This classic stitch, known as all kinds of things including “Lattice Stitch,” “Lozenge Stitch,” and “Diamond Stitch” is an easy way to add a chic texture to whatever you’re knitting. It doesn’t seem to affect the gauge significantly so it may be something you can add to a pattern you already have, but always swatch to be sure. It makes use of crossed stitches, which are similar to cabling, but don’t require and additional needle.
Diamond Knitting Stitch / Lattice Knitting Stitch / Lozenge Knitting Stitch
multiple of 6 + 2, repeat what’s between the * * to the end of the row
1. (RS) k3 *cr2b, k4* with 5 stitches remaining, cr2b, k3
2. purl
3. *k2, cr2f, cr2b* k2
4. purl
5. k1 *cr2f, k2, cr2b* k1
6. purl
7. *cr2f, k4* cr2f
8. purl
9. k1 *cr2b, k2, cr2f* k1
10. purl
11. *k2, cr2b, cr2f* k2
12. purl
k = knit
cr2f = cross 2 stitches to the front – knit the second stitch on the left needle through the front of the loop, then knit the first stitch on the left needle, then pull both from left hand needle. (see below for photo tutorial)
cr2b = cross 2 stitches to the back – knit the second stitch on the left needle through the back of the loop, then knit the first stitch on the left needle, then pull both from left hand needle. (see below for photo tutorial)
cr2f – cross 2 stitches to the front
Slide the right needle into the second stitch on the left needle through the front.
Pull the right needle over to a more normal position and knit the stitch, but don’t pull it from the left needle.
This shows what it looks like with just the second stitch knit.
Then knit the first stitch on the left needle as you normally would. Pull both stitches off the left needle.
This is what it will look like – one stitch crossing in front of the other.
cr2b = cross 2 stitches to the back
Slide the right needle into the back of the second stitch on the left needle.
Knit it, but don’t pull it off the left needle.
This shows the second stitch on the left needle knit.
Then knit the first stitch on the left needle the way you normally would. Pull both knit stitches from the left needle.
It’s a little tricky to see in the this picture, but the stitch in the front leans to the left and the other stitch crosses behind it.
Repeat the pattern as necessary for your application. If the pattern doesn’t run off the edges (like at the neckline of a sweater) it will look best if you stop after row 1 or 7 so the top diamonds will be closed.