How to Herringbone Double Crochet (& a Dishcloth Pattern)
The Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch is a reversible crochet stitch that’s perfect for just about any crochet project. Whether you’re looking to make a dishcloth, a baby blanket, or cowl, you’re going to love this stitch that’s full of texture. This easy stitch is tall and works up quickly!
The herringbone double crochet (abbreviated hbdc) is a stitch that’s easy to learn and, as you can tell from the photos, has great texture and drape. It’s dense without being stiff, and a blanket made from this stitch looks beautiful over the arm of a couch or easy chair.
When I make a swatch for a new stitch, I love to use cotton yarn so that I can turn that swatch into a dishcloth or washcloth. That way, I have a useful finished project rather than just a pile of swatches lying around my house.
In this post you’ll find written instructions for making the herringbone double crochet stitch, as well as a video tutorial. Then, I’ll give you the free pattern for the dishcloth “swatch” so you can make something useful as you practice this beautiful stitch.
If you’re ready to level up your crocheting and make something a little more challenging than a basic stitch, the herringbone double crochet stitch is just what you’re looking for!
Grab some worsted weight yarn and an I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook and let’s get started.
Written Instructions for the Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
Learning how to make the herringbone double crochet is not difficult, and once you master it you’ll be ready to make larger projects like the Herringbone Zig Zag Blanket.
Materials:
- I/9 (5.5 mm) Crochet Hook
- Worsted weight yarn (cotton if you want to make a dishcloth)
Chain any number and follow the steps below.
You’ll start your first herringbone double crochet stitch (hbdc) in the third chain from the hook.
Step 1: yarn over, insert hook into the ch.
Step 2: Pull yarn through the ch (like pulling up a loop) and through the first loop on your hook.
There should be two loops on your hook after this step.
Step 3: Yarn over, pull yarn through the 1st loop on your hook.
Step 4: Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Repeat steps 1-4 until you’ve reached the end of your chain.
Step 5: ch 1 and turn your work.
Step 6: hbdc in the first stitch (don’t skip the first stitch) and in each stitch across by following steps 1-4. Work your last hbdc in the ch 2 at the end of the row.
NOTE: You will only work into a chain at the end of row 2. On subsequent rows, you will only work into actual stitches.
Step 7: ch 1 and turn your work.
Step 8: hbdc in the first stitch and in each stitch across by following steps 1-4.
Repeat until your swatch has reached the length you want.
Video Tutorial for the Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch
This video tutorial will show you exactly how to make the herringbone double crochet stitch. I’ll show you exactly where to insert your hook, how many turning chains to make, etc.
Herringbone Double Crochet Stitch Dishcloth Pattern
Prefer a print-friendly PDF? Buy it here!
Materials:
- I/9 (5.5 mm) Crochet Hook
- Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn – learn about my favorite yarn for dishcloths!
- I’m using Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Cotton in the shades Taupe and Deep Teal. (The cream is just some left over cream cotton I had)
- Be sure to check out the other free crochet patterns at Daisy Cottage Designs, too!
Pattern Notes:
- The size of this cloth is 9×8 inches. If you prefer a square cloth, work two additional rows.
- Do not work into the turning chain unless otherwise noted.
- When using the herringbone double crochet stitch, the left and right side will appear slightly scalloped. This is part of the beauty of this stitch.
Abbreviations:
- hbdc – herringbone double crochet
- ch – chain
- st – stitch
- yo – yarn oveer
Special Stitch:
- Herringbone Double Crochet (hbdc): yo, insert hook into the stitch. Pull yarn through the stitch (like pulling up a loop) and through the first loop on your hook. yo, pull yarn through the first loop on your hook. yo, pull through remaining two loops.
Instructions:
Ch 30.
Row 1: hbdc in the third chain and in each chain across. Ch 1, turn. (29 stitches)
Row 2: hbdc in the first st (don’t skip a stitch) and in each st across. Work into the top of the ch 2 at the end of the row. Ch 1, turn. (29 stitches)
Row 3: hbdc in the first st and in each st across. Do not work into the ch 1 at the end of the row. Ch 1, turn. (29 stitches)
Repeat row 3 for a total of 20 or 22 rows.
Cut yarn and weave ends.
Other Crochet Stitch Tutorials
If you’re looking for more stitches that are beautiful and fun to make, check these out!
