft offers flexibility in finished size depending on yarn weight selection. When worked in Aran yarn, the blanket measures approximately 84cm wide by 94cm long (33" x 37"), making it ideal for a baby blanket. For those preferring a smaller finished project, the DK yarn version creates a blanket measuring approximately 70cm wide by 76cm long (27.5" x 30").

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Soft Spikes blanket employs a distinctive textural technique that creates dimensional spike details throughout the fabric. The pattern uses UK crochet terminology and incorporates several fundamental crochet stitches to build its structure and visual interest.

• Chain Stitch (Ch) – Forms the foundation and creates chain spaces throughout the pattern
• Slip Stitch (Sl St) – Used for joining rounds and securing stitches
• Double Crochet (DC) – A primary stitch that forms the base fabric and contributes to the spike technique
• Half Double Treble (HTR) – Adds height and texture variation to the blanket
• Treble Crochet (TR) – Creates taller stitches for additional dimension
• Spike Stitches – Custom techniques unique to this pattern that work double crochet stitches into chain spaces from previous rows, creating the signature spike effect. Spike1 inserts into the chain space one row below the working row, while Spike2 reaches two rows below, allowing for varied textural depth

The pattern also incorporates moss stitch as its gauge foundation, which is a common textured stitch combination in crochet blankets.

Yarn and Materials

The Soft Spikes pattern is designed with versatility in mind, accommodating multiple yarn weights to suit different project preferences and finished sizes. The designer provides specific recommendations for yarn weight and corresponding hook sizes.

• Aran Yarn – Creates the larger blanket size (84cm x 94cm). Use a 5.5mm crochet hook. Gauge is 18 moss stitch stitches by 17 rows per 10cm square
• DK Yarn – Produces a smaller blanket (70cm x 76cm). Use a 4.5mm crochet hook. Gauge is 19 moss stitch stitches by 18 rows per 10cm square. The designer recommends gauge checking when working with DK yarn
• Additional Yarn Weights Supported – The pattern accommodates sport, worsted, 4-ply, and 6-ply yarns, offering crafters flexibility to work with their preferred yarn stash

Essential tools include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors for cutting yarn, and optionally a tape measure for monitoring blanket dimensions during construction.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for crocheters new to the craft or those seeking a straightforward project. The fundamental stitches and spike technique are accessible to those with basic crochet knowledge, while the finished blanket delivers impressive visual results.