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SymmetricalDiamond 101
Simple Diagonal Tunisian Rows That Work Pattern #1234-AH3313TV Click herefor the online Flickr photo set of this design. I developed this strategic four-edge stitch shaping combination from scratch because common shaping methods don't work well for diagonal Tunisian crochet. My goal was to find a uniformly finished solid edge for Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss) that's also symmetrically stretcby. I researched 100 or so sources and I know of no one else using it; nor do I know of a published option that offers a close substitute.
This Symmetrical Diamond 101 pattern introduces diagonal Tunisian crochet for clothing and fashion accessories, but this basic pattern works just as well for afghan motifs, pillows, hotpads, and other home decor. Pick a yarn with built-in color changes for exciting stripes! The pattern starts out as an all-purpose swatch for any yarn and hook size, then offers three ways to turn your swatch into a practical project: - Make dishcloths with medium cotton yarn. - Make a padded wrist rest, sleeve for your cell phone or sunglasses, or a set of DesigningVushti CROCHET PROJECT: SYMMETRICAL DIAMOND 1C I hope you enjoy this premium free pattern-article. (If you paid for it, please contact me because that means you were sold a pirated copy!) Issue #48 "Diagonal Tunisian Crochet Discovery," of Vaobti' CrocbetInopirationoNewoletter has more on this topic: http:// eepurl.com/wNeCn (short link goes to my newsletter archive at Mailchimp.) After you try this pattern, have a look at Four Peako (a rectangular scarf with eyelets) or Five Peak (an eyelet shawl that stays on your shoulders because it's L-shaped). Adding eyelets to each edge requires specialized tweaks for Tunisian lace; in fact, I'm discovering a new world of Tunisian edges with special effects. You might also like other Tunisian projects that are begun in one corner (Iolander) or crocheted in biasing rows (Petalo, Shakti Scarved). View these designs allon one page bere:bttp://www.sbop.designingvasbti.com/Tunisian-Crochet_c33.btm
Skill Level: Easy Intermediate.
You should know how to crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss), and have some experience using a Beginner-Level Tunisian crochet pattern. (Burly is an example of one.) Pattern is written with a limited amount of abbreviations. International English equivalents to American measurements, yarn weights, and stitch terms are provided in brackets I ↓. In response to feedback in Tunisian crochet classes, I list the stitch names and descriptions in a pink sidebar on the pattern pages. This way there's no need to flip back to the "Stitch Guide" page while crocheting. After using this pattern, you will know (if you didn't already): How to create a symmetrical triangle and a square of any size with Tunisian simple stitch by starting in the corner (and how much fun it is!). How to start in one corner to add stretch, drape, and diagonal striping to Tunisian crochet. How to increase and decrease along the rigbt edge of Tunisian crochet rows to take advantage of this dynamic biasing fabric. How to increase along the left edge of Tunisian crochet rows to match the drape and stretch of the right side.
Finished Dimensions of Projects Shown (After Blocking)
Dishcloth: 6.5" {16.5 cm} square. Diamond Eyeglass Sleeve: 6" 15.25 cm} square Diamond Makeup Reusables: 2.75" {7 cm} square. It's easy to make your diamond larger or smaller.
Materials Used for Diamond Dishcloth
Crochet Hook: Size US10/J/6.0 mm Tunisian crochet hook that is at least 10" 25.5 cm long forthe longest rows. Tip: Since boktlffyullofFPa
Yarn Shown: Lion Brand Cotton Ease (50% Cotton, 50% Acrylic; 207yds/ 189m per 3.5oz/100g ball), color #123 Seaspray. Each ball yields 4 to 6 dishcloths. Substituting a yarn: For most dishcloths and facecloths I personally like a cotton-acrylic blend. It seems to stay soft longer and dry faster. Choose a #3 Light or #4 Medium Weight yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of US7/G/4.5mm to 9//5.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as DK (Double Knitting), Light Worsted, or Worsted weight. Two stitch markers (optional)
Materials Used for Diamond Eyeglass Sleeve
Crochet Hook: Size US8/H/5.0 mm Tunisian crochet hook that is at least 10" (25.5 cm} long for the longest rows. Tip: Since you begin in one corner, you can use a regular crochet book as your Tunisian book until it's Difficult for you to keep all loops of the Forward Pass (FP) on your book; then switch to a longer Tunisian book. Yarn Shown: (75% Superwash virgin wool, 50% Nylon; 410yds/ 375m per 5.25oz/150g ball), color #63, approx. 41 yds [57.5 m} per Sleeve. Substituting a yarn: I chose a thicker than usual sock yarn for two reasons: I want this yarn to hold up when I keep this sunglass sleeve in my handbag, and it's easy to find a dramatically self-striping sock yarn. (See Diamond Makeup Reusables below for standard thinner weight sock yarn examples.) Choose a #2 Fine Weight yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of US4/E/3.5mm to US6/G/ 4.Omm. These yarns may also be referred to as Sport, Heavy Sock {Light DK, 5-Ply}. Two stitch markers (optional)
The Mariposa Tee KAL, Clue 1
Crochet Hook: Size US5/F/3.75 mm Tunisian crochet hook of any length. Yarn Shown: Plymouth Sockotta (45% Cotton, 40% Superwash wool, 15% Nylon; 414yds/379m per 3.5oz/100g ball), color #6655. Substituting a yarn: This cotton blend sock yarn is an unconventional choice for crocheted makeup remover pads and I'm really happy with it. Many crocheters use a thicker 100% cotton "dishcloth" yarn instead (see "Diamond Dishcloth" above). Most sock yarns are designed to hold up to hard wear and machine washing and drying. I like the sock yarn . used because it's thinner, it has enough cotton to feel soft and absorbent, and the heathered color changes don't show any traces of makeup residue after washing. I prefer them over the one-use quilted cotton balls I've used for years! Choose a #1 Super Fine Weight yarn with a recommended hook size range of US2/C/2.25mm to US4/E/3.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as Fingering, Sock, Light Sport, Baby {3-Plyl.
DesigningVushti CROCHET PROJECT: SYMMETRICAL DIAMOND 1C
I loved this yarn for a soft and durable padded wrist rest: Schachenmayr nomott: Regia Silk Color (55% Wool, 25% Nylon, 20% Silk; 218yds/199m per 1.75oz/50g ball), color #0181. For more information about this project, see this Ravelry project page: bttp:// ravel.me/vashtirama/ptdwr. Two stitch markers (optional)
Stitches and Abbreviations Used
Lookforthe pink sidebar on the pattern pages for thislist of abbreviations.UK/ Aus equivalents are in I1. FP (Forward Pass): The first half of a complete new row in Tunisian crochet, when loops are added to the crochet hook as you work forward across the working row. The row is not complete until all but one loop is worked off of the hook during the RP (Return Pass).
RP (Return Pass): The second half of a complete new row in Tunisian crochet, when loops are crocheted off of the crochet hook as you work back across the working row. The Standard RP is: Ch 1, \*yo and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from \* until one loop remains on hook. This remaining loop on the hook after completing the RP counts as the first stitch of the next row. Sl st = Slip Stitch {UK abbreviation: ss} St, sts = Stitch, stitches Tes = Tunisian extended stitch, see Special Stitches below. Tss = Tunisian simple stitch: Insert hook from side to side under front vertical bar of next Tunisian stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, leave loop on hook. Yo = Yarn over
Special Stitches
Tes = (Tunisian extended stitch): Insert hook from side to side under front vertical bar of next Tunisian stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, ch 1, leave loop on hook. About thisspecialtitb:Inthis pattern,theTesisuedat thebeginning edgeandending edgeof every FP to add unobtrusive stretch to the Diagonal rows.I discovered that two crossed Tes create an especially nice ending edge increase stitch for this pattern. Note: Using a Tes to end a FP can be confusing atfirst because it appears to addach to the RP. More about this special stitch: It's versatile and one of my favorites.For some of the other names it goes by, and for some of its lacier effects, see this blog post: bttp:/lesigningvashtiblogspot.com/2011/121 powerful-tunisian-crochet-stitcb-to.btml
Gauge measured flat and blocked
Exact gauge is provided as a general guideline. The pattern instructions will work for the yarn type, yarn amount, and hook size you decide to use. Diamond Dishcloth: 11 Tss and 10 rows = 3" (7.5 cm} Diamond Eyeglass Sleeve: 18 Tss and 17 rows = 4" (10 cm} Diamond Makeup Reusables: 20 Tss and 19 rows = 4" (10 cm}
Pattern Notes
These familiar standards of a Beginner-Level Tunisian crochet pattern are helpful to remember for this pattern also: No turning: This Tunisian crochet project is never turned to begin a new row. The fronts of the stitches are always facing. Rows: I think of a row of Tunisian crochet as a "row pair" because each one consists of a forward pass (FP) and a return pass (RP). Counting stitches: The loop on hook at the beginning of each FP counts as the first stitch. The easiest way to count your stitches is to count the loops on your hook just before the RP. Confidence: Complete several row pairs before worrying about what your stitches look like. In Tunisian crochet, the current row you're completing always looks nicer once the next row is worked into it. (This is especially true when starting in a corner, and even more so if you use a loose gauge with fashion yarns, and add eyelets, such as for the Four Peak or Five Peako). Then spritz with water and stretch and flatten them a bit. Curling: Tunisian simple stitch tend to curl when not crocheted loosely. The projects in this pattern are not crocheted loosely. The amount of curl depends on the yarn used and on each crocheter's stitch gauge. Simple blocking will remove most or all curl. Crocheters who experience stubborn curling will often add a sturdy edging or block with steam. Biasing: Tunisian crochet naturally biases, but it is not always obvious. Blocking can neutralize some or all of the innate biasing of Tunisian stitches. Depending on the yarn, some of my diamonds are perfect squares, some are slightly longer than wide, and others have a stronger bias that makes them tilt toward the right edge. ities: Whether or not you're left-handed, if you're crocheting rigbt-banded, each F begins at the right edge and ends at the left edge. (If you're crocheting left-banded, the FP ends on your right.) I always try to avoid saying "left edge" by saying "ending edge" instead.
Ways in which this pattern may be unfamiliar to you:
Loosening the ending edge stitches is not the best tweak for this pattern: In Tunisian crochet, the ending edge of the FP is naturally tighter and less stretchy than the beginning edge. A common tweak for this is to tighten the first stitch of each FP as you make it, and loosen the ending stitch. Thio pattern uoes the Tes otitch in new ways to make the left edge truly look and behave the same ao the right edge.
Triangle on the left is not symmetrical because traditional left increases differ from the right increases, even when you loosen them. The "Standard RP": For the increase row pairs, the Standard RP is used (Ch 1, \*yo and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from \* until one loop remains on hook). For the decrease row pairs in the second half of the pattern, the RP ends in a nonstandard way for a nicer edge. Click bere (bttp://www.flickr:com/pbotos/aobtirama/seta/72157632982983542/) for access to all photos shown here, and many more. Clickable list of resources for the Five Peaks class I taught in 2012: bttp://Designingvashti.com/blog/five-peaksshawl-tunisian-crochet-class-resourcesl
STITCH GUIDE.
US termo givenwith UK equivalentsinbrackets.
# Symmetrical Diamond 101 Pattern
Increase Row 1, FP: Ch 2, pull up loop uner 1 strand of second ch from hook, pull up loop under another strand of the same ch, ch 1: 3 loops on hook. Standard RP (ch 1 and mark it, yo and pull through two loops on hook until one loop remains on hook). Note: "Mark it" means ad a stitch marker; recommended for every RP until you're accustomed to which ch is the edge st. After completing a row pair you can move the same marker up to the new edgest. Increase Row 2, FP: Ch 1 (beginning Tes completed), Tss in first st (increase of 1 st), Tss in next st, Tes in two outermost strands of marked edge st, fold Tes to the back and away from you, Tes in remaining 3rd strand of same marked st over the front of the Tes just made (2 crossed Tes completed; increase of 1 stitch): 5 loops on hook. Standard RP.
Increase Row 3, FP: Ch 1, Tss in first st, Tss in each st to marked st, Tes in two outermost strands of marked edge st, fold it back away from you, Tes in 3rd strand of same marked st over the front of the Tes just made: an increase of 2 new sts. Standard RP. If you're making a swatch, repeat Row 3 until you have 19 loops on your hook at the end of a FP, or until the row is the length desired for the widest part of your swatch. If you're making a dishcloth/facecloth, repeat Row 3 until you have 31 loops on your hook at the end of a FP, or until row is the length desired for the widest part of your dishcloth/facecloth. If you're making an eyeglass sleeve, repeat Row 3 until you have 37 loops on your hook at the end of a FP, or until row is the
ch, chs = Chain stitch(es)
FP = Forward Pass. The first half of a complete new row in Tunisian crochet, when loops are added to the crochet hook as you work forward across the working row. The row is not complete until all but one loop is worked off of the hook during the RP (Return Pass). RP = Return Pass. The second half of a complete new row in Tunisian crochet, when loops are crocheted off of the crochet hook as you work back across the working row. The Standard RP is: Ch 1, \*yo and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from \* until one loop remains on hook. This remaining loop onthe hook after completing the RP counts as the first stitch of the next row.
st(s) = stitch(es)
Tes = Tunisian extended stitch. Insert hook from side to side under front vertical bar of next Tunisian stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, ch 1, leave loop on hook. Note: Using a Tes to end a FP can be confusing at first because it appears to add a ch to theRP. Tss = Tunisian simple stitch. lnsert hook from side to side under front vertical bar of next Tunisian stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, leave loop on hook. vb = vertical bar
length desired for the widest part of your eyeglass sleeve.
STITCH GUIDE
If you're making a makeup remover pad, repeat Row 3 until you have 21 loops on your hook at the end of a FP, or until row is the length desired for the widest part of your pad. Decrease Row A, FP: Ch 1, skip very first st (the edge st), Tss in next 2 sts together, Tss in each remaining st to last 2 sts of row, Tes in the 2nd from last st and 2 outer strands of marked st together. Non-Standard RP: Ch 1 and mark it, \*yo and pull through 2 loops, repeat from \* until 4 loops remain, yo and pull through 3 loops, yo and pull through remaining 2 loops; 1 loop remains on hook: total of 2 sts decreased. Decrease Row B, FP: Ch 1, skip 1st st, skip 1st st of decrease pair, Tss in 2nd st of decrease pair, Tss to 2nd from last st, Tes in the 2nd from last st and 2 outer strands of marked st together. Non-Standard RP: Ch 1 and mark it,\*yo and pullthrough 2 loops, repeat from \* until 4 loops remain, yo and pull through 3 loops, yo and pull through remaining 2 loops; 1 loop remains on hook: total of 2 sts decreased. Repeat Decrease Row B until you have 3 loops on hook at the end of a FP. Then: Ch 1, yo and pull through all 3 loops.
US termo givenwithUK equvalentsinbrackets.
ch, chs = Chain stitch(es)
FP = Forward Pass. The first half of a complete new row in Tunisian crochet, when loops are added to the crochet hook as you work forward across the working row. The row is not complete until all but one loop is worked off of the hook during the RP (Return Pass). RP = Return Pass. The second half of a complete new row in Tunisian crochet, when loops are crocheted'off of the crochet hook as you work back across the working row. The Standard RP is: Ch 1, \*yo and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from \* until one loop remains on hook. This remaining loop on the hook after completing the RP counts as the first stitch of the [next row. sl st = Slip、 Stitch {U [abbreviation: ss}
st(s) = stitch(es)
Tes = Tunisian extended stitch. Insert hook from side to side under front vertical bar of next Tunisian stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, ch 1, leave loop on hook. Note: Using a Tes to end a FP can be confusingatfirstbecauseit appearstoadd achtotheRP Tss = Tunisian simple stitch. Insert hook from side to side under front vertical bar of next Tunisian stitch, yarn over, draw up a loop, leave loop on hook. vb = vertical bar
Finishing
About Blocking: All projects shown have been sprayed with water, then stretched out and dried flat to stop curling at the corners. If you're making a swatch, fasten off, label it, and treasure forever! If you're making a dishcloth/facecloth, fasten off and weave in ends. For a simple optional edging, se makeup remover pads below. If you're making an eyeglass sleeve, fold in half and seam long edge and one short edge. DesigningVushti CROCHET PROJECT: SYMMETRICAL DIAMOND 1C Fasten off and weave in ends. If you're making a makeup remover pad, fasten off and weave in ends. I crocheted a stack of these, so I timed them. Each one took me 14 minutes to complete, and the edging took me an additional 4 minutes. I didn't find an edging to be necessary when I used them, but here's a simple and quick one I added to some of them: \*Ch i, sl st in next row end, repeat from \* to next corner, ch 2, sl st in sl st just made\*\*, repeat from \* to \*\* for remaining edges. At first corner, ch 2, sl st in corner, fasten off, and weave in ends. They are briefly blocked to show their diamond shape, but after machine washing and drying they are soft curls, and are just as easy to use and reuse without blocking them again.
About the Designer
Vashti Braha lives in Florida and has been designing professionally since 2004.
I'd love to hear from you and see your projects! Email me anytime: VashtiBraha@gmail.com. If you upload pictures of your project, I can find them easily if you create a project page in Ravelry. If you enjoyed this project and would like to try a fancier diagonal shaping method with eyelets, click here for more information: Four Peaks Scarf at the Designing Vasbti website Four Peako Scarf in the Ravelry Store If you enjoyed the unique experience and advantages of beginning in one corner to start a wrap or scarf with any amount and type of yarn on hand, these patterns are an alternate way to crochet triangular scarves:
Tunisian Iolander One-ball Tunisian Neck Lattice (in Simply. Crochet,publishedby Interweave Press, 2011) ErostyflakeoforFourYarn Weigbts (regular crochet, notTunisian)
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