Argyle and Diamond Pattern Knitting
Argyle is a diamond-pattern colourwork tradition originating in Scotland. The classic argyle has overlapping diamonds in two colours with a third colour as a thin contrasting overlay. Argyle is typically worked in intarsia.
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Why intarsia
Argyle's large diamond shapes have long horizontal sections in single colours — too long to strand without catching frequently. Intarsia (separate bobbins for each colour block) is the standard technique.
The overlay line
The diagonal contrasting line that crosses each diamond is added with a separate strand of yarn or with duplicate stitch after the body is complete. The overlay is what distinguishes argyle from a simple two-colour diamond pattern.
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Best uses
Traditional menswear (argyle vests, socks, pullovers). Modern interpretations on cardigans and scarves. The pattern is strongly associated with Scottish heritage.
Sock argyle
Argyle socks are typically worked flat in intarsia and seamed at the back. Argyle in the round (with steeking) is technically possible but rare.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MC | main colour |
| CC | contrast colour |
Tips
- Use intarsia for argyle — stranded would require constant catching.
- Add the diagonal overlay last with duplicate stitch for the cleanest result.
- Plan bobbin colours carefully — argyle has many colour blocks per row.
In depth
Argyle is one of the most distinctive colourwork patterns in Western knitting. The combination of intarsia diamonds and the diagonal contrasting overlay produces a pattern that has been associated with Scottish heritage knitwear for over a century.