Technique By
Cathryn Brown of MilkWorkShop

Herringbone Stitch (front side)

This is one version of the herringbone stitch where the pattern is more pronounced and less compact looking. The horizontal pattern is formed through slipping stitches over one another. The stitch is worked in multiples of two (even number of stitches required) and the pattern is formed over two rows.

1. To begin, knit the first stitch.

2. Slip the second stitch onto the right needle knitwise. Knit the next stitch.

3. Using your left needle, lift the slipped stitch (2nd one) on your right needle over the stitch that you just knitted....

4. ... but don’t slip it off the left needle yet.

5. Instead, using your right needle knit into it, before allowing it to drop off the needle.  Continue until you get to the last stitch. You will notice that the stitches start to group in pairs on your right needle.

6. Knit the last stitch.

Herringbone Stitch (back side)

The reverse side of this version of herringbone looks very similar to the back of stockinette stitch.

7. On the reverse side, purl the first two stitches together...

8. ... but do not let them slip off the needle yet.

9. Insert the right needle back into the first stitch on the left needle and purl again before slipping both stitches off the left needle. Continue to the end of the row.

The combination of rows 1 and 2 form the herringbone pattern for this stitch.