Stitch Up Different Kinds of Herringbone Stitches

A few months ago I wrote a post all about horizontal herringbone stitch, an admittedly kind of weird stitch pattern that has a very cool woven look to it. At the time I mentioned that there are lots of different things in knitting that use the term “herringbone,” and I meant to get back to that before now, but here we are. Let’s check out some alternative herringbone knitting patterns.

I love the Welcome Home rug from THNLife, which is sort of a cross between chevrons and herringbone. Whatever you want to call it, it’s pretty, and easier to make than traditional herringbone because the pattern is made with slipped stitches. This particular pattern uses three strands of worsted weight cotton yarn held together for a rug that’s as durable as it is pretty. Not sure I’d make it in white, though.

The Herringbone Rib Socks from A Busy Life on Etsy uses a combination of slipped stitches paired with yarn overs and passing the slipped stitch over to make the design in the ribbing. This is a pretty straightforward sock pattern with a slip stitch heel flap and grafted toe (which she worked in a contrasting yarn but you don’t have to if you don’t like that look here).

Or try the Soft Washed Herringbone Mitts from Churchmouse Yarns. This pattern has a couple on interesting things going on. The herringbone design here is made by bringing the yarn to the front, slipping stitches and then taking the yarn to the back to make that woven look. They’re knit flat and seamed, but they’re also made with the intention that you will felt them in the washing machine. (I would probably do it by hand because you want these to fit your hands when you’re done and it’s easier to stop when you need to if you’re watching the felting happen.)

Who knew there were so many different ways to get a similar look?

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One of the hardest things about winter for me is the lack of color. It’s like the whole world ran out of toner, and often our clothes reflect the muted landscape outside, which just makes everything more drab.

This year I’m trying to use and wear all the fun colors of yarn I have in my stash, and I think the Minas Sweater from Cecilia Lalanne & Gabriella Calderini for Manos del Uruguay would be a great way to use a lot of colorful yarn on a sweet sweater.

This cropped sweater uses 1×1 stranded colorwork where the colors change as you work the pattern, which makes it look more complex than it is. The project calls for five colors of worsted weight yarn, but you could probably even use more (or use a multicolored yarn as one or some of your options) to bring even more color to the party.

It’s a simple drop shoulder crewneck with straight sleeves, so pretty much all you have to focus on is changing your colors when you need to.

There are seven size options in the pattern, ranging from a bust circumference (on the sweater, not the wearer) from 42.75 to 69.25 inches, or 108.5 to 176 cm. It’s intended to be worn with around 8 inches or 20 cm of positive ease for a casual, oversized look.

You can go bold with the color choices like the sample shown here, or pick a couple of more neutral colors to combine with some brighter shades if that’s more your style. Either way this project should be as easy to knit as it is fun to wear. And of course those bright colors make me think a teenager in your life might love it, but of course there’s no rule that says you have to stop wearing fun colors at a certain age. Thank goodness.

The pattern is free to download from Ravelry and is available in both English and Spanish.

[Photo: Cecilia Lalanne & Gabriella Calderini]

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