[b]Materials:[/b]
4-ply worsted weight in color of choice (using a variety of coordinating colors makes for a beautiful rainbow effect)
Crochet hook size H, I, J or K (my hook size of choice is an I)

[b]Abbreviations:[/b]
Arnd-around
Ch(s)-chain(s)
Dc-double crochet
Dec(ing)-decrease (decreasing)
Inc(ing)-increase (increasing)
Rep-repeat
Nxt-next
Sc-single crochet
Sp-space
Ss or sl st-slip stitch
St(s)-stitch(s)

[b]Pattern:[/b]
*Ss in ch-3 sp of box in previous row, 3 dc in same sp. Rep from * to end.

[b]Increase Rows:[/b]
Row 1: Ch 6, dc in 4th ch from hook and nxt 3 chs.
Row 2: Ch 6, turn, dc in 4th ch from hook and next 3 chs. Ss in ch-3 sp of box in previous row.
Row 3: Ch 6, turn, dc in 4th ch from hook and next 3 chs. Follow in pattern st to end.
Row 4-??: Rep row 3, until desired width, inc’ing pattern st (X 1) for each new row.

[b]Decrease Rows:[/b]
Row 1: Ch 1, turn, ss in same st and nxt 2 sts and into ch-3 sp. Ch 3, 3 dc in same sp. Rep from * in row 3 of Increase Rows.
Row 2: Ch 6, turn, dc in 4th ch from hook and nxt 3 chs. Continue in pattern, dec’ing (X1).
Row 3-?? Repeat rows 1 and 2 until afghan is squared off to the length you desire.

[b]Ideas for using your new stitch:[/b]
You can either start small or start on a grand scale. The great thing about the diagonal crazy box stitch is that you start in one corner and end up in the opposite corner. So you can start out planning to make a dishcloth/washcloth and end up making a king-sized bed spread.

There's two items that you might choose to make, right there. Others might include scarves and square hats (fun and fast). Using the same basic ideas, you can make wearable items by making one piece at a time. From these few steps you can make vests, sweaters, skirts, slippers, mittens, wrist warmers, pillows, afghans; and the list goes on.

To add to the excitement of a new stitch, how about making a throw pillow with this stitch, in a rainbow of colors, and the back side with a single coordinating color? So, get out your hooks and yarn and happy crocheting!