What’s on My Needles This Week - 01/20/2025

My first herringbone stitch project has been interesting, to say the least. I tried to shape the stitches into a beret shape and struggled with increases and decreases, until I realized that this is a stitch that should only be increased or decreases on the right side.

When I finished this first herringbone stitch hat, it was too small for my head. So, I began again with a definite design in mind and having learned from my recent mistakes.

Planning ahead helped a lot.

The herringbone stitch is not an easy stitch to master, but it’s also not difficult. The herringbone stitch requires patience and attention. It’s not a stitch you want to work on while watching Grimm or any other action heavy shows.

It takes a lot more time than the stocking stitch, but the results are worth it. The herringbone stitch creates a thick and somewhat firm fabric, which I love. The weather’s been very cold in my region (Illinois) recently, so having a thicker hat will be appreciated.

It takes a lot more time than the stocking stitch, but the results are worth it. The herringbone stitch creates a thick and somewhat firm fabric, which I love. The weather’s been very cold in my region (Illinois) recently, so having a thicker hat will be appreciated.

There are several different herringbone style stitches, but the one I have chosen appears to use less yarn than most.

I knitted the 1x1 ribbing of my hat using 2.5mm needles, then switched to 3.75mm needles to work the herringbone stitch. The yarn used is Lion Brand Re-Spun in the colorway "Blush".

I am very happy with the way the ribbing and the pattern look.

A closer look at the ribbing in progress, on the 2.5mm needles.

The ribbing is approximately 5 inches in length, and I switched to the larger needles for the herringbone stitch.

Paying closer attention to my work has minimized mistakes, and I’ve gotten very good at quickly detecting and efficiently correcting my mistakes.

It will be a while longer before I am done, but I think the finished hat will be worth the effort.

I am looking forward to sharing the finished piece with you.