How to Herringbone Single Crochet Stitch

If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique crochet stitch, the herringbone single crochet is a great choice! This stitch has a gorgeous chevron texture that, in my opinion, looks almost like knitting.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to do the herringbone single crochet stitch step-by-step. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is once you get the hang of it!

What is the herringbone single crochet stitch?

Herringbone single crochet stitch has a beautiful braided texture and is perfect for both beginners and experienced crocheters.

At first glance, you might think that the herringbone single crochet stitch looks a little complicated. But don’t worry, it’s actually quite easy once you figure out where to place your hook! This stitch is very similar to regular single crochet, except you insert your hook into the stitch a little differently.

What does it look like?

Herringbone single crochet creates a zig-zag pattern of alternating diagonal lines. Turn this stitch on its side, and it looks like a chevron or a braided design.

I find that the herringbone texture really stands out in bulky yarns, roving-style yarns, or other yarns with really great stitch definition.

When should you use herringbone single crochet?

Herringbone single crochet has a soft, squishy texture that’s perfect for cold-weather accessories like scarves, cowls, and hats.

It’s a pretty dense stitch, so I like to crochet it at a slightly larger-than-normal gauge for better drape.

Crochet Techniques to Know First

The herringbone single crochet is a very easy stitch to learn. However, there are a few crochet techniques that you should know before you get started:

• Chain: Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over and pull up a new loop.
• Single Crochet: Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.

Herringbone Single Crochet Stitch

Ready for the step-by-step tutorial? Read on to learn how to do the herringbone single crochet stitch so you can add it to your repertoire!

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Stitch Multiple: 1+1

Row Multiple: 2-row repeat

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Yarn – To practice, you can choose any yarn from your stash. Worsted weight or bulky yarn would be great choices. In this tutorial, I’m using Lion Brand Color Made Easy.
• Crochet hook – Choose a hook one size larger than what’s called for on the yarn label of your chosen yarn. In this tutorial, I’m using a Size L (8.0mm) crochet hook.
• Stitch markers – Stitch markers are always handy for keeping track of the end of your rows and rounds.
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle – for weaving in the ends.

Abbreviations:

• ch: chain(s)
• hsc: herringbone single crochet
• rhsc: reverse herringbone single crochet
• sc: single crochet
• st(s): stitch(es)

Pattern Notes:

• This stitch pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The turning chain-1 at the beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.
• For this stitch pattern, it’s a good idea to use a larger hook than usual to get a slightly looser gauge.

Special Stitch: Herringbone Single Crochet

The herringbone sc stitch is worked slightly differently, depending on which side of the work is facing you.

On the front/right side:

1. Insert your hook through the left vertical strand (the “left leg”) of the stitch just worked
2. Then insert your hook into the next stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop. (There will be three loops on your hook.)
4. Yarn over, and pull through all three loops on the hook.

On the back/wrong side:

On the wrong side rows, you’ll insert the hook from back to front (instead of front to back). This is often referred to as reverse herringbone sc, abbreviated rhsc, to distinguish it from the regular hsc.

1. Insert your hook into the left leg of the previous sc.
2. Then insert the hook into the next st from back to front. (It may be easier to see if you flip down your work, so you are looking at the right side.)
3. Yarn over and pull up a loop, taking care not to pull too tightly. (There will be 3 loops on your hook.)
4. Yarn over, and pull through all three loops.

Swatch Instructions:

Row 1 (Right Side): Ch 13. Working into the back bumps of each ch, sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, hsc in each ch across, turn. (12 sts)

Row 2 (Wrong Side): Ch 1, sc into the 1st st, rhsc in each st across, turn. (12)

Row 3 (Right Side): Ch 1, sc in 1st st, hsc in each st across, turn. (12)

Repeat Rows 2 and 3, ending with a Wrong Side row.

Patterns made with Herringbone Single Crochet Stitch

If you’re looking for some patterns that use the herringbone single crochet stitch, here are a few of my favorites:

The Herringbone Cowl: This soft and squishy cowl is perfect for fall weather! And it’s a great beginner-friendly pattern if you’re just learning how to do the herringbone single crochet stitch.

The Plush and Posh Herringbone Blanket: This cozy blanket is perfect for snuggling up on the couch! It’s worked in a simple 2-row repeat, so it’s easy to memorize.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about how to crochet herringbone single crochet.

Is herringbone single crochet reversible?

No, the herringbone single crochet stitch is not reversible. This stitch pattern has a “right side” and a “wrong side.” I think the “wrong side” has a pleasing texture, too – it’s just not the same as the “right side.”

How do you do herringbone single crochet in the round?

To work herringbone single crochet in the round, you’ll join each round with a slip stitch, then turn your work to begin the next round.

How do you increase in herringbone single crochet?

Increasing in Hsc is very similar to increasing in regular sc. To increase, work a second Hsc into the same stitch, working into the vertical strand of the first Hsc stitch.

How do you decrease in herringbone single crochet?

Decreasing in Hsc is similar to making a sc2tog. To decrease in Hsc, insert your hook through the vertical strand of the previous stitch, then work a sc2tog with the next stitch. Pull through all of the looks on the hook to complete the decrease.

Are there other types of herringbone crochet stitches?

Yes, there are other types of herringbone stitches, including herringbone half double crochet and herringbone double crochet. Check back for future tutorials teaching those techniques.

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