Diamond Ennis

Description

This two-color convertible rhombus shape makes the most of one of my favorite things: Tunisian filet structure and drape. Looking for the triangle shawl? See the Ennis Revelation set.

Add two beaded ties for a shoulder layer that stays where you drape it. Add two more ties and it converts to a stunning halter top.

The ties are designed to be repositionable. Add, remove, and relocate the ties anywhere, easily. They’re crocheted with Tunisian stitches and the beaded fringe ends are done with a crochet hook.

The size Small shown here required only 170 yards (two Lotus Snack mini-balls) and could be completed in a day. Tunisian lace doesn’t use up a lot of yarn, and looks pretty on both sides.

The pattern includes changes for Medium, Large/1X, and Plus sizes. It has a stitch diagram, schematic, and plenty of leftie-friendly extra information.

This Diamond Ennis pattern is also in a set called Ennis Revelation. The other pattern in the set is a triangular shawl that was my first and most dramatic Tunisian filet design, published as Ennis in Interweave Crochet Magazine, Summer 2013 issue.

The original Ennis inspired the Aero series: Aero, Warm Aeroette, Aery Faery, and Aquarienne, as well as more designs in progress, classes, newsletters, and blog posts over the years. I’ve added links to some of these in this pattern.

Skill Level

Tunisian Intermediate. With this pattern you’ll learn how to crochet a diamond shape from the center out. You’ll decrease along only the “easy” edge (the starting edge of the forward passes).

Is this your first Tunisian filet project? Try a few different crochet hooks; a different surface finish may offer more control when making stitches with many yarn overs. If the numerous yarn overs remain challenging, start with the Aery Faery or Warm Aeroette pattern instead. They were written with Tunisian filet beginners in mind.

I’ve kept abbreviations to a minimum.

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

• How to apply principles of filet crochet to Tunisian stitches for a strikingly lacy net.
• How to manage different kinds of loops held on the Tunisian crochet hook: temporary vs. Tunisian yarn overs, and completed stitches.
• How to make and drape a “diamond” (rhombus) as a capelet-style wrap, and halter top.
• How to edge Tunisian crochet with filet spaces as you go.
• How to crochet beaded-fringe removable ties.

Finished Dimensions

Measured flat, blocked. Dimensions are given for sizes X-Small/Small, with Medium and Large in parentheses. Pattern has more details on customizing the dimensions and yarn amounts.

• Halter Vest: Torso circumference is 38 (41.5, 45)” {96.5 (105.4, 114.3) cm}. Each solid-stitch bra cup section spans approx. 7.5 (8.5, 9.5)” {19.1 (21.6, 24.1) cm} in height and width. Neckline drop is 12 (13, 14.5)”.
  The ties add range to these final dimensions.
• Shoulder Drape: 38 (41.5, 45)” long x 12 (13, 14.5)” wide {105.4 (114.3) cm x 33.0 (36.8) cm}.

Materials

Straight or Flexible Tunisian crochet hook at least 13″ {33.0 cm} long: Size G/6 {4 mm} or size needed to match gauge.

Yarn DesigningVashti.com Lotus (52% Cotton, 48% Rayon; 256 yds/235 m per 3.5 oz/100 g skein): This yarn comes in two amounts. This one is the original 256-yd ball. See below for the 85-yd “Snack” mini-ball. Use one 256-yd ball if you want to make a one-color version in any size. For the 2-color version, use one ball of each color for the Plus sizes.

• Yarn Used for Diamond Ennis Shown: DesigningVashti.com Lotus Snack mini-balls (52% Cotton, 48% Rayon; 85 yds/77.7 m per 1.16 oz/33 g skein): 1 (2, 2) balls each of Satin Grey and Lavender Ice. Add 40 yds more per Plus size (see p. 9) and use the 256-yd ball size listed above.
• Substituting Yarns: Pattern works the same if you use one color throughout. The dramatic filet border is created as you complete each row, so a long-striping yarn would work well. Choose a yarn with a recommended crochet hook size range of E/4–G/7 {3.5 mm–4.5 mm}. Or use any yarn weight and a hook size that is appropriate for it.

Large Seed Beads and a steel hook (optional for ties): 18 seed beads per tie. Capelet style needs two ties (36 beads) and the halter style needs four (72 beads). The bead holes need to be large enough for a loop of your yarn to be pulled through with a steel crochet hook. For the Lotus yarn I used size 6° “e-beads” and a size 10 {1.3 mm} steel hook.

Notions: Two stitch markers. Scissors. Yarn needle.