The Herringbone stitch creates this beautiful zigzag look, like the backbone of a fish. This stitch can be challenging as it uses back stitches, but the look it creates is unique.

This stitch can be made using double crochet, but I don’t think the effect is as stunning as the single crochet version which I show here.

The Single Herringbone Stitch featured in week 41 of the 50 Stitches crochet along

This pattern is written in US terms, but the UK translation is below.

UK Translation

Single crochet (sc) = double crochet

Herringbone single crochet (hsc) = herringbone double crochet

The Herringbone Pattern

You can use any number of stitches for the Herringbone, so start with a chain of your desired length, but bare in mind that this stitch does work up tight, so the finished piece will not be as wide as your starting chain.

Row 1. In the 2nd chain from your hook make a sc (the turning chain does NOT count as a stitch). Next make a herringbone single crochet (hsc) – insert your hook into the side loop of the previous stitch, 

 then through the next chain. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.

Make a hsc in each stitch across

Turn

Row 2. In this row all stitches will be made from the back.

Chain 1. Insert your hook into the the first chain from back to front and finish as a sc.

Make a hsc in the next stitch by inserting your hook into the side loop of the previous stitch at the back

then insert your hook from front to back in the next stitch. 

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Repeat for each stitch across

Turn

Row 3. Chain 1 and make a single crochet in the first stitch. Next make a herringbone single crochet (hsc) – insert your hook into the side loop of the previous stitch, then through the next stitch. Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on your hook.

Make a hsc in each stitch across

Turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until you reach your desired length

You can find more crochet stitch guides in the stitch vault. Why not follow us on Facebook for more crochet tips and useful info from around the crochet world