How to knit the Diamond Lace Stitch that looks crocheted!

Inside: Diamond Lace Stitch tutorial and video shown on straight needles and in the round. Bonus free cowl pattern.

Wait!

Is that knit? Or crochet?

You almost can’t tell with the Diamond Lace Stitch. This unique stitch pattern is knit, but has all the character of crochet.

The slightly open meshwork definitely doesn’t have the uniform columns of tidy “V” stitches we typically see with knit projects.

This handy stitch works well both as a flat panel or in the round and is a powerhouse when it comes to usefulness.

I love the versatility of this stitch pattern. Use a slightly smaller needle size and make a rich, dense fabric. Bump up the needles a few sizes and make a light and lacy scarf. This stitch can do it all!

I’ve got written instructions below plus a free infinty scarf pattern from Luisa Mangus. Compare the pictures of my Boyfriend Hat using worsted weight yarn and Luisa’s scarf. It’s the exact same stitch!

Diamond Lace Stitch (DLS)

by Kristen Mangus

Notes about the Diamond Lace Stitch:

• All stitches are twisted (ktbl/ptbl – knit/purl through the back loop).
• Multiple of 2 stitches (Note: You can use an odd number of stitches but the second row/round will be offset and change the overall look of the stitch pattern.)
• 2 row repeat
• This stitch pattern uses a foundation row after casting on.
• Each stitch on the row gets knitted twice making it twice the height of a standard stockinette row. This is what makes it look crocheted!

Working in the Round

Abbreviations:

slpw – slip 1 purl wise (slide stitch from left needle to right needle not twisting)
ktbl – knit through back loop (twisted stitch; place needle behind left needle and knit stitch)
sl2 prev sts back- Slip 2 previous stitches back (slide 2 stitch from right needle back to left needle not twisting)
st – stitch 

Instructions:

Multiple: 2

Cast on using long tail cast on.

Foundation Round: *k, p. Rep from * to end of round.

Rounds 1-2: *slpw, ktbl, sl2 prev sts back, ktbl. Rep from * to end of round

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until desired length.

Working a flat panel

Abbreviations:

slpw – Slip 1 purl wise (slide stitch from left need to right needle not twisting)
slkw – Slip 1 knit  wise (slide stitch from left need to right needle not twisting)
ktbl – knit through back loop (twisted stitch; place needle behind left needle and knit stitch)
ptbl – purl through back loop (twisted purl stitch; place needle behind left needle & insert the opposite direction as the ktbl; needles will be parallel and the points in the same direction).
sl2 prev sts back– Slip 2 previous stitches back (slide 2 stitch from right needle back to left needle not twisting)
rem – remains
st – stitch

Instructions:

Multiple: 2

Cast on using long tail cast on.

(WS) Foundation Row: *k, p. Rep from * to end of round.

(RW) Row 1: *slpw, ktbl, sl2 prev sts back, ktbl. Rep from * until 1 st rem, ktbl
(WS) Row 2: *slkw, ptbl, sl2 prev sts back, ptbl. Rep from * until 1 st rem, ptbl.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until desired length. 

Boyfriend Hat

I made this adorable Boyfriend Hat using the Diamond Lace Stitch pattern throughout. I love it, don’t you!

Pattern: Coming in September, 2019!
Yarn: Red Heart Italian Story Vera in color Latte
Needles: US 10.5 (6 mm) circular needle. Knitter’s Pride Dreamz used in sample.

Diamond Lace Stitch Infinity Scarf

by Luisa Mangus

Here’s what the stitch looks like in chunky yarn. This cowl knits up ridiculously fast in the round.

Needles:
US 10 circular needles

Yarn:
Lion brand Hometown USA. 2 colors

Size:
Approx. 4.5″ x 53″ diameter

Gauge:
5.5 sts x 11 rows in 4″ of Diamond Lace Stitch pattern

Notions:
Stitch marker for beg of round
Tapestry needle

Instructions:

Follow instructions for Diamond Lace Stitch (DLS) above.

Cast on 70 sts in the round in color A

Rows 1-6: DLS in color A

Change to color B

Rows 7-12: DLS in color B

Bind off loosely or with stretchy bind off. Weave in ends.

I hope you enjoy using the Diamond Lace Stitch for needles. If you want to try my Chic Retreat cowl on knitting needles substitute the instructions above for the Diamond Lace Stitch on the loom! – Kristen Mangus

Needle Knit Diamond Lace Stitch Tutorial Videos

Samples in video knit using:
US 10.5 (6.5 mm) Knitters Pride Dreamz used in the round
US 10.5 (6.5 mm) Knitters Pride Kabonz used for flat panel
Red Heart Chic Sheep (#4 medium) yarn in color Green Tea

Right-Handed

Left-Handed