Don’t you love a crochet lace tutorial that is easier than it looks? If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to crochet lace, the Diagonal Lace Stitch is a gorgeous and beginner-friendly place to starts. This crochet lace on requires two stitches to make. Just two stitches! And it’s eye catching because the shape changes when the fabric hangs to create groups of slanting double crochets. This crochet stitch is perfect for all kinds of crochet wearables, such as wraps, tops, or a modern table runner.
If you’ve ever thought lace crochet might be tricky, let me assure you—it’s not as hard as it looks! In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to master the Diagonal Lace stitch, complete with a video tutorial on my YouTube channel, Creations by Courtney.
So, grab your yarn and hook, sit comfortably, and let’s get to stitchin’!
What is the Diagonal Lace Stitch?
This diagonal lace crochet stitch features beautiful open spaces and slanted lines that looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly straightforward for a large stitch multiple and 6 row repeat. With just double crochets and chain stitches, you’ll creates shifting blocks and open spaces that reminds me of a staircase. This is why I’ve named all of my designs with Stepping Out in the name. 🙂
The open spaces are perfect for lightweight scarves in the spring, or a medium-sized wrap to be worn with a spaghetti strap dress on a summer night.
With this step-by-step guide (and maybe a few giggles along the way), you’ll have it mastered in no time.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Yarn: For a delicate, lacy effect, go for thinner yarns like cotton or linen. Prefer something cozy? Try a soft acrylic or wool.
- Crochet Hook: Match the hook size to your yarn (check the label for suggestions). If you’re unsure, a slightly larger hook is my go to for lace to be open, especially after blocking.
- Other Tools: A can do attitude! I promise that this is an easy lace crochet pattern, but may feel hard because it takes 6 rows before repeating the order of the rows.
Pro Tip: If this is your first time with lace crochet, a light-colored yarn makes it easier to see your stitches.
Stitch Multiple
Chain stitches: multiple of 12
Foundations stitches: multiple of 12 + 10 OR 12-2 (for my math loving crocheters)
Row Repeat
6 rows
ABBREVIATIONS
Ch: chain
CSDC: chainless starting double crochet
Dc: double crochet
Fsc: foundation single crochet
M: stitch marker
Rem: remain(ing)
Rep: repeat
Sc: single crochet
Sk: skip
Sl st: slip stitch(es)
St(s): stitch(es)
YO: yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
CSDC: pull up a tall loop, holding loop in place and wrap yarn around hook (yarn over), insert hook in first st, YO, pull up a loop, [YO, pull through 2 loops] twice
NOTES for this Crochet Lace Tutorial
I prefer using the chinless starting double crochet to create a neat edge and reduce the space that is formed when using chains. If you are not familiar or don’t like the CSDC, you can use stacked single crochet or chain 3. Pick whichever option will create the height needed for the row and the other stitches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this crochet lace stitch tutorial together. I’ll show you how to begin with chain stitches with the pictures followed by just written instructions with foundation single crochet.
With Chain stitches
Ch 24,
Row 1: Starting in 4th ch from hook (skipped 3 ch counts as dc), dc in next st, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, *ch 2, sk next 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk next 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 2: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, [ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts] 2 times, *ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, repeat from * to end (if using a longer starting chain in a project), turn.
Row 3: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, *dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn.
Row 4: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 6, sk 6 st, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, repeat from * until 4 sts remain, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn.
Row 5: CSDC in first st, dc in next 5 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 6: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * to end, turn.
Row 7: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, repeat from * to end, turn.
Repeat Rows 2-7 until desired length is reached
Pin this crochet lace tutorial for later
With Foundation Stitches
Row 1: Fsc 34, turn
Row 2: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts; repeat from * one more time, turn
Row 3: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, [ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts] 2 times, *ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * one more time, turn
Row 4: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, *dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts; repeat from * until 6 sts remain, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn
Row 5: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts,*ch 6, sk 6 st, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, repeat from * one more time, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in last 2 sts, turn
Row 6: CSDC in first st, dc in next 5 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * one more time, turn
Row 7: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 2 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 6, sk 6 sts, dc in next 2 sts; repeat from * one more time, turn
Row 8: CSDC in first st, dc in next st, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts, *ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 2 sts, ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next 6 sts; repeat from *one more time, turn
Repeat Rows 3-8 one more time
Tips for Beginners
Can I share a secret? Lace crochet can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some friendly tips to set you up for success:
- Start Small, Dream Big: Practice with a swatch first—no pressure, just play around until you feel confident.
- Markers Are Your BFF: Use stitch markers to keep track of chain spaces or tricky spots. It’s like having little helpers on your hook!
- Triple check your progress: It’s worth the time to ensure that the “picture” created from the stitches and chain spaces is lining up throughout the project. Don’t forget to count your stitches at the end of every few rows to avoid surprises later.
- Embrace Mistakes: It happens to us all. It’s a part of being a crafter. Just frog back to the mistake, and now you’ve created an opportunity to build muscle memory for the pattern.
- Watch and Learn: Need extra help? My crochet lace video tutorial on YouTube walks you through each row so you can crochet confidently. Seeing it in action can make all the difference.
You’ve got this—trust yourself, and enjoy the process!
Ideas for Using the Diagonal Lace Stitch
The fun doesn’t stop once you’ve mastered the stitch—this pattern is bursting with creative possibilities. Check out these patterns and ideas:
- Stepping Out Wrap: It’s oversized to be worn in multiple ways. Make a few ties, and it can be worn like a poncho.
- Stepping Out Coverup: Be sassy from the pool to the beach to dinner with this eye-catching piece.
- Stepping Out Hat: Maybe a full garment in this stitch feels intimidating. Start with a quick, mood-boosting win by making a lacy hat that will add a pop of color and interest to an outfit.
- A Spring Scarf: Using this lace stitch for crochet scarves = lightweight, breathable, and perfect for those in-between weather days. It’s a great way to jazz up an outfit too.
- Stylish Home Accents: Table runners or placemats with the Diagonal Lace stitch? Yes, please!
- Fashion-Forward Garments: Incorporate the stitch into a summer top or cardigan to keep things modern and chic.
Remember, crochet is about expressing yourself. Use this stitch in any project where you want to add a little extra flair!
Did you enjoy this crochet lace tutorial?
The Diagonal Lace stitch is your new secret weapon for creating projects that wow. Whether you’re making a scarf, shawl, or something totally unique, this pattern adds elegance and style in just a few steps.
I would love to see what you make with this easy crochet lace stitch. Tag @creationsbycourtneyllc on Facebook and Instagram with #CreationsbyCourtney. I want to brag about your crochet work!
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