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Small diamond (pattern) icon
Small diamond (pattern)

​A blackwork pattern made up of diagonal squares with a vertical straight stitch inside. It is a small-scale pattern suitable for darker tones.

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Flat Pattern Filling Shading Blackwork

Small diamond (pattern) is generously sponsored by Rosemary Cadogan-Rawlinson

Method

Increasing the thickness of the thread within the pattern can give the effect of shading, whilst breaking up the pattern and deconstructing the pattern by stitching fragments of each stitch can give the appearance of the pattern dissolving and create lighter areas or highlights within your design. Try combining these techniques if the tone is to change quickly.

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Small diamond (pattern) method stage 1 illustration
Small diamond (pattern) method stage 1 photograph
1

Stitch an arrow of three stitches each over two threads (one vertical and two diagonal) each going into the same hole at the top.  Each arrow should be symmetrical.

Small diamond (pattern) method stage 2 illustration
Small diamond (pattern) method stage 2 photograph
2

The diagonals of each stitch should touch that of the neighbouring stitch.

Small diamond (pattern) method stage 3 illustration
Small diamond (pattern) method stage 3 photograph
3

Continue the sequence horizontally.

Small diamond (pattern) method stage 4 illustration
Small diamond (pattern) method stage 4 photograph
4

Each subsequent row is offset with the previous row to complete the diamond in the pattern.

Small diamond (pattern)

Structure of stitch

Flat Pattern

Common uses

Filling Shading

Embroidery Techniques

Blackwork

Related Stitches

Back stitch Arrowhead stitch

Identifying Small diamond (pattern)

​Rows of diamonds with a vertical stitch running from the top point of the diamond to the middle of the diamond shaped space.

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.141