Welcome, crochet enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a project that balances openwork with a lovely, repeating texture, you’ve found it. The stitch in the image—a delicate pattern featuring open diamond netting bordered by built-in scallops—is what I call the “Coral Sea Diamond Lace.” Worked in that dreamy coral pink, it’s perfect for shawls, scarves, blankets, and table runners.
You asked for a long and detailed guide, so we’re going to break down this stunning 6-row repeat completely!
🛍️ Materials & Tools: Your Crochet Arsenal 🛍️
For a delicate lace with great drape like this, the right supplies make all the difference.
- Yarn: A Sport Weight (Weight 2) or DK (Double Knitting/Weight 3) yarn is ideal. Mercerized cotton or a soft acrylic blend will give you the best stitch definition and drape.
- Crochet Hook: Use a hook size that allows the lace to open up. For DK weight, a 3.5 mm (E/4) or 4.0 mm (G/6) hook works well. Always swatch to check your personal tension.
- Scissors: For a neat finish.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): Highly recommended for marking the turning chain, as the open structure can make it hard to find.
📚 Stitch Glossary: Decoding the Pattern 📚
This pattern primarily uses simple stitches, but relies heavily on the V-stitch and specific placement to create the texture. We’ll use US Crochet Terms.
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name | Description |
| ch | Chain | Standard chain. |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) | |
| sk | Skip | |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | Standard slip stitch. |
| sc | Single Crochet | Standard single crochet. |
| dc | Double Crochet | Standard double crochet. |
| V-st | V-Stitch | (dc, ch 1, dc) all in the same stitch or space. |
| Shell | Shell Stitch | (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) all in the same stitch or space. |
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📐 Gauge and Pattern Repeat 📐
Getting your gauge right is essential for ensuring your diamond mesh looks consistent and your scallops align.
Pattern Repeat:
The pattern is worked over a multiple of 10+2 chains for the starting foundation.
- For our detailed swatch, we will start with Ch 42 (10×4=40+2=42).
- The ch 3 at the beginning of a row counts as 1 dc.
Gauge (Approximate):
- One full repeat of the pattern (the diamond top to the scallop top) should measure approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) high.
🌊 The “Coral Sea Diamond Lace” Pattern: Row by Row 🌊
This pattern uses a 6-row repeat to create the full texture and is worked in rows.
▶️ Foundation Row:
- Ch a multiple of 10+2. (For swatch, Ch 42).
Row 1 (RS – Mesh Setup):
- Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (counts as 2 dc). Dc in the next 2 chs (4 dc total).
- *Ch 1, sk 1 ch, V-st (dc, ch 1, dc) in the next ch.
- Ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in the next 5 chs.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, until 5 chs remain.
- Ch 1, sk 1 ch, V-st in the next ch.
- Ch 1, sk 1 ch, dc in the last 2 chs.
- Turn.
This row sets up the openwork base and the solid areas that will form the scallop centers.
Row 2 (WS – V-Stitch Mesh):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the next dc.
- Ch 1, sk 1 dc, V-st in the ch-1 sp before the V-st.
- V-st in the ch-1 sp of the V-st. V-st in the ch-1 sp after the V-st. (Three V-stitches worked together).
- Ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in the next 3 dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with V-st in the ch-1 sp of the V-st.
- Ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in the last 2 sts (dc and top of ch-3).
- Turn.
This row expands the open mesh, placing V-stitches over the V-stitches of the previous row.
Row 3 (RS – Solid Bar & Scallop Center):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the next dc.
- Dc in the ch-1 sp. Dc in the next 5 dc.
- *Dc in the ch-1 sp. Dc in the next 3 dc.
- Dc in the ch-1 sp. Dc in the next 5 dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with dc in the final 3 sts.
- Turn. (Total stitches: 37 dc).
This solid row locks the mesh into the diamond shape and prepares the foundation for the deep scallop.
Row 4 (WS – Deep Scallop Row):
- Ch 1 (does not count as st). Sc in the first dc.
- *Sk 2 dc, Shell (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in the next dc.
- Sk 2 dc, sc in the next dc (the center of the V-st block from two rows prior).
- Sk 2 dc, Shell (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in the next dc.
- Sk 2 dc, sc in the next dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with sc in the top of the turning ch-3.
- Turn.
This row creates the prominent, beautiful scallops along the bottom of the section, completing the first main motif.
Row 5 (RS – Next Mesh Setup):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the first sc.
- Dc in the next 3 dc of the Shell.
- Ch 1, V-st in the ch-1 sp of the Shell.
- Ch 1, dc in the next 3 dc of the Shell.
- Dc in the sc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with dc in the last 4 sts.
- Turn.
This row establishes the mesh pattern again, with the solid dc sections sitting directly above the previous scallop peaks.
Row 6 (WS – Next V-Stitch Mesh):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the next 3 dc.
- *Ch 1, V-st in the ch-1 sp before the V-st.
- V-st in the ch-1 sp of the V-st. V-st in the ch-1 sp after the V-st.
- Ch 1, dc in the next 5 dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with dc in the last 4 sts.
- Turn.
This row is similar to Row 2, but the solid dc blocks are centered over the scallop centers, completing the offset.
Video Tutorial:
🔄 The Repeat Sequence: Building the Fabric 🔄
The pattern is now fully established! To continue the Coral Sea Diamond Lace, you will now repeat Rows 3-6 until your project reaches your desired size.
- Row 3 will be worked directly over Row 6, locking the second mesh section into place.
- The 4-row repeating cycle is Rows 3, 4, 5, and 6.
🚿 Finishing and Blocking: Defining Your Lace 🚿
For this type of structural lace, blocking is crucial to open the mesh diamonds and define the scallop edges.
- Finishing: Fasten off your yarn. You can add a simple row of sc or sl st along the top edge for a clean finish.
- Wet Blocking: Soak your finished piece in lukewarm water.
- Pin and Shape: Pin the lace out onto a blocking mat, carefully stretching it both vertically and horizontally. Pay attention to pinning out the ch-1 sps of the Shells to define the scallop edges.
- Dry: Allow the piece to dry completely before unpinning.
🌟 Project Inspiration 🌟
- Lace Edged Shawl: Use this pattern for the body and let the natural scallop be the final border.
- Table Runner: The elegant, repeating scallops make this perfect for table decor.
- Summer Cardigan or Vest: The open mesh provides a light, breathable fabric.
Happy crocheting! Enjoy creating this beautiful, elegant lace!
