Herringbone Knit Scarf by Originally Lovely – Pattern Guide
There is something deeply satisfying about a knitting pattern that looks far more complicated than it actually is. The herringbone stitch is exactly that kind of pattern — a woven, textured design that makes people lean in for a closer look, convinced you spent weeks mastering some advanced technique, when in reality it comes together with a clever combination of basic moves that any intermediate knitter can handle. The Herringbone Knit Scarf by Originally Lovely is one of those projects that earns compliments every time you wear it, and even more when you mention you made it yourself.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the pattern — the materials, the stitch technique, the construction, helpful tips for getting your tension right, and how to finish the scarf beautifully. Whether you are picking up this pattern for the first time or returning after a previous attempt left you with more questions than answers, this post is here to help you work through it with confidence.
What Is the Herringbone Stitch in Knitting?
Before diving into the pattern itself, it helps to understand what makes the herringbone stitch unique. In knitting, the herringbone pattern creates a diagonal interlocking design that resembles the skeleton of a herring fish — hence the name. The V-shapes stack against each other in alternating directions, producing a dense, structured fabric that holds its shape exceptionally well.
Unlike herringbone in weaving or in fabric cut from a loom, the knitted version achieves its look through a technique of knitting two stitches together without dropping them off the needle, then working the first stitch again before sliding both off. This creates the characteristic slant and the slight interlocking quality that gives the fabric its depth. The result is a thicker-than-average fabric with wonderful drape, making it ideal for a scarf that needs to feel substantial and warm without being stiff or bulky.
The herringbone knit scarf has become a beloved project in the knitting community for a few reasons. It is repetitive enough to work on while watching television or sitting in a waiting room, but engaging enough that you do not drift off into boredom. The pattern has a pleasing rhythm once you learn it, and seeing the texture build row by row is genuinely exciting.
About the Originally Lovely Pattern
Originally Lovely is a knitting and crafting brand known for creating patterns that are approachable, clearly written, and stylish without being trendy in a way that dates quickly. The Herringbone Knit Scarf pattern from Originally Lovely follows the brand’s characteristic style — clean instructions, thoughtful construction, and a finished object that looks polished and professional.
The scarf is designed as a long, rectangular wrap in a standard scarf width, making it versatile enough to be worn as a traditional neck scarf, looped as a cowl, or draped over the shoulders like a lightweight shawl. The pattern is typically sized for adult wear, though it can easily be adjusted in length by adding or subtracting repeats.
One of the things that makes this particular pattern stand out is its attention to the cast-on and bind-off edges. Many herringbone patterns result in slightly uneven ends because the stitch count manipulation can tug at the foundation row. Originally Lovely addresses this directly by recommending a specific cast-on technique and providing a bind-off method that keeps the edges tidy and consistent with the fabric’s overall look.
Materials You Will Need
Gathering your materials before you sit down to knit makes the whole experience more relaxed. Here is what you will need for the Originally Lovely Herringbone Knit Scarf:
Yarn: The pattern calls for a worsted weight yarn, which is the sweet spot for this stitch. Worsted weight (also labeled as category 4 on the standard yarn weight system) gives the herringbone stitch enough body to show its texture clearly without becoming too stiff. A smooth yarn with a slight sheen works beautifully for this pattern because the stitch definition is more visible. Matte or fuzzy yarns like mohair blends tend to obscure the detail, so if you want the herringbone to really read, stick to something smoother. Plan on approximately 200 to 250 yards depending on how long you want the finished scarf to be.
Needles: US size 8 (5.0mm) knitting needles are recommended for the standard gauge. Straight needles work perfectly for this project since it is worked flat in rows. If you prefer circular needles for flat knitting, those work just as well and some knitters find them easier to manage for longer projects.
Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in the herringbone stitch. Gauge matters more than many beginners realize. The herringbone stitch tends to draw in slightly compared to stockinette, so your swatch may feel narrower than expected. Always swatch before starting, and block your swatch the same way you plan to block the finished scarf.
Additional supplies: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers if you are a visual knitter who likes to mark sections, and scissors. Blocking pins and a blocking mat are highly recommended for finishing.
Understanding the Herringbone Knit Stitch
The herringbone stitch looks intricate but it is built from a core technique repeated throughout. Here is a clear breakdown before you look at the pattern rows:
To work the herringbone stitch, you knit two stitches together but only slide one stitch off the left needle instead of both. You then knit the first stitch again before sliding both stitches off. This creates a twisted, interlocking effect across the row. On the purl side, you purl two stitches together but again only drop one, then purl the first stitch again before releasing both.
One important thing to know going in: the herringbone stitch is worked on an even number of stitches. If your stitch count is off by one, you will find yourself unable to complete the row cleanly. Always double-check your cast-on before you begin.
The two main rows are:
Knit Row (Right Side): Knit 2 together but only slip one stitch off the left needle, then knit the first stitch on the left needle again, then slip both stitches off. Repeat across.
Purl Row (Wrong Side): Purl 2 together but only slip one stitch off the left needle, then purl the first stitch on the left needle again, then slip both stitches off. Repeat across.
That is the core of it. Everything else in the pattern is built around these two rows, and once you have worked five or six rows, your hands will start to find the rhythm automatically.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Cast On
Using a long-tail cast-on, cast on 32 stitches. The long-tail cast-on is recommended because it creates a firm, slightly elastic edge that pairs well with the herringbone fabric. If you are making the scarf wider, cast on any even number of stitches, keeping in mind that adding eight stitches will add approximately 1.75 inches to the width at the recommended gauge.
Row 1 (Right Side — Knit Row):
Knit 2 together through the front loops, leaving the first stitch on the left needle. Knit into the first stitch again, then slide both stitches off the left needle. Repeat this across the entire row.
Row 2 (Wrong Side — Purl Row):
Purl 2 together, leaving the first stitch on the left needle. Purl into the first stitch again, then slide both stitches off. Repeat across.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the scarf measures your desired length. The standard pattern length is 60 inches, which makes for a generous wrap. For a shorter everyday scarf, 48 inches is a comfortable length. For something that can double as a shawl, work to 72 inches.
Bind Off
The bind-off for herringbone requires a little care. The pattern recommends a stretchy bind-off to match the slight elasticity of the stitch. Work a knit 2 together bind-off: knit the first two stitches together, place the resulting stitch back on the left needle, and repeat across. This produces an edge that lies flat and mirrors the cast-on edge cleanly.
Tips for Getting the Herringbone Stitch Right
Tension is everything. The herringbone stitch has a natural tendency to pull tighter than stockinette because you are working each stitch twice per row. Many knitters find they need to go up half a needle size or consciously keep their tension looser than usual. If your fabric is coming out very stiff or the stitches are hard to work, try a larger needle before ripping back too much.
Watch your stitch count. Because each stitch is worked twice during the row, it can feel like your stitch count has doubled when you are mid-row. This is normal. After completing a row, your count should be exactly the same as when you started. If it is not, you likely dropped a stitch or accidentally knit into the same stitch twice. Count after every few rows until you are comfortable with the rhythm.
Slipping stitches correctly matters. The key to the herringbone’s characteristic look is that you only drop one stitch off the needle at a time. If you accidentally drop both stitches at once, the interlocking effect disappears and you end up with something much closer to a regular k2tog decrease. Take it slowly on your first several rows and make sure you feel the deliberate pause of leaving that first stitch on the needle.
Yarn choice affects the finished look significantly. A tightly plied wool like Cascade 220 or Paintbox Simply DK shows the stitch definition beautifully. A more rustic single-ply yarn like Malabrigo Rios adds a cozy, bohemian quality. Cotton yarns work but tend to be heavier and can cause the fabric to droop over time since cotton lacks the memory of wool. For a first attempt, a smooth, medium-twist wool or wool blend is your best friend.
Block your finished scarf. This cannot be stressed enough. The herringbone stitch, like many textured stitches, benefits enormously from wet blocking. Soak the finished scarf in cool water for about 20 minutes, gently press out excess water in a towel, then pin it to your blocking mat at the correct dimensions. Allow it to dry completely. The stitch opens up, the fabric softens, and the even edges that the Originally Lovely pattern works hard to achieve become truly visible.
Variations and Customization
One of the pleasures of a simple-structure pattern like this one is how much room there is to make it your own.
Color: The herringbone stitch looks stunning in a single solid color because the texture is the focal point. However, it also works beautifully in self-striping yarns, where the color changes move across the diagonal of the stitch in an unexpected and lovely way. Avoid very busy variegated yarns, as they tend to compete with the stitch pattern and muddy the visual effect.
Width and length adjustments: As mentioned, the stitch count needs to stay even, so any adjustment you make to the width should be in multiples of two. The length is fully adjustable — just keep knitting until you are happy with it.
Adding a border: If you want clean side edges, you can add a two-stitch garter border by slipping the first stitch purlwise at the beginning of each row and working the last stitch as a knit on both right-side and wrong-side rows. This creates a tidy, rolled-free edge that frames the herringbone texture nicely.
Fringe: A knotted fringe at both ends complements the structured quality of the herringbone beautifully. Cut lengths of yarn about 10 inches long, fold them in half, and use a crochet hook to pull the loop through the end of the scarf, then tuck the tails through and tighten. Space the fringe evenly across both ends for a polished finish.
Finishing Your Scarf
After you bind off, you will likely have two tail ends to weave in — the cast-on tail and the bind-off tail. If you joined a new skein of yarn during the project, you will have two more. The herringbone fabric is dense enough that you can weave ends in along the wrong side without them appearing on the right side, but go slowly and weave in multiple directions for security since the structure of the stitch means there is less natural grip than in some other patterns.
Once your ends are woven in, block the scarf as described above. After blocking, give it a gentle hand-press with a damp cloth and a warm iron if the yarn allows, holding the iron just above the surface rather than pressing directly onto the fabric. This can help set the stitch and give the scarf a particularly crisp, boutique-quality finish.
Store the scarf loosely folded or rolled rather than compressed in a drawer. Because the herringbone stitch creates a denser fabric than stockinette, it holds its shape well and does not need heavy pressing to look neat.
Why the Originally Lovely Pattern Is Worth Your Time
There are many herringbone knit scarf patterns available across the internet, and many of them are good. What sets the Originally Lovely version apart is the care in the small details — the cast-on recommendation, the bind-off technique, the notes about tension and gauge, and the finished dimensions that make the scarf genuinely wearable rather than just a practice swatch scaled up. The pattern reads cleanly whether you are working from a printed copy or a screen, and the instructions do not assume knowledge you might not have.
If you are a knitter who has mastered the basics and is looking for a next project that challenges your technique without overwhelming you, the herringbone stitch is exactly the right step. It introduces you to the concept of working into a stitch twice — a skill that opens the door to other more complex patterns down the road — while still being achievable in a single weekend if you have the time.
A finished herringbone knit scarf from this pattern is a genuinely beautiful object. It looks handcrafted in the best sense of the word, with a structured texture that is hard to find in mass-produced accessories. It makes an excellent gift, and even better, it is the kind of knit you will reach for yourself season after season because the fabric is warm, the drape is elegant, and every time someone asks where you got it, you get to say you made it.
Final Thoughts
The Herringbone Knit Scarf by Originally Lovely is a pattern that rewards patience and attention to detail without demanding perfection. The stitch has a learning curve in those first few rows, but once your hands find the rhythm, the work becomes meditative and the results are consistently impressive. With the right yarn, proper tension, and a good blocking session at the end, you will finish this project with a scarf that looks like it came from a high-end boutique.
Take your time with the gauge swatch, give yourself permission to rip back those first few rows if the tension feels off, and trust the process. The herringbone does not lie — when it is working, you will see it immediately in the fabric building beneath your needles. That moment when the pattern clicks is one of the genuine small joys of knitting, and this scarf gives you the opportunity to feel it again and again from cast-on to bind-off.
