This entire pattern is done in ‘knit, knit, slip’ sequence that has 6 row repeat. I tried to include every imaginable detail a beginner knitter might require. There are pictures of how to slip stitches with yarn in front and yarn in back. Photos of how to attach yarn and photos of how individual rows should look are also included.

Only skills required are casting on, knit stitch, slip stitch and casting off. Once you complete the first 4 rows, you have the option of continuing by following the written pattern or continuing without the pattern. I’ve written a detailed pictorial explanation of how to look at stitches and understand how to continue knitting without looking at the written pattern.

I’ve also included pictures of a common mistake (slipping stitches with working yarn in wrong position) and how to fix it.

I made this on a size US8 (5.0 mm) circular needle 16” long. It can also be made on straight needles. You will need 25 grams of a light yarn and 25 grams of a dark color yarn. The greater the contrast in color, the more defined the diagonal pattern will be.

Although pictured here in black and white, this diagonal stripe done in red and white makes a fun ‘candy cane’ design. Knit this easy pattern in red and white for a nice gift at Christmas time.