Get to Know Herringbone Stitch

August 17, 2023 by Sarah White

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

Have you read?

Apple Knitting Patterns for Fall and Back to School

It feels like it’s too early to be thinking about back to school, but as I write this my daughter has just a couple of weeks of summer left! So let’s get in that school and fall knitting spirit by looking at some apple knitting projects.

If you have a 22 needle circular knitting machine, knitting an apple is one of the easiest things you can do. I have an apple pattern over at Our Daily Craft that will take you just a few minutes to knit and they’re a great addition to your fall decor.

Apple hats are a classic, and whether you want to knit a hat that looks like an apple or one with apples on it, we’ve got you covered. For hats that look like apples check out the rolled brim version from Emma Crochet Design 4 U, which uses worsted weight yarn and comes in sizes for kids of all ages; and the ribbed brim version from Hand Knit Hugs. This one also calls for worsted weight yarn and comes in four kids sizes. Both include a stem and leaf.

If you’d rather have apples on your hat, try the Red Apple Hat from Little Red Window. This one is sized from newborn to 2T and calls for four colors of worsted weight yarn.

How about apple socks? You’ll find Ariel Chang’s Apple Picnic Socks as a free download on Ravelry. These use three colors of sock yarn and come in three sizes. Stone Knits also a pair of stripey apple socks that show the inside of the apple. These also have three sizes but they use six colors total, with the main color being a self-striping yarn.

If you want a little apple accessory for the house, the apple potholder from Nifty Knitter Designs is cute and a great way to practice double knitting. It uses two colors and you’ll find the colors in the reverse on the other side. The pattern only uses about 50 yards of each color of worsted weight yarn, so it’s a great use for odd balls, too.

Once you’ve got your double knitting skills sorted you can also try the double knit apple scarf from Crow and Chai Shop. The Winter Apples scarf is shown in red and gold, but you can use whatever colors you like. There are apples, stars and random stitches in the design, which calls for DK weight yarn. There’s also a matching fingerless glove pattern.