I developed this strategic four-edge stitch shaping combination from scratch because common shaping methods don’t work well for diagonal Tunisian crochet. My goal was to find a uniformly finished solid edge for Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss) that’s also symmetrically stretchy. I researched 100 or so sources and I know of no one else using it; nor do I know of a published option that offers a close substitute.

This Symmetrical Diamond 101 pattern introduces diagonal Tunisian crochet for clothing and fashion accessories, but this basic pattern works just as well for afghan motifs, pillows, hotpads, and other home decor. Pick a yarn with built-in color changes for exciting stripes! The pattern starts out as an all-purpose swatch for any yarn and hook size, then offers three ways to turn your swatch into a practical project:

• Make dishcloths with medium cotton yarn.
• Make a padded wrist rest, sleeve for your cell phone or sunglasses, or a set of reusable makeup remover pads with thinner yarns.

Skill Level: Easy Intermediate.
You should know how to crochet the Tunisian Simple Stitch (Tss), and have some experience using a Beginner-Level Tunisian crochet pattern. (Burly is an example of one.)

After using this pattern, you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to create a symmetrical triangle and a square of any size with Tunisian simple stitch by starting in the corner (and how much fun it is!).
• How to start in one corner to add stretch, drape, and diagonal striping to Tunisian crochet.
• How to increase and decrease along the right edge of Tunisian crochet rows to take advantage of this dynamic biasing fabric.
• How to increase along the left edge of Tunisian crochet rows to match the drape and stretch of the right side.

Finished Dimensions of Projects Shown (After Blocking)
Dishcloth: 6.5” {16.5 cm} square.
Diamond Eyeglass Sleeve: 6” {15.25 cm} square.
Diamond Makeup Reusables: 2.75” {7 cm} square.
It’s easy to make your diamond larger or smaller.

Materials Used for Diamond Dishcloth
Crochet Hook: Size US10/J/6.0 mm Tunisian crochet hook that is at least 10” {25.5 cm} long for the longest rows. Tip: Since you begin in one corner, you can use a regular crochet hook as your Tunisian hook until it’s difficult for you to keep all loops of the Forward Pass (FP) on your hook; then switch to a longer Tunisian hook.
Yarn Shown: Lion Brand Cotton Ease.
Substituting a yarn: For most dishcloths and facecloths I personally like a cotton-acrylic blend. It seems to stay soft longer and dry faster. Choose a #3 Light or #4 Medium Weight yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of US7/G/4.5mm to 9/I/5.5mm. These yarns may also be referred to as DK (Double Knitting), Light Worsted, or Worsted weight.
Two stitch markers (optional)

Materials Used for Diamond Eyeglass Sleeve
Crochet Hook: Size US8/H/5.0 mm Tunisian crochet hook that is at least 10” {25.5 cm} long for the longest rows. Tip: Since you begin in one corner, you can use a regular crochet hook as your Tunisian hook until it’s difficult for you to keep all loops of the Forward Pass (FP) on your hook; then switch to a longer Tunisian hook.
Substituting a yarn: I chose a thicker than usual sock yarn for two reasons: I want this yarn to hold up when I keep this sunglass sleeve in my handbag, and it’s easy to find a dramatically self-striping sock yarn. (See Diamond Makeup Reusables below for standard thinner weight sock yarn examples.) Choose a #2 Fine Weight yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of US4/E/3.5mm to US6/G/4.0mm. These yarns may also be referred to as Sport, Heavy Sock {Light DK, 5-Ply}.
Two stitch markers (optional)

Materials Used for Diamond Makeup Reusables
Crochet Hook: Size US5/F/3.75 mm Tunisian crochet hook of any length.
Yarn Shown: Plymouth Sockotta.
Substituting a yarn: This cotton blend sock yarn is an unconventional choice for crocheted makeup remover pads and I’m really happy with it. Many crocheters use a thicker 100% cotton “dishcloth” yarn instead (see “Diamond Dishcloth” above). Most sock yarns are designed to hold up to hard wear and machine washing and drying. I like the sock yarn I used because it’s thinner, it has enough cotton to feel soft and absorbent, and the heathered color changes don’t show any traces of makeup residue after washing. I prefer them over the one-use quilted cotton balls I’ve used for years!

I loved this yarn for a soft and durable padded wrist rest: Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Silk Color. For more information about this project variation, see this Ravelry project page: http://ravel.me/vashtirama/ptdwr .

Two stitch markers (optional)