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

Next Pattern:

There are so many things I love about the Stacking Stars pattern from Frankie Brown.

First, it looks like a kid’s toy, which it totally could be, though the intent is to stack the stars into a Christmas tree bit of decor.

I love the rainbow gradient, which makes it all the more cheerful, and serves as a reminder that, while you can plan out your colors beautifully, you can also use your stash for your own brilliant hodgepodge of a star tree.

It includes patterns for nine different sizes of stars, from 2 inch to 6 inch, which makes the perfect pile to look like a tree. What’s more, these stars are worked in garter stitch, so it’s a pretty easy pattern, even if you’re new to knitting. And the stars are solid, so not only can you use them to make your own amazing stack of a tree, you can make more to decorate packages, use as Christmas tree ornaments, make a darling garland, or all of the above.

The pattern calls for DK weight yarn but of course you could play with the yarn weight, too, to make stars that are even larger or smaller than the ones shown. And the bigger ones are made by just working more repeats, so you could continue to work as established to make larger ones to suit all your crafty purposes if you like.

Frankie’s patterns are free on Ravelry, but they ask that people who enjoy their patterns send a donation to the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation. Through the years they have raised more that £26,000 for the charity, which helps families of kids with liver disease. You can donate to Frankie’s fundraiser here. They have tons of great holiday projects and other designs you can check out on their designer page on Ravelry.

[Photo: Frankie Brown]

Next Pattern:

Share this:

Have you read?

Share this:

Leave a ReplyCancel reply