How to knit the Diagonal Flakes stitch pattern

In this tutorial, I’m sharing how to knit the Diagonal Flakes stitch pattern… quite simply it’s fantastic!

Similar to the Crocodile stitch we learned some time ago, this stitch pattern has a rich texture to it, and it’s easy-peasy 😉

In fact, the Diagonal Flakes stitch is perfect for a cardigan (or sweater). This is why I’ve knitted a swatch including a 2 x 2 rib, to recreate a sleeve.

Additionally, it’s a four-row repeat pattern, two of which are plain purl rows; the other two consist in a repetition of two basic steps.

Also, I’d like to take this opportunity to show you a little trick when knitting the Rib stitch, which you can implement for different reasons:

It’s called the Twisted Ribbing stitch, and the only difference is that we’ll work the knit stitches through the back loop in every odd row.

When knitting the even rows, the knit stitches will be worked as usual.

But why to use the Twisted Rib stitch?

Firstly, because it makes the ribbing more robust, the stitches look smaller and more consistent.

Therefore you could use the same size of needles for the ribbing and the main parts of the sweater/cardigan (normally, we’d use a lower number of needles for the ribbings).

Secondly, it’s an easy way to embellish the ribbing (any kind of ribbing: 1 x 1, or 2 x 2, etc).

When knitting the Twisted Rib stitch, the columns of “v”’s appear embossed, making the pattern more appealing.

Finally, if it’s difficult for you to control the tension in your knitting, the Twisted Ribbing can help you avoid loose loops.

You’ll be able to achieve more crispy stitches!

So grab your yarn and needles, and let’s get started!

This swatch was made using 100% cotton yarn (soft and beginners friendly) #ad

Diagonal Flakes knit stitch and Twisted Ribbing. So Woolly.

And carbonized bamboo dpn’s needles (great for knitting swatches and dishcloths) #ad

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

K: Knit

P: Purl

WS: Wrong side of the work

BO: Bind off

N.B.:

The even rows form the right side of the work.

This pattern doesn’t include selvage stitches. Add two to the stitch count, if you prefer to have edge stitches.

Diagonal Flakes stitch knitting pattern

CO multiples of 4 + 2; i.e.: 4 * 3 = 12 + 2 = 14 st.

1º and 3º rows (WS): P across

2º row: K1, *insert the needle (from back to front) into the strand between the st just worked, and the next, creating a new st. K2, and pass the new st over the last 2 st, K2*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, 1K.

4º row: K3, *insert the needle (from back to front) into the strand between the st just worked, and the next, creating a new st. K2, and pass the new st over the last 2 st, K2*. Repeat from * to *, to last 3 st, insert the needle (from back to front) into the strand between the st just worked, and the next, creating a new st, and pass the new st over the last 2 st, 1K.

These four rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

When finished, BO purl-wise, after a row 4 (WS).

This is the other side of the work:

Enjoy the video tutorial: