Diamond Eyelet: Specialty Stitches for your Cross Stitch Designs ⋆

This article is part of a series on Advanced and Specialty Stitches. Check the main article for a full list of stitches. This one is just about the diamond eyelet.

Table of Contents

What is a Diamond Eyelet?

Similar to the algerian eyelet, it is a type of stitch that focuses on having a hole in the middle. Its starbust shape lends itself well to christmas designs and other patterns that could use some stars. As with most specialty stitches, it’s also frequently used for adding flair to borders.

For example, this Celtic Cross freebie design by Teresa Wentzler features diamond eyelets in the border and the center of the cross. Unfortunately Teresa’s site no longer exists, so I can’t link you to the pattern.

A Teresa Wentzler design: the Celtic Cross, featuring diamond eyelets.

What does it look like in patterns?

There’s a few variations of the diamond eyelet. The simplified version is easier to execute on aida. While the more detailed one requires you to pierce the middle of squares unless you’re stitching over 2.

Example of what a diamond eyelet might look in a pattern

How to stitch a Diamond Eyelet

Stitched examples of two variations of the diamond eyelet.

Diagram example of stitching a diamond eyelet — Diagram Illustration by Zinthings

Like with other eyelet stitches, stitch from the outside into that center hole, and work your way around following the representation on the pattern itself.

Depending on the pattern, you might have a pretty sparse stitch like the one above, which is similar to the algerian eyelet. Or it might be a more dense diamond shape like the one below.

Stitching example of stitching a diamond eyelet

Pulled alternative

For the pulled variant, pull your thread tightly as you go. With the added tension it starts to create that distinctive hole in the middle that identifies it as an eyelet stitch. It’s pretty much personal preference whether you want that center hole visible or not, so try it both ways and decide from there which you prefer for the pattern you’re working on.

Sequin alternative

Eyelet stitches are also often used to hold sequins in place. For example, the designer FabyReilly is fond of using sequins in her designs.

Stitched example of a diamond eyelet through a sequin.

For this, you’d probably want to use the simplified diamond eyelet and only a single strand of thread in a complementing color. You want the sequin to be visible through the stitch itself, after all.

Beads will also work, but you’ll want one with a largeish hole, and a very thin needle to be able to get through it 6 times.