How to Crochet Herringbone Stitch (Made Easy for Beginners)

The herringbone crochet stitch is a textured stitch pattern that creates distinctive diagonal lines resembling the bones of a herring fish. Although it looks intricate, the stitch is made using a modified single crochet technique that produces a dense fabric with beautiful stitch definition. Herringbone stitch is commonly used for scarves, blankets, baskets, garments, and home décor projects because it creates a sturdy fabric with a woven appearance. Once you learn where to insert your hook, the stitch quickly becomes rhythmic and easy to work. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to crochet herringbone stitch, explain common variations, and help you troubleshoot any problems along the way.

What is Herringbone Crochet Stitch?

The herringbone single crochet stitch offers a lovely braided texture and is suitable for both beginners and advanced crocheters. It is commonly crocheted using a single crochet stitch with the hook inserted in different directions in order to give this unique texture. Crochet herringbone stitch is frequently used to provide pleasing richness and depth to crochet objects like scarves, baby blankets, and clothing. It looks very similar to a knitted herringbone stitch, but is quicker to work!

Crochet herringbone creates a zig-zag pattern of alternating diagonal lines. Turn this stitch on its side to create a chevron or braided pattern. The herringbone texture truly pops in bulky yarns, roving-style yarns, and other yarns with high stitch definition.

Herringbone Crochet Stitch (Step by Step)

You can use any yarn with a crochet hook suitable for that yarn. However, thicker yarns do tend to emphasize the texture of this stitch! For this sample, I used an extra chunky (20ply) yarn with a 9mm hook. When learning use a hook one size larger than your yarn label recommends.

Crochet herringbone patterns are for intermediate or advanced crocheters. The process is a little unusual because you put your hook into different places than you would for a normal stitch. The herringbone single crochet stitch is fairly simple to master.

The beautiful free herringbone crochet pattern is created by working single crochet stitches in a unique method. I will mention that the herringbone crochet stitch takes concentration and effort at first, but if you practice with small swatches until you are ready to tackle your first pattern, you will find the process much easier.

I’ll show you how to crochet herringbone stitch in rows back and forth in this tutorial. It’s a two-row repeat, so after you get a few rows in, it’s quite easy to remember.

Continue reading to discover how to crochet herringbone stitch in single crochet and add it to your crochet repertoire!

Step 1 – Row 1, Right Side

1. Begin with a chain of any length. (My swatch started with 11 chains)
2. Work the initial single crochet in the second chain from the hook, working in the chain’s back bump.

3. Insert your hook into the left leg of the single crochet you just created. The needle is demonstrating the correct position.

4. Insert the hook into the next chain’s back bump and pull up a loop. (3 loops on hook)

5. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

6. Work herringbone crochet stitch to the end. (ie. Insert your hook into the left leg of the previous stitch, then into the rear bump of the next chain. Pull up a loop on the hook, yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.)

Step 2 – Row 2: Wrong Side

1. Turn. Chain 1 (this is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch).
2. Single crochet in the first stitch, inserting hook through both loops from back to the front.

3. Bring the yarn to the front of your work.
4. To work the next stitch, flip your work over.
5. Insert the hook into the previous stitch’s left strand (from right to left).
6. Flip it back. And then, insert into the following stitch (both top loops), going from back to front. YO, draw a loop up. (3 loops on hook).
7. Yarn over, and draw through all three loops on the hook.

8. Repeat in this manner until you reach the end of the row.

Step 3 – Row 3: Right Side

1. Chain 1 (this is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch).
2. Single crochet in the first stitch from front to back.
3. To work the next stitch, insert the hook into the previous stitch’s left strand (from right to left) and then into the following stitch going from front to back.
4. Draw a loop up, yarn over, and draw through all three loops on the hook.
5. Continue in this manner until you reach the end of the row.

Step 4 – More Rows

1. Repeat this process for Rows 2 and 3 to complete the herringbone crochet stitch swatch.

What Can You Make with Herringbone Stitch?

Herringbone stitch is commonly used for:

• Scarves
• Cowls
• Blankets
• Baby blankets
• Baskets
• Cushion covers
• Bags
• Home décor projects

Because it creates a sturdy fabric with excellent stitch definition, it works especially well for projects that benefit from texture.

Herringbone Crochet Stitch Variations

Yes, other herringbone stitches exist, such as herringbone half double crochet (hdc) and herringbone double crochet. The pattern, however, is not as distinct as it is with the single crochet herringbone stitch.

If you want to use taller stitches, you can use a similar technique to create a double-crochet herringbone stitch. The herringbone effect is not quite as clear and obvious, but it still has that zigzag appearance and will work up faster because of the extra height.

• hhdc = herringbone half double crochet
• hdc = herringbone double crochet

Herringbone Crochet Stitch FAQs

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Herringbone Crochet Stitch – In Conclusion

The herringbone crochet stitch creates a beautiful braided texture that adds depth and interest to crochet fabric. Although the stitch placement is slightly different from that of a standard single crochet, the technique becomes much easier once you understand where to insert the hook. Because herringbone stitch produces a sturdy, textured fabric, it is an excellent choice for scarves, blankets, baskets, bags, and home décor projects. Once mastered, it is a versatile stitch that can add a woven look to many different crochet designs.