Crochet Eyelash Stitch

The crochet Eyelash Stitch is a striking two colour crochet pattern that uses elongated spike stitches to create little pointed shapes that resemble eyelashes. The varying lengths of the spikes give the fabric its distinctive decorative appearance.

Although the finished stitch looks quite intricate, the construction is surprisingly straightforward. Most of the fabric is worked in single crochet, with the longer stitches reaching down into previous rows to form the eyelash design.

This stitch looks particularly effective when worked in two contrasting colours. A stronger contrast makes the individual spikes stand out while two shades that are closer in tone will produce a softer more subtle effect.

About the Crochet Eyelash Stitch

The Eyelash Stitch belongs to the family of crochet spike stitches. Instead of inserting your hook only into the stitches of the current row, selected stitches are worked into rows further down the fabric.

For this pattern the spike stitches are worked at different depths. Placing these elongated stitches beside one another creates a tapered arrangement of long loops that gives the stitch its eyelash appearance.

The pattern is worked flat in rows and uses two yarn colours, referred below as Colour A and Colour B. There is no need to fasten off the yarn each times you change colour as the unused yarn can be carried neatly up the side of the work.

Crochet Eyelash Stitch Instructions

This pattern works in multiples of 6 + 3

Row 1: Using colour A

Work a sc into the 2nd ch from the hook and into each ch across. Turn.

Row 2:

Ch 1 (counts as sc) sk the 1st sc, sc in each st across, placing the last sc into the turning ch. Turn.

Rows 3-4:

Rep row 2.

Row 5: Using colour B

Ch 1, sk the 1st sc, sc in the next st, *sc in the sc 1 row below next sc, sc in the sc 2 rows below the next sc, 1 sc in the sc 3 rows below the next sc, sc in the sc 2 rows below the next sc, sc in the sc 1 row below the next sc, sc in the next sc, rep from * across placing last sc in the turning ch. Turn.

Rows 6-8:

Ch 1, sk the 1st sc, sc in each st across, placing last sc into the turning ch. Turn.

Row 9: Using colour A

Ch 1, sk the 1st sc, *sc in the sc 3 rows below next sc, sc in the sc 2 rows below the next sc, sc in the sc 1 row below the next sc, sc in the sc 2 rows below the next sc, rep from * across until 2 sts remain, sc in sc 3 rows below the next sc, sc in the turning ch. Turn.

Repeat:

Repeat rows 2-9 for the pattern.

Changing Colours

For the cleanest colour transition change yarn on the final yarn over of the last stitch before the new colour begins. This allows the next row to start completely in the new shade rather than leaving an obvious colour jump at the edge.

You don’t need to cut the yarn after each colour section. Instead carry the unused yarn neatly up the side of the fabric until it’s needed again. If the edge will eventually be enclosed in a seam or border, this is especially convenient.

Tips for Crocheting the Eyelash Stitch

The most important part of this stitch is keeping the elongated loops relaxed. If you pull a spike stitch too tightly it can tug on the rows below and cause the fabric to pucker. When reaching several rows down bring the loop all the way up the height of your current row before completing the single crochet.

It’s also worth counting carefully when you begin each spike sequence. The stepped arrangement of short, medium and long spikes is what produces the recognisable eyelash effect.

Crochet Eyelash Stitch FAQs

Is the crochet Eyelash Stitch difficult?

It looks more complicated than it actually is. If you’re comfortable working single crochet and inserting your hook into rows below the current row, the technique is quite manageable. The main challenge is keeping track of the different spike lengths.

Why are my spike stitches pulling the fabric?

You’re probably drawing the long stitches too tightly. When working into a lower row, pull the loop upward until it comfortably reaches the height of the current row before completing the stitch.

Do I have to use two colours?

No, not necessarily. The stitch can be crocheted in one colour but contrasting colours make the eyelash stitch more visible. Colour changes are a big part of what makes this stitch pattern so effective.

Do I need to cut the yarn every time I change colour?

No. Because each colour is used again after several rows, you can carry the unused yarn up the side of your work rather than cutting it each time.