Get to Know Herringbone Stitch

There are several different knitting stitch patterns known as herringbone stitch, but the one I most commonly think of when I think of herringbone is the horizontal herringbone stitch. If you don’t know this one you can check it out at Mama in a Stitch or New Stitch a Day.

This is considered a somewhat advanced stitch pattern because of the strange technique used to make it. It’s like working decreases except you don’t actually decrease, because when you slip the stitch off the needle you only take one loop, not two. This might make more sense if you check out a video or photo tutorial of the stitch pattern, which you can find above.

It’s really pretty fun once you get the hang of it, and I love the texture, which gives you a firm fabric that looks woven. If you want to try it, check out these fun patterns.

Mama in a Stitch made a bag with the horizontal herringbone stitch, which is a great basic project to practice the technique on. Or try the Herringbone Knit Scarf from Originally Lovely. This one is worked from a short side so you can make it as long as you like, or turn it into a cowl or infinity scarf if you like.

Speaking of infinity scarves, the Big Herringbone Cowl from Purl Soho is another great, easy herringbone pattern. This one is worked in the round on big needles (size 17 US/12mm with worsted weight yarn), which changes the technique a little bit, but the pattern includes a great tutorial for how to work the stitch.

This slouchy herringbone hat from Muki Crafts on Etsy is another fun way to try this stitch. It uses worsted weight yarn and is sized for kids and adults.

This herringbone throw from Arianna Frasca uses super bulky yarn and looks super cozy. You’ll definitely become an expert at working this stitch if you make this project. You can grab it on Ravelry.

While you’re at it, you can stitch up a pillow to match with this pattern from Modern Made Shop on Etsy. This one uses worsted weight yarn and slightly larger needles than the yarn might usually call for, too, which makes forming the stitches a little easier.

Stitch a Fun Herringbone Lace Hat

How to Knit Herringbone Stitch

Knit a Wee Scarf in Blooming Color

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Many times when I write these posts I will say something like “you can use any yarn you want” or “this would be a great stash-busting project.” That’s just how my mind works. And my stash, too, since I probably have sweater quantity of two or three yarns at most, but tons of singles and odd balls and leftovers.

Blankets are generally a really good way to use up those bits, but in this case, I think you’re going to want to plan it out a bit better.

Looking at photos of the Color Study Blanket from Purl Soho, it looks like it’s made with two yarns held together, and that block in the center is worked with one of each color from the adjoining sides to make a mixed up color.

But that’s not actually how it’s done. This is three separate colors (four, really, with the neutrals in the corners) chosen form a yarn with an expansive palette so they play off each other. The project calls for a worsted weight superwash wool, which is a great choice for a blanket that’s both warm and washable.

This pattern was originally designed by Laura Ferguson and was updated by Hiromi Glover. It is worked in one piece in garter stitch intarsia, which is a great way to learn the intarsia technique if you don’t already know it. It comes in crib or throw sizes.

Despite the introduction to this post, I am going to go ahead and say that, yes, of course you could do this blanket with scraps or odd balls or even just choose five colors that don’t blend together so easily. But I really do love the look of the color play, and I think it would be worth your time to find colors that play well together to get a similar effect.

This pattern is available for free from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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