Are you ready to learn a new knitting stitch? The herringbone stitch is a great stitch to use when making cold weather accessories. It is an intermediate to advanced level stitch that takes concentration. However, once you practice the stitch and learn the 2-row repeat, you will be completing all types of patterns in no time.
Below, I will walk you through making the herringbone stitch. It may seem a little confusing at first, but do not give up. Once you master this stitch, it will probably become one of your favourite go-to winter stitches. I know I love it.
What Is the Herringbone Stitch?
The herringbone stitch is a two-row repeat. It creates a solid piece of fabric with a lot of texture. The herringbone pattern is a common pattern used in home decor and flooring. It is a zigzag pattern made up of rectangles that are set next to each other at a 45-degree angle.
When is the Herringbone Stitch Used?
The herringbone stitch in knitting creates a thick fabric with lots of texture. It is a great stitch for making cold weather projects.
The herringbone stitch is often used when making:
- Scarves
- Cowls
- Blankets
- Hats
- Pillow covers
- …and more
How to Make the Herringbone Stitch
Easy Step-by-Step Herringbone Knitting Tutorial
The herringbone stitch creates a stiff fabric. So, when making the stitch, I recommend using a larger needle than what is suggested. I would use a needle that is at least 2 sizes larger. This will give your fabric a nice drape without being too stiff.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make the herringbone stitch:
1. Cast on an even number of stitches.
2. Turn your work.
3. Knit stitch one
4. Slip the next stitch by inserting your right-hand needle as if you were going to knit. But instead of finishing the knit stitch, just slide the stitch off.
5. Knit the next stitch.
6. Take the tip of your left-hand needle and insert it into the front of the stitch you slipped off in step 4.
7. Pull the stitch up and over the tip of your right-hand needle without pulling any other stitch off. Leave the left-hand needle in the stitch.
8. Take your right-hand needle and knit into the back of the same stitch that is now on your left-hand needle. Then slide the stitch off.
9. Slip the next stitch.
10. Knit the next stitch.
11. Take the tip of your left-hand needle and insert it into the front of the stitch you slipped off in step 4.
12. Pull the stitch up and over the tip of your right-hand needle without pulling any other stitch off. Leave the left-hand needle in the stitch.
13. Repeat steps 9-12 until you reach the end. Knit the last stitch.
14. Turn your work.
15. Insert the tip of your right-hand needle into the first 2 stitches and purl them together. But do not remove the stitches from the left-hand needle.
16. Insert your right-hand needle between the two stitches on the left-hand needle. Wrap your yarn over and make a purl stitch. Now you can slip the 2 loops off the left-hand needle.
17. Repeat steps 15-16 until you reach the end.
18. Turn your work.
19. Continue working the two row repeat by repeating steps 3-18.
If you are looking for a knitting stitch that creates a warm, thick pattern, give the herringbone stitch a try.
The herringbone pattern is a classic pattern found in a wide variety of items, from clothing to home decor. It is a pattern that never goes out of style. Just like the pattern, the herringbone stitch is a classic.
More stitch tutorial below:
- Basket Weave Stitch Knitting Tutorial
- Knitting Bobble Stitch
- Garter Stitch Tutorial
- How to knit tutorials
- Moss Stitch Tutorial
You can also go to our Facebook Page to see a roundup of all sorts of fun things to make. Time to bring out the yarn and hook and prepare for a day of knitting using the herringbone stitch.