The Hungarian Diamond stitch is a needlepoint stitch made of five vertical stitches that grow and shrink in length (over two, four, six, four and two canvas threads), forming a small diamond. Repeated across the canvas, the diamonds fit together into a neat geometric pattern. All the stitches are upright, and it is also known as Upright Diamond.

Stitch Details

• Stitch Structure: Flat, Parallel, Straight, Condensed
• Related Stitches: Hungarian Stitch, Parisian Stitch
• Also known as: Upright Diamond
• Recommended for: Large areas, Flowers
• Skill level: Beginner

Hungarian Diamond Stitch Instructions & Diagram

You can see the diagram of this stitch below. Work from left to right:

• Make a vertical stitch upwards, skipping one canvas hole (over two threads).
• Bring the needle up in the hole to the bottom right of where your first stitch started.
• Make a second vertical stitch upwards, this time skipping three holes (over four threads).
• Again, bring the needle up in the hole to the bottom right of the start of the last stitch.
• Make a third vertical stitch upwards, skipping five holes (over six threads). This is the centre of the diamond.
• Repeat the process, now decreasing the length: skip three holes, then one. This completes one diamond.
• Start the next diamond following the diagram, and repeat as many times as necessary. The diamonds of the next row fit into the spaces left by the row above.

Tips for a Perfect Hungarian Diamond Stitch

• Count the holes, not the threads. Skip one, three, five, three, one. Saying the sequence out loud helps a lot on the first row.
• Check the first row before you continue. The next rows fit into it, so a mistake in row one will show everywhere.
• Use two colours for a bold look. Alternating colours between rows of diamonds creates a striking geometric pattern, great for modern designs.
• Keep an even tension. Upright stitches don't distort the canvas much, but even, relaxed stitches give the best coverage.

Hungarian Diamond vs Hungarian Stitch

• Hungarian stitch: small units of three vertical stitches (short, long, short), for a fine, regular texture.
• Hungarian Diamond (this page): bigger units of five vertical stitches, for a more visible diamond pattern.

Hungarian Diamond Stitch FAQ

Is the Hungarian Diamond stitch good for beginners?

Yes. It only uses vertical stitches in a simple, repeating sequence, so it's a great first decorative stitch.

Is the Hungarian Diamond the same as the Upright Diamond?

Yes, they are two names for the same stitch.

What is the Hungarian Diamond stitch used for?

It's lovely for large areas and backgrounds, for flowers, and for any design where you want a clear geometric texture.

Stitch Guides where Hungarian Diamond Stitch is used

If you have doubts about what stitches to choose for your project, check our Tips to select Needlepoint Stitches or Our favorite Needlepoint Decorative Stitches.

Happy stitching :)