Diagonal crochet is a historic technique that has recently been given new life, although it is more commonly called c2c today. It can be used to make a variety of square objects but is particularly popular for crocheting blankets. It is especially popular for graphghans, which alter colors in different diagonal boxes to create beautiful pictures. Here are the instructions for the diagonal crochet. You can use this free pattern to make an afghan in diagonal crochet by making one large square of the size desired or, for take-along work, you can make smaller squares—perhaps in varied colors—to join together when finished. The first group of chains counts as the first dc, so you will now have one corner block consisting of four dc stitches. All of your blocks are going to be made from four dc stitches. This is what gives it the appearance similar to granny stitch, which is typically sets of three double crochet stitches. Proceed in this same manner until you are satisfied with the size of your diagonal crochet blanket. When your row is as long as you want the midline of your blanket to be, you will be ready to decrease. Then slip stitch into the space between the third and fourth double crochet stitches to begin your first box of the row. Working as usual, chain three and then three dc into that space. Continue across the row as normal. You are making boxes the same way as before. However, when you get to the very last block, don’t make the final block. Instead, make your slip stitch as you normally do. Don’t proceed with the “chain three and three dc” that would normally go here. Instead, leave off with the slip stitch. This decreases the row by one block. You will then turn the work and repeat all of the steps from this section. Each row will have one less block than the previous row until you finally get to the opposite corner of where you started and have only one block in that last row.
