Category: Knitting

Today’s knitting stitch pattern is another knit and purl design with a masculine feel to it that I have dubbed “Diamond Stitch“. A completely reversible stitch, diamond stitch can be knit with a range of yarns for different effects. A smooth, crepe (or cabled) yarn will produce very distinct diamonds. Handspun 2 ply, or even a handspun novelty yarn would produce a softer look. A super light mohair on larger than normal needles would create quite an ethereal fabric.

Try giving Diamond Stitch (and any of the other knit/purl stitches I’ve posted so far), a try with a range of yarns and see what type of fabrics you can create. You might be surprised!

Today’s stitch didn’t have a name other than “no 29”, so I have dubbed it “herringbone stitch” after the classic herringbone broken twill weave.  I think this stitch has quite a masculine feel to it, making it a good stitch for men’s garments such as a sleeveless pullover, or a jazzy pair of calf high business socks.

This is another stitch pattern published around 1870, so once again I have updated the instructions and charted them. Stitch 29 from The Knitted Lace Pattern Book, Herringbone Stitch.

The earliest publication of basket stitch that I have found is this one from 1870, although I’m sure it has been handed down via newspapers, samplers and tradition for a long time before that. It’s a favourite of mine for knitting baby blankets and afghans, worked in worsted weight yarns or Aussie 12 ply thickness.

I’ve taken the instructions from 1890, written them in modern terms and charted them for today’s knitters.

Enjoy, Basket Pattern (Basket Stitch)