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Stitch Up Different Kinds of Herringbone Stitches

February 28, 2024 by Sarah White

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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Have you read?

15 Western Knitting Patterns For Modern Line Dancers And Cowgirls

There is something wonderfully satisfying about putting together a line-dancing outfit that feels western without looking as though you have wandered away from a themed birthday party.

Modern country style is much softer and more wearable than the head-to-toe fringe and rhinestones many of us remember. A good pair of jeans, comfortable cowboy boots and one handmade piece can be enough to give an outfit that lovely cowgirl feel. It might be a horse sweater, a knitted bandana, chunky boot cuffs or a beanie with a subtle horseshoe cable running up the front.

These western knitting patterns include a mix of statement garments and smaller accessories for modern line dancers, horse lovers and anyone currently enjoying the return of country-inspired fashion.

I have included both paid and free knitting patterns, with direct links to the individual patterns. There are horse sweaters for the confident colourwork knitter, quick boot cuffs for beginners, practical socks to wear inside cowboy boots and smaller accessories for those of us who like our western style with a little less yee-haw.

Horse Sweater Knitting Patterns For Modern Cowgirls

Vintage Adult Horse Sweater Knitting Pattern

This vintage horse sweater pattern includes sizes from a 26-inch to 44-inch chest, making it one of the more useful older patterns for adult knitters. The large horse motif is created using intarsia, while the straightforward jumper shape gives you plenty of room to modernise the finished garment.

I would knit this one in cream and chocolate brown, rust and oatmeal or black and faded denim blue. Worn slightly oversized with jeans and cowboy boots, it could look surprisingly current.

Palomino Horse Sweater Jacket Knitting Pattern

This is a proper statement western knitting project. The zip-front jacket features a large bridled palomino horse on the back, horseshoe motifs around the lower section, raglan sleeves, pockets and a choice of adult sizes.

It has enough detail to become the star of your entire line-dancing wardrobe. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and let the horse jacket do the galloping.

The Laramie Horse Sweater Knitting Pattern

The Laramie Sweater features a large horse motif and a relaxed vintage-inspired shape. It has that slightly preppy equestrian look that works beautifully with modern western fashion.

Choose earthy colours rather than very bright novelty shades to give it a more grown-up cowgirl finish. Camel, cream, tobacco brown and deep burgundy would all work well.

 

Free Cowgirl Beanie And Horse Hat Knitting Patterns

Horse Country Knit Hat Pattern

This knitted horse hat pattern has a more playful equestrian look and is available in youth and adult sizing. It would make a fun project for a horse-loving friend or a useful winter accessory for outdoor country events.

Working it in natural horse colours will keep the finished hat wearable. You could also leave off any particularly novelty-style details and use the main horse design on a simple beanie.

Free Ahimsa Horse Hat Knitting Pattern

This knitted horse hat pattern was designed for the horse lovers in the designer’s family. It features a recognisable equestrian motif while retaining the practical shape of an everyday winter beanie.

This is the sort of accessory that can quietly declare your horse-girl status without requiring you to wear an entire picture jumper.

Free Knitted Boot Cuffs For Cowboy Boots

Free Super Chunky Boot Cuffs Knitting Pattern

These free boot cuffs are knitted flat as simple rectangles and then seamed, making them an approachable project for beginner knitters. The super-chunky yarn also means you could finish a pair without committing an entire month of your life to them.

Wear them just above short cowboy boots or tuck them inside taller boots so that only the textured cuff is visible.

Free Beginner Boot Cuffs Knitting Pattern

This easy free pattern uses basic knit and purl stitches and does not require circular needles. The cuffs are knitted flat and then joined, so they are particularly suitable for newer knitters.

Try them in rust, camel, turquoise or cream. A little wooden, leather-look or silver button added to the side could give them an extra western finish.

Free Ribbed Outdoor Boot Cuffs

These practical ribbed cuffs can be tucked into boots, worn over jeans or used to provide a little extra protection and warmth around the lower leg. The uncomplicated ribbing also makes them a good relaxing knit.

For line dancers, boot cuffs are useful because they give you the look of tall knitted socks without adding quite as much bulk inside a fitted cowboy boot.

Free Knit Boot Topper Pattern

These free boot toppers give the appearance of thick winter socks without requiring you to knit the entire foot section. They are quick enough to make in several colours and could be coordinated with different western outfits.

Use a slightly rustic yarn for a ranch-inspired look, or choose something softer if the cuffs will sit directly against your legs.

Free Boot Sock Knitting Patterns For Line Dancers

Free Step-By-Step Boot Socks Knitting Pattern

This free boot sock pattern includes three adult sizes and is supported by a detailed video tutorial. The socks feature a proper heel and toe construction, making them a practical project as well as a decorative one.

A sturdy pair of hand-knitted boot socks can add cushioning inside cowboy boots, although it is worth checking your boots still have enough room before knitting with a very thick yarn.

Free DK Boot Socks Knitting Pattern

These top-down boot socks use DK yarn, so they work up more quickly than traditional fingering-weight socks. The thicker fabric makes them particularly suitable for winter boots and outdoor country events.

Add narrow stripes around the legs in colours inspired by western blankets, or work a tiny horseshoe into the cuff using duplicate stitch.

Free Purl Soho Boot Socks Pattern

This classic free boot sock design is available in a broad range of sizes. Its simple construction provides an excellent blank canvas for western-inspired stripes, contrasting heels or small duplicate-stitch motifs.

For regular dancing, choose a washable wool blend and avoid making the socks so thick that your feet become cramped. Pretty socks are not much consolation when your toes have lost all feeling halfway through the Electric Slide.

Free Knitted Bandanas For Western Outfits

Free Cloudberry Bandana Knitting Pattern

The Cloudberry Bandana uses double seed stitch to produce a soft, textured triangular scarf. Although it can be knitted in luxurious yarn, it would also work beautifully in a practical merino or cotton blend.

Make it in classic red, denim blue, cream or mustard and tie it loosely around the neck. It adds an immediate western touch without requiring a checked shirt or ten metres of fringe.

Free Saltwater Bandana Knitting Pattern

This free knitted bandana has long tapered ends, helping it sit neatly around the neck without creating a bulky knot. That makes it particularly useful for wearing while dancing.

The simple shape would look lovely in earthy solid colours or a subtly variegated yarn. It could also be worn as a head scarf for a softer cowgirl look.

Free Scallop Edge Bandana Knitting Pattern

This pretty cotton bandana has a delicate scalloped edge that gives the finished piece a feminine vintage-country feel. It is light enough to wear during the warmer months when a woollen scarf would be far too much.

Pair it with a denim shirt or plain white top and let the scalloped edging soften a more rugged boots-and-jeans outfit.

Free Bandana Cowl Knitting Pattern

A bandana cowl gives you the pointed shape of a tied neck scarf without loose ends that can come undone while you are dancing. This free pattern uses short-row shaping to create the western-style point at the front.

It is an especially good choice for outdoor line-dancing events, country markets and winter festivals where you want warmth as well as style.

How To Style Western Knitting For Line Dancing

The easiest way to wear western knitting is to choose one handmade focal point and keep everything else fairly simple.

Wear a horse sweater with plain jeans and leather boots, or combine a textured horseshoe beanie with a denim jacket. Boot cuffs work well when you want a little colour around your footwear, while a knitted bandana can give even a basic white T-shirt a country-inspired finish.

You can also add western motifs to an ordinary knitting pattern using duplicate stitch. Small horseshoes, horse heads, stars, cowboy boots and longhorn-style motifs can be worked onto an existing beanie, sweater pocket or sock cuff after the knitting has been completed.

For anything intended for actual dancing, think carefully about weight, temperature and movement. A chunky western cardigan may be perfect for arriving and leaving, but a cotton bandana or sleeveless knitted vest will probably be more comfortable once the music starts.

And perhaps avoid very long knitted fringe. It looks fabulous while you are standing still, but after several turns and a slightly overconfident grapevine, it can become a group activity.

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