DIAMONDS Square

DIAMONDS Square Knitted Dishcloth by Terry Liann Morris

What Is Being Made

The DIAMONDS Square is a 7-inch knitted dishcloth featuring an elegant diamond pattern design. This project is part of a Holiday Mystery Gifts collection of 7 x 7 squares that can be combined to create larger afghans or used individually as functional kitchen textiles. The design combines simple stockinette sections with more intricate patterned areas to create visual interest and texture variation.

Craft and Technique Overview

This is a knitting project suitable for knitters with intermediate skill level. The pattern demonstrates fundamental knitting techniques enhanced with decorative stitch work. The construction method uses a straightforward approach: cast on stitches, work the pattern repeat across rows, and continue until the square reaches the desired finished dimensions.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The DIAMONDS pattern incorporates several essential knitting stitches:

• Slip stitch (slip 1): Worked at the beginning of rows with yarn held in front, slipped as if to purl, then yarn moved to back through needle tips before knitting the next stitch. This creates a neat, finished edge.
• Knit stitch (k): The primary stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Used strategically throughout the pattern to create the diamond motif and visual contrast
• Stockinette stitch sections: Created by alternating knit and purl rows in specific sequences
• Garter stitch edging: Knit stitches on both sides create a stable border

The pattern repeats are worked across the row using combinations of knit and purl stitches in varying sequences. The diamond design emerges from the strategic placement of purl stitches against a knit background, creating a raised, textured appearance.

Materials and Gauge

This project uses worsted weight yarn in a washable fiber suitable for dishcloths and kitchen use. The pattern calls for US size 7 (4.5mm) needles or the size needed to obtain proper gauge.

The gauge is 4 to 5 stitches equals 1 inch over the Diamonds Pattern, depending on yarn choice. The pattern notes that worsted weight yarns vary significantly in actual thickness, so knitters are encouraged to choose the gauge and cast-on stitch count that works best with their specific yarn to achieve the target 7-inch square with a flexible, functional fabric.

Pattern Construction Details

The square begins with a Long-Tail cast on (also called Sling-shot cast on), which creates a sturdy, elastic foundation edge. Knitters cast on either 29 or 35 stitches depending on their chosen gauge and yarn characteristics. After casting on, a single knit row is worked before beginning the Diamonds Pattern.

The Diamonds Pattern is worked in rows, with each row containing specific sequences of knit and purl stitches. The pattern includes edge stitches at the beginning of rows (the slip stitch) and varies the internal stitch sequences to create the diamond motif. The repeating pattern sections are worked multiple times across each row, with the number of repeats determined by the stitch count chosen.

This intermediate-level design is ideal for knitters looking to practice stitch control and pattern reading while creating practical, attractive dishcloths suitable for everyday kitchen use or as gifts.