Learn how to crochet the herringbone double crochet stitch (hbdc) in this easy video tutorial. This modern-looking stitch is great for afghans, scarves, and striped projects.
Because the herringbone design is based on double crochet, it also works up really quickly! Put it to use in our free "Bixby Cowl" pattern.
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Jump to:
- Modern Herringbone Double Crochet
- Easy Variation on Double Crochet
- Suggested Supplies
- Step-By-Step Video Tutorial
- Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch Written Instructions
- Final Thoughts On the Herringbone Stitch
- Other Crochet Stitch Tutorials
- Invitation to our Facebook group
- How To: Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
Modern Herringbone Double Crochet
Do you know what I mean when I say something looks "too crocheted?" As in, it looks just a little fuddy duddy and old-fashioned? Like a toilet paper roll cover that you'd see in a church basement bathroom. You know, too crocheted.
Don't get me wrong. I love crochet. (Obviously.) But I particularly like it when the texture looks intricate, modern and sometimes even (dare I say it?), like knitting.
Easy Variation on Double Crochet
Today I'd like to show you how to crochet the herringbone double crochet stitch because it has all the qualities we love about herringbone tile or fabric. This stitch has classic clean lines, a graphic overall effect and it's really easy (and fast!) to crochet.
Hbdc is ideal to use in crochet blankets and cozy infinity scarves.
Related: 40+ Easy Crochet Stitches for Blankets
Suggested Supplies
I love how the herringbone stitch looks in this Wool-Ease Thick & Quick from Lion Brand. So squishy and plush, isn't it? Using a chunky weight yarn and a large crochet hook makes for a thick and cozy fabric, but this stitch looks beautiful and delicate in DK weight or worsted weight yarn too.
Alright, without further ado, let's learn how to crochet the herringbone double crochet stitch! Check out the video below for step by step instructions or keep scrolling for the written instructions.
Step-By-Step Video Tutorial
Note: I don't mention this in the video, but the final stitch of each row should be worked in the top part of the turning chain. I only learned this after making and recording the video.
I suspect that doing this might eliminate the "gap" at the edges that I mention. My suggestion would be to make a little swatch using two turning chains and one using three turning chains and see what you like best!
Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch Written Instructions
Here are written instructions for crocheting the herringbone stitch.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
ch - chain
dc - double crochet
sk - skip
yo - yarn over
st - stitch
tch - turning chain
hbdc - herringbone double crochet: yo, insert hook into next chain, yo and pull through the chain and the first loop on the hook, yo and draw through 1 more loop on the hook, yo and draw through both loops on hook.
Notes:
• I explain this in the video tutorial, but the two swatches below illustrate the difference between using two (left) or three (right) turning chains. This stitch usually calls for three turning chains, but I prefer how there is less of a visible gap at each edge when two chains are used.
These instructions explain the 2 turning chain (blue) version and instructions for the 3 turning chain version are in parentheses.
• Work the final hbdc of each row into the top of the turning chain to create a smoother edge.
Related: 27+ Free Crochet Hats and Beanies for Adults
How to Start Herringbone Double Crochet
The stitch multiple for starting herringbone double crochet is any number of stitches, plus 1 for the chain (or plus 2 for the chain for the 3 turning chain version).
To say that another way, you can start with an even number (if you plan to do the 3 tch version) or an odd number (if you plan to do the 2 tch version).
Row Repeat
Row 1: Sk first 2 ch (sk first 3 ch for 3 tch version) (counts as 1 dc), 1 hbdc in next and every ch to end; turn.
Row 2: Ch 2 (ch 3 for 3 tch version) (counts as 1 dc), sk first st, 1 hbdc in next and every hbdc to end of row, working last hbdc in tch; turn.
Repeat row 2 for as many rows as you wish.
Final Thoughts On the Herringbone Stitch
The Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch is a versatile and reversible stitch perfect for many crochet projects. It adds great texture and drape, whether you're making a hand towel, a baby blanket, or a cowl.
Try swatching with cotton yarn so you can turn your practice square into a useful dishcloth or washcloth.
And now that you know how to do the herringbone double crochet stitch, you can make the free "Bixby Cowl" pattern with ease!
Other Crochet Stitch Tutorials
Would you like to learn more unique crochet stitches that are far simpler than they look? You'll love these!
- How to Crochet the Knit Stitch (Waistcoat Stitch)
- How to Crochet a Block Stitch Square
- How to Crochet Puff Stitches: Complete Beginner's Guide
- Crochet Sunburst (Sunflower) Granny Square Pattern + Tutorial
- How to Do The Half Double Crochet Stitch (HDC) for Beginners
- A "Braided" Crochet Stitch That Looks Like Knitting - Easy Video Tutorial
See more crochet stitch tutorials →
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss the herringbone crochet stitch and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
How To: Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
Materials
- Any yarn
Other Supplies
- Crochet hook in size appropriate to yarn weight
Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sk – skip
- yo – yarn over
- st - stitch
- tch – turning chain
- hbdc - herringbone double crochet: yo, insert hook into next chain, yo and pull through the chain and the first loop on the hook, yo and draw through 1 more loop on the hook, yo and draw through both loops on hook.
Want some company while you crochet?
Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.
Permissions + Copyright
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.
Instructions
- Foundation: Chain any odd number of stitches (or even number of stitches for the 3 tch version).
Stitch Pattern
- Row 1: Sk first 2 ch (sk first 3 ch for 3 tch version) (counts as 1 dc), 1 hbdc in next and every ch to end; turn.
- Row 2: Ch 2 (ch 3 for 3 tch version) (counts as 1 dc), sk first st, 1 hbdc in next and every hbdc to end of row, working last hbdc in tch; turn.
- Repeat row 2 for as many rows as you wish.
Overall Pattern Notes
- The stitch multiple for starting herringbone double crochet is any number of stitches, plus 1 for the chain (or plus 2 for the chain for the 3 turning chain version). To say that another way, you can start with an even number (if you plan to do the 3 tch version) or an odd number (if you plan to do the 2 tch version).
- Work the final hbdc of each row into the top of the turning chain to create a smoother edge.
Rebecca says
Thank you so much for this pattern! I appreciate how simply you explained it, and I love how fun and original the stitch turns out. I’m using a lighter weight yarn and my project is looking great! Thanks again 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm so happy to hear that!
Maria says
Hi Jess! Thanks for the awesome video! I'm a new crocheter, and I can't wait to try this stitch! What size crochet hook did you use for this pattern?
Melissa Keller says
Hi there! I love this stitch and have been working it for a baby blanket. I am an experienced crocheter but for some reason mine is not turning out with the same directional herringbone slant as yours. I rewatched the video and the only difference I see is that I stitch tighter than you do. Would that make the difference? Are your stitches fairly loose? Thanks so much for any wisdom you can give!
Melissa
Rita says
Lovely your Hearing cowl. Thanks for sharing. I'm loving your posts.
Meghan says
I AM trying this stitch with a blanket but the blanket keeps getting wavy? Is this normal or am I doing something wrong ?
Heather says
Have you ever tried this pattern with a lighter yarn that isn't bulky?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Heather,
I haven't actually, but this google search resulted in some pretty good images in different weights. Might give you an idea of how it could look. 🙂
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Laura Read says
Hi Jess!
This is a great stitch I can't wait to try! I'm confused though... I my grandma taught me the double crochet like: yarn over, pull through chain or stitch, yarn over, to front (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops... Have I been remembering the right stitch or have I mixed up the double with the 1 1/2?
Thanks!
Laura
Kathryn Horn says
I do all of my yarn overs from the back, so I'm wondering if the stitch will come out looking like yours, or like a completely different stitch? I haven't tried it myself, yet.....
Kathryn Horn says
You didn't mention that your 'yarn overs' are from the front and not the usual wrap from the back for this stitch.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I think everyone does yarn overs slightly differently. I didn't do them any differently for this stitch/video than I do for any other crocheting. 🙂
Aisha says
I thank u for sharing since I'm new to crochet. I don't know how to make stitches and am ignorant in this area. U will enlighten me in this area so I can enjoy the smiles of my grandchildren in making them any items that I wish to make for them. Again thank u ever so very much.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Aisha,
Do you have some crochet skills already? If you're totally new to it, you might enjoy my Modern Crochet 101 video course which teaches you all the basics. You can take it for 99 cents with my instructor referral link:
http://skl.sh/2aaucCf
Good luck to you!!
Jess
Doris Marshall says
I like the stitch that looks like stars Could you please send me the how to do that stitch Thankyou. Doris
Tricia Brown says
Thank you for free crochet patterns.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
You're welcome, Tricia! I love getting to chat crochet with people all over the world. It's so wonderful!