How to Crochet Argyle

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Things You'll Need

  • Thread A: base color

  • Thread B: first diamond color

  • Thread C: second diamond color

  • Thread D: black

  • Steel Tunisian crochet hook

  • Graphing paper

  • Colored pencils matching thread color

  • Measuring tape or ruler

  • Embroidery needle

Argyle is a timeless look.

Argyle is a classic pattern, and while it is more commonly knit, there is no reason why you can't crochet it as well. The fine lines and defined diamond shapes of argyle make it difficult to render in yarn, so this project works best using fine crocheting thread and steel hooks. Although this will add to your crochet time considerably, it will yield a neat, professional-looking pattern. If you work in yarn, the stitches will appear more obvious, but you will finish the pattern more quickly.

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Step 1

Chain ten loosely, insert the hook into the second stitch from the hook. Yarn over and draw through the chain. Insert the hook into the next chain, yarn over and draw through. Continue across the row until there are 10 loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Continue until you have only one loop on the crochet hook. Skip this step and the following step if you are familiar with the Tunisian/Afghan knit stitch.

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Step 2

Insert the hook into both vertical loops. Yarn over and draw through. Insert the hook into the second pair of vertical loops, yarn over and draw through. Continue until you've reached the end of the row. Yarn over, draw through two loops until you've reached the end of the row. The result should resemble knitting, with rows of paired stitches. Work several rows until you are comfortable with the technique.

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Step 3

Measure the stitches and determine both the number of stitches per inch. Determine how many stitches tall and wide you want the diamonds to be. Use the graphing paper to draw the diamonds in the argyle pattern, with one graph square comprising the top and bottom points of each diamond, followed by three squares, and so on. The diamonds should be an odd number of stitches tall and wide. Mark the center square of each diamond.

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Step 4

Begin to crochet the pattern from the bottom-right (bottom-left if you are left-handed), changing colors where necessary. Check off each row when you are done with it to avoid confusion. Weave in loose ends as soon as possible. At the end of each row, step back from the pattern to ensure the diamonds or turning out. Count your stitches regularly, as one stitch can throw off the entire pattern.

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Step 5

Determine the path of the argyle lines on the pattern, marking each stitch through which the lines will pass. Work diagonal rows of single crochet in black thread for the argyle lines, or alternate single crochet with a slip stitch for a dotted pattern.

Tip

Remember that the visible part of the stitch will be the vertical stitches, so plan ahead when changing colors.

Warning

This is a difficult pattern. Don't attempt it unless you have practiced the Tunisian knit stitch and have experience changing colors for crochet patterns.

If you are a novice crocheter, attempt the pattern in yarn before you use thread.

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