The zigzag stitch is a common stitch expert cricketers’ use to create Afghans
and more. The steps are relatively easy and must be learned to finish
the “Evening News” Afghan, or other patterns of Afghans. After you finish your
chain, bobble, Chevron, cluster, cross double, crossbatch, V-stitch, etc, you
will need to zigzag your lozenge stitches. To get started we encourage you
to read the steps below.
How to Zig your Zag to create the lozenge stitch:
To start the zigzag lozenge stitching you will need a base. The base is factored
by multiples of two, plus one. In the first row, starting on the left side,
chain two stitches to start your half-double crochet. Half double in the
following stitch and skip one stitch including a half double, chain, and another
half double in the following stitch. Repeat the steps starting with the final
stitches skip one stitch and work two half doubles in your final stitch, then
turn.
How to half double stitch:
Chain stitch and then intersperse your hook so that it goes into the second
chain stitch and away from your hook. Chain stitch again and draw up your yarn
bringing it through your finished chain and three loops on your crochet hook.
Chain stitch again and draw up your yarn bringing it through each of the three
finished loops on the hook, and the finish, working a half-double stitch into
your pattern.
In the second row, continue to zigzag on the right side. Chain stitch 3 times
to complete the start double crochet. Double crochet your first stitch and
chain one time, and double crochet three clusters in the following space.
Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working through the final
space, adding one chain, two double crochets in clusters and at the crown of
your turning chain, and then turn.
Moving to row three, chain stitch twice for your first half double. Skip the
starting stitch and half double, one chain, and another half double followed
by space and repeat your steps across, and to the finish, completing with a half
double in your crown section of the turning chain, and then turn.
Adding Zigzag to Row 4:
Row 4 you will chain stitch three times for your first double, skip the initial
stitch and cluster three doubles in the following space. Chain another stitch
across, and to the final working a double crochet into the crown of your
turning chain, and then turn. Moving to row, five add two chain stitches to the
first half double. Half double another stitch into the first stitch, half-double,
first chain, half double, and into the following space. Repeat your steps across,
and to the finish working two, half doubles into the crown of your turning chain,
and then turn. Complete your steps by repeating the second through five rows.
You have completed the zigzag lozenge stitching steps. Now you can move to the
sample squares, which sums up eighteen rows. Once you complete the steps, you
can move onto the borders, and finally finishing your Afghan. Once you finish
however, you will need to edge the pattern to finally finishing your Afghan.
Remember when you design an Afghan, particularly the Evening News; you will
need to work through a seven ½-inch gauge. When you start your pattern, keep
texture and colors in mind. We encourage you to visit the Internet to learn more
about the Evening News Afghan and the patterns available to you.
In the period in-between, we can continue learning how to sample your squares.