Diamond Lace Knitting Pattern

Instructions

Tap a section when you finish it.

1. 1Stitch multiple and cast onDiamond lace uses a multiple of 10 sts + 1, plus one edge stitch each side, i.e. a multiple of 10 + 3. For the swatch, cast on 33 sts (10 x 3 + 3) with 3.5 mm needles. Work 4 rows of garter stitch. If you like, place a marker after the first stitch and then every 10 sts.
2. 2Opening the diamond (rows 1-7)Row 1 (RS): k1, *k5, yo, ssk, k3; rep from * 3 times, k2. (33 sts) Row 2 and all WS rows: k1, purl to last st, k1. Row 3: k1, *k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k2; rep from * 3 times, k2. Row 5: k1, *k2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * 3 times, k2. Row 7: k1, *k1, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk; rep from * 3 times, k2.
3. 3Closing the diamond (rows 9-16)Row 9: k1, *k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k2; rep from * 3 times, k2. (33 sts) Row 11: k1, *k4, yo, s2kp, yo, k3; rep from * 3 times, k2. Row 13: as Row 1. Row 15: knit. Rows 10, 12, 14 and 16: WS rows. The eyelets are single on row 1, widest on row 7 and single again on row 13, completing one diamond per repeat.
4. 4CheckpointsIn every repeat the number of yarn overs equals the number of decreases (s2kp counts as two), so each RS row ends with 33 sts. There should always be 10 sts between markers; if not, look for the mistake in that section. Purl the yarn overs on the WS without twisting them.
5. 5Knit the swatchRepeat rows 1-16 twice (32 rows), then work 4 rows of garter stitch, for 40 rows in total. The diamonds stack into vertical columns. Before blocking the piece looks small and crumpled; that's normal.
6. 6What to make with itDiamond lace is lovely for summer shawls, fine scarves, tops and baby blankets. For a light wrap, cast on 73 sts (10 x 7 + 3; about 30 cm), work 6 garter rows at each end and knit to 160 cm; about 150 g of fingering yarn is enough. Adjust the width in steps of 10 sts.
7. 7Finishing and blockingBind off knitwise and loosely using a needle one size larger. Weave the ends into the garter border and trim after blocking. Soak the piece, squeeze it in a towel, then stretch it to 14 x 12 cm and pin it out to dry; the diamonds only become clear at this stage.