Herringbone Stitch
The Herringbone stitch is a crossed needlepoint stitch made of overlapping diagonal stitches that zigzag along a row. The crossings create a woven, interlocking pattern that looks like the bones of a herring fish, which gives the stitch its name. It is a lovely choice for borders, bands of texture and decorative fills.
Stitch Details
- Stitch Structure: Crossed, Knitting, Diagonal
- Related Stitches: Fern Stitch
- Recommended for: Large areas, Flowers, Clothes
- Skill level: Intermediate
Herringbone Stitch Instructions & Diagram
You can see the diagram of this stitch below.
- Make a diagonal stitch downwards to the right, over two canvas intersections. Then, behind the canvas, move the needle one canvas thread to the left.
- Make a diagonal stitch upwards to the right, over two canvas intersections, then again move the needle one canvas thread to the left behind the canvas.
- Alternate between these two steps along the row. Each new stitch crosses the previous one, building the zigzag pattern.
- When the row is finished, start the next one below it and follow the same pattern.
Tips for a Perfect Herringbone Stitch
- Always cross in the same direction. Keep the order of your stitches consistent along the row, so every crossing sits the same way. Mixing them breaks the woven look.
- Keep the tension even. Crossed stitches pull on the canvas. A relaxed, regular tension keeps the pattern flat and stops the canvas from distorting.
- Choose a thread that covers well. Because stitches cross, there are spots where the canvas can peek through. A slightly fuller thread gives a denser, richer texture.
- Work rows in the same direction where possible, so all the rows look alike when you finish.
When to Use the Herringbone Stitch
Herringbone shines in borders and bands, in textured clothing details like knits and tweeds, and in leafy or floral areas. Worked over a whole background, it gives a rich, fabric-like texture.
Herringbone Stitch FAQ
Is the needlepoint herringbone the same as the embroidery herringbone?
They share the same crossed, zigzag idea. In needlepoint, it is worked on the canvas grid, counting intersections, which gives a very regular, woven pattern.
Is the herringbone stitch hard to learn?
It's an intermediate stitch. The movement is simple, but you need to keep count and cross your stitches consistently. After a few rows, it becomes rhythmic and relaxing.
What is the difference between herringbone and fern stitch?
Both are crossed stitches with a woven look. The fern stitch is worked in vertical columns that look like fern fronds, while herringbone zigzags along horizontal rows.
Stitch Guides where Herringbone Stitch is used
See it in action in these needlepoint kit stitch guides:
Browse all our needlepoint kit stitch guides for more ideas.
Happy stitching :)
