Greetings Friends!
Today I want to tell you about an awesome crochet stitch called the Herringbone Half Double. I was introduced to it a while ago in a pattern for fingerless mitts (Firecracker Gloves). Truthfully at the time I was new to crochet and found the stitch awkward. I never finished the gloves, and the pattern was forgotten. Earlier this week a series of unrelated events led me to discover the pattern stashed in a pile of old papers. It was crochet serendipity since I wanted make a pair of fingerless gloves to help combat the cold at work.
I got started and discovered the stitch that once seemed difficult was now fun and interesting. After a few rows I found my rhythm and the yarn was gliding off my hook. The fabric that it produces is smooth and dense, perfect for gloves. Worked in the round it reminds me a bit of the fabric that the basic Tunisian stitch produces. Worked in rows it creates the herringbone design. I think that it would look lovely in a cardigan and it can probably be used in any pattern that calls for a standard half double crochet without much (if any) adjustment.
Learning new stitches is one of the things that keeps me interested in crochet. For anyone who might be new to this one, or in case you need a refresher I put together this picture tutorial to encourage you to give it a try. At the end of the post are links to PDF files that you can download demonstrating the basic stitch as well as the increase and decrease.
Today I want to tell you about an awesome crochet stitch called the Herringbone Half Double. I was introduced to it a while ago in a pattern for fingerless mitts (Firecracker Gloves). Truthfully at the time I was new to crochet and found the stitch awkward. I never finished the gloves, and the pattern was forgotten. Earlier this week a series of unrelated events led me to discover the pattern stashed in a pile of old papers. It was crochet serendipity since I wanted make a pair of fingerless gloves to help combat the cold at work.
I got started and discovered the stitch that once seemed difficult was now fun and interesting. After a few rows I found my rhythm and the yarn was gliding off my hook. The fabric that it produces is smooth and dense, perfect for gloves. Worked in the round it reminds me a bit of the fabric that the basic Tunisian stitch produces. Worked in rows it creates the herringbone design. I think that it would look lovely in a cardigan and it can probably be used in any pattern that calls for a standard half double crochet without much (if any) adjustment.
Learning new stitches is one of the things that keeps me interested in crochet. For anyone who might be new to this one, or in case you need a refresher I put together this picture tutorial to encourage you to give it a try. At the end of the post are links to PDF files that you can download demonstrating the basic stitch as well as the increase and decrease.
Working the Herringbone Step-by-Step
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I also want to show you how nicely this stitch seams together when working in the round. Typically I prefer working in a spiral to avoid the gaping, obvious seam that you get when joining rounds with a slip stitch.
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The join blends in so well that it's hard to tell where it is unless you're looking for it. I've found that most patterns tell you to count the starting chain as a stitch. By working the first hhdc into the same stitch as the ch 2, and then joining the last stitch with a sl st to the first hhdc there's no gap. I will definitely try this technique on other patterns.
There you have it! I sure hope that you give this versatile stitch a try. If you're a beginner, be patient and give yourself time to get used to the movement. It's not hard, it just feels different than what you might be used to. Let me know if you've ever made anything using this stitch. I'd also love to hear about other stitches that you think I should try.
There you have it! I sure hope that you give this versatile stitch a try. If you're a beginner, be patient and give yourself time to get used to the movement. It's not hard, it just feels different than what you might be used to. Let me know if you've ever made anything using this stitch. I'd also love to hear about other stitches that you think I should try.
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Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
