BIG HERRINGBONE knitting pattern
This pattern was originally published in 2019, as block #14 of the original “52 Square Pickup” KAL. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.
There is something inherently sophisticated about a timeless texture, and the Big Herringbone block brings that classic appeal to our Textures and Geometric Collection. This pattern creates a bold, oversized zigzag motif using a rhythmic combination of knits and purls, resulting in a fabric that is as structural as it is cozy. It’s a perfect choice for those who love geometric designs that feel both modern and traditional. And, as a bonus, it’s reversible!
| Project Detail | Requirement |
| Skill Level | Beginner (only knits and purls) |
| Yarn Weight | DK or Worsted |
| Needle Size | 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches) |
| Finished Size | 8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm) |
Materials & Tools for the Big Herringbone block
- Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
- Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
- Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
- Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)
NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!
Big Herringbone: Knitted square instructions
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
- st(s): stitch(es)
- k: knit
- p: purl
The Pattern: General Instructions
- Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight. - Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border. - Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, Big Herringbone knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Work the entire 16-row pattern 3 times complete, and then rows 1) to 7) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Big Herringbone knitting pattern. - Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
- Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
- (Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.
Big Herringbone Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions
- The stitch pattern repeats over 10 stitches and 16 rows. I added 5 more stitches to reach 35 stitches of internal space.
- Work the instructions between brackets 3 times.
Row 1) (RS) [k4, p1, k2, p3], k4, p1
Row 2) k2, p3, [k2, p3, k2, p3]
Row 3) [k2, p3, k4, p1], k2, p3
Row 4) k4, p1, [p5, k4, p1]
Row 5) [p5, k5], p5
Row 6) k5, [p5, k5]
Row 7) [p5, k5], p5
Row 8) p1, k4, [p6, k4]
Row 9) [p3, k2, p1, k4], p3, k2
Row 10) p3, k2, [p3, k2, p3, k2]
Row 11) [p1, k4, p3, k2], p1, k4
Row 12) p5, [p1, k4, p5]
Row 13) [k5, p5], k5
Row 14) p5, [k5, p5]
Row 15) [k5, p5], k5
Row 16) p5, [k4, p6]
Big Herringbone Knitting Chart
- Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.
💡Note & Tip: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row. I recommend using stitch markers to separate the borders from the main design area.
Looking for more blocks?
Check out these patterns from the Textures Collection, The Animal Kingdom, and The Seasonal Gallery:
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