From the Original Text
“Slanting stitch.—This is worked like the ordinary single stitch, except that the needle, instead of being passed through the loop immediately above, is passed through the one to the left of it, which gives the work a slanting direction.”
— Thérèse de Dillmont, Encyclopedia of Needlework, 1886
Modern Step-by-Step Instructions
The slanting stitch creates diagonal lines and directional flow in crochet fabric by intentionally working into stitches offset from the typical vertical alignment. This technique produces unique textural effects and can create striking geometric patterns when worked systematically. The slanted orientation adds visual movement and architectural interest to otherwise static crochet designs.
What You’ll Need
- Medium-weight yarn — Worsted weight shows the slant clearly
- Crochet hook — Size appropriate for chosen yarn
- Stitch markers — Essential for tracking diagonal progression
- Graph paper — Optional, for planning complex slanted patterns
- Yarn needle — For finishing work
How to Work the Slanting Stitch
- Work a foundation row of single crochet stitches.
- Turn and chain 1 to begin the slanting pattern.
- Skip the first stitch directly below your chain.
- Work into the second stitch to the left of where you would normally start.
- Continue working single crochet but always into the stitch to the left of the “normal” position.
- Maintain the offset throughout the row for consistent slanting.
- At row ends you may need to adjust to maintain stitch count.
- Turn and repeat for subsequent rows, maintaining the diagonal progression.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Slanting Stitch
- Use stitch markers liberally to track your diagonal progression
- Practice on a small swatch first to understand the offset pattern
- Plan your project dimensions carefully—slanting creates bias in the fabric
- Consider the direction of slant for different decorative effects
- Count stitches carefully as the diagonal can make it easy to skip or double-work stitches
- Block the finished piece to even out any irregularities in the slant
Traditional Uses
Slanting stitch created dynamic visual effects in Victorian crochet:
- Geometric patterns — Creating diagonal lines and chevrons
- Decorative borders — Adding directional movement to edges
- Textural panels — Breaking up solid areas with diagonal interest
- Architectural details — Mimicking building elements in domestic items
- Garment shaping — Creating bias sections for fitted elements
- Artistic compositions — Developing complex visual narratives
- Teaching exercises — Demonstrating advanced stitch manipulation
Historical Note
The slanting stitch demonstrates the Victorian era’s fascination with architectural and geometric influences in domestic arts. This technique reflected the period’s appreciation for mathematical precision and visual sophistication in needlework, moving beyond purely functional applications to explore artistic possibilities. De Dillmont’s documentation of this advanced technique showed how crochet could create complex visual effects through subtle modifications of basic methods. The slanting stitch represented the craft’s evolution toward more sculptural and dimensional possibilities, anticipating modern crochet’s exploration of bias and directional techniques. This stitch proved that simple modifications could yield dramatically different results, encouraging experimentation and creative development.
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