Men’s Mini Herringbone Scarf
I have accumulated quite a bit of neckwear over the years. Some bright, some bulky, some sleek, lots ecru, but hands-down, what earns me the most compliments is my Big Herringbone Cowl, scooped off these pages of the Purl Bee!
It is undeniably wonderful. After making one for myself, I was hooked on herringbone. It creates a flat, woven-like fabric on one side while remaining quite lofty and full on the other. It has a fascinating texture with a hypnotizing rhythm, and its drape is just beautiful. Considering this unique combination of characteristics, I had to have more herringbone!
My scarf counterpart to Whitney’s cowl showcases a mini-herringbone pattern, bordered by slip stitch rib edges. To highlight the timelessness of herringbone, I knit this scarf with Swan’s Island Worsted, a sumptuously soft organic wool inspired by the rugged traditions of coastal knitting. I hope you find this pattern as classic and handsome as Whitney’s cowl is modern and chic!
Update: New Yarn
October 27, 2017
A little bit bigger than our original version, this one also gets a yarn update. We knit it up in our unspeakably soft Understory, a baby alpaca, baby yak and silk blend, here in the rich and juicy color Ripe Plum. It also has new selvage stitches, as well as an accompanying all-new Mini Herringbone video tutorial that shows you how it’s done!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoMensMiniHerringboneCowl. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 2 skeins of Swan’s Island’s Worsted. Each skein is 250 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 500 yards required. I used the color Oatmeal. (NOTE: We no longer offer Swan’s Island’s Worsted, but choose from one of our other worsted weight yarns.)
- US 10 (6 mm), straight or circular needles
Gauge
30 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
Finished Dimensions: 7½ inches wide x 62 inches long
Notes
Slipped Stitches
All slipped stitches are to be slipped purl-wise.
Mini Herringbone Stitch
For more help with this stitch pattern, check out our video tutorial, above!
Pattern
Cast on 55 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (wrong side): Slip 1 wyif (with yarn in front), p1, k1, * p2tog and leave stitches on needle, purl the first stitch again and drop both stitches together from left-hand needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k1, p2.
Row 2: Slip 1 wyib (with yarn in back), k1, p1, * slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, then with left-hand needle raise up the slipped stitch as if to bind off but before dropping off right-hand needle, knit it and then drop from needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k1, p1, k2.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 row until scarf measures approximately 61 1/2 inches or until desired length. Repeat Row 1 once more.Bind off in pattern with RS facing. To do that… once you have bound off the three selvage stitches and are working the Mini-Herringbone stitch pattern, instead of knitting the slipped stitch as you slip it up and off the right-hand needle, as you have done previously, just drop the slipped stitch of the right-hand needle without knitting it.
Here is a video that goes through the bind off step by step…
Weave in your ends and block if desired.
Hi Alice,
Unfortunately we do not have this particular herringbone pattern written for working in the round. We do have a different herringbone pattern for working in the round though. It might be easier to adapt. You can see it here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/the-purl-bee/2011/1/5/whits-knits-big-herringbone-cowl.html
Thanks for writing in. Glad you like this scarf.
Laura
I used this pattern idea to create a set of boot cuffs! AWESOME! Thank you so much for your wonderful and inspirational projects! I have made several items from baby to adult from your ideas on here and they have been lovely lovely gifts!
Purl Bee usually has lovely photo illustrations of any special techniques required for a stitch pattern.
I'm having trouble with the components of this stitch pattern, especially on the RS row, knitting the stitch being passed over. I saw a video of this on the internet, but the cloth that resulted from the way she was doing it did not resemble your lovely scarf, and I'm confused.
Any chance you could include a photo or video of this stitch?
Hi TrueFeather77.
Thank you for writing in. We do always aim to communicate our patterns as clearly as possible. Adding photos to this pattern is now on our "To Do" list. We have lots of stuff in the works, so I am not sure when I will get them posted, but I will try to do it as soon as possible.
In the mean time, is there any way I can talk or write you through the issue you have with the RS row? I believe I know what step you are referring to… pretend you have picked up a stitch with the tip of your left needle as if you were going to bind off… just before you left that stitch drop off the right hand needle, take your working yarn and wrap it around your right needle and then let the stitch drop off and pull the working yarn through. Does this help at all?
We're here if you have more questions!
Laura
Lovely pattern! I used a merino and cashmere blend to knit it and because my husband likes his scarves extra long it took me ages! I loosely blocked the scarf (nearly ran out of floorspace!) and let it dry but it seems to be curling inwards on the ws on both long side. Should I block it again, more tightly this time? Help!
Hi Sara.
What a lucky husband. I'd love an extra long, cashmere blend version of this scarf! I can't believe it's curing up, especially after blocking. I experienced a tiny bit or curling, but steam blocking it relaxed the yarn and stitches and the curling stopped. I would definitely try blocking it once more. And with the wrong side facing up.
Let us know if it works. I'm quite puzzled by this.
Laura
There's a video of this stitch on theweeklystitch.com.
http://www.theweeklystitch.com/2013/01/little-herringbone-stitch.html
It really helped me figure it out.
The stitch pattern instruction is WS: do the HB stitch until last stitch, p1.
The scarf pattern is: WS: p to last THREE sts,k1, p2. How do I handle this?
Thanks.
Kmbold
Hi Kmbold,
Thanks for writing in. The first and last 3 stitches of each row are selvedge stitches. On the right side you slip 1, k1, p1 to start the row and you end the row with p1, k2. On the wrong side, you slip 1, p1, k1 to start the row and you end with k1, p2.
Between the selvedge stitches, you work the Mini Herringbone Pattern. So that means you…
Row 1 (WS): Sl1 wyif, p1, k1, * P2tog and leave stitches on needle, purl the first stitch again and drop both stitches together from left-hand needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k1, p2
Row 2 (RS): Sl1 wyib, k1, p1, *Slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, then with left-hand needle raise up the slipped stitch as if to bind off but before dropping off right-hand needle, knit it and then drop from needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k1, p1, k2
I hope this helps clear things up! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Thank you so much for your explanation Laura! I was searching for the edge variants of this pattern as it not looks accurate on edges itself and I have found your variant and it looks perfect!
Thanks for clarifying! Moving on from basic knit and purl stitches here so I was a bit confused. Rolling along fine now with this explanation.
Thank goodness I scrolled into the comments – I started this scarf and ripped it out 3 times before doing so because I kept ending up with 4 stitches left instead of 3 as it says you should have in the pattern above. All good now though!
Hi Laura,
Since you’ve explained the correct way to do this here, could you correct the pattern above? It still says “to the last 3 stitches” and that is very confusing to new comers!
Thank you
Hi Caiti,
Thanks for writing us! Both ways are correct, but it seems the explanation in the comments is more popular. We will consider replacing it in the future! Thanks again for the heads up!
Best,
Adam
Help! On the WS, I end with 3 stitches but on RS I end with 4! What am I going wrong? This is the 4th time I’m trying. Thanks.
Hi Shaznin,
Thanks for the question. Hopefully I can help you out. Since you cast on 55 stitches, the first three stitches of the row will leave you with 52 stitches. The body of the herringbone stitch is knit on a multiple of two so you should be able to get four stitches at the end of your row. It’s possible that you are knitting too few or too many stitches at the beginning of the row. This would offset your stitch count. It’s hard for me to tell you a definite answer without seeing your work but I hope I’ve helped in some way! Feel free to write back if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Thank you for asking this question! I was convinced I needed 56 stitches but then wasn’t getting the correct result. I’ve been working the pattern over and over going back and fourth from 55 to 56 stitches.
Makes perfect sense.
Thanks.
Kmbold
Thank you so much for this beautiful scarf pattern! I finally finished today!! It took me about ten or more times of ripping out until I finally got my knitting tension even. I had for a while called it the “The Nightmare Scarf” ecspecially when I dropped a stitich and had to figure out how to rip out a row which turned into several 🙁 This scarf was a challenge for me and I wasnt going to cave in. I knitted it in the same yarn from Swan Island but in Teal, gorgeous!! I love all your patterns because they look so cool 🙂
Hi, I just wanted to add if anyone is interested. I knitted the scarf a bit longer up to 78 inches so I had to order one more skein. It give you a nice one wrap around your neck and theirs enough to through one end back over your shoulder. It will be perfect for my brother since he lives in a cold climate. Thanx again for your awesome pattern!!
Hi Purlbee, I just wanted to ask you what type of cast on you used for this scarf? I used the Continental cast on but when I bound off it didn’t look alike. I heard that if you use a Cable cast on your bind off will look identical. Have you heard about this? Thanx for any input.
Hi Lins-
We used a long tail cast on for this. Here is a tutorial that might help you out: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2006/09/29/long-tail-cast-on/
Thank you!
Molly
This may be a basic question, but I tried using a long tail cast on for this. After working the first row, I’m left with a huge loop at the end that I can’t get rid of. The only way I was able to prevent this was using a knit-on cast on with a slip knot. What am I doing wrong with long tail?
Hi Adam-
Hmmm… is the loop at the beginning or end of your cast on row?
The beginning of a long tail cast on is also a slip knot so perhaps that’s the issue?
Molly
Hi again, I just realized I don’t think I understood the bind off on the Mini Herringbone scarf. Am I sopose to drop every slipped stitch when binding off or just the first slipped stitch? This is probably why it doesn’t look anything like the cast on. Could you explain it in a different way? Thank you
Hi Linda.
I will gladly expand on the bind off! Bind the first three stitches off in pattern. You will bind off the first two stitches in knit and the third stitch in purl. From there, you continue in pattern, so, you will slip one, then knit one, bind off that slipped stitch, but rather than knitting it, as you have done in the previous RS rows, you will just drop it off the needle. Continue binding off in pattern, the last three will be bound off in purl, knit and knit.
Please write back if you want further help!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
I’m so eager to try this pattern… However, I was looking for some advice. I’d really like to make the piece wider so as to be more of a shawl than scarf. I stink at figuring out gauge. Can you offer any advice as to how many to CO for such a project? Thanks in advance!
Hi Laura,
Thanks for writing in.
The Mini-Herringbone Stitch is always worked over an odd number of stitches. To make this scarf I added 3 selvedge stitches to each edge making 6 selvedge stitch in total. So if you’d like to make this wider… simply cast on an odd number + 6 selvedge stitches.
Let me know if you have any questions at all!
Thanks,
Laura
Hi! I absolutely love all your patterns and your style. How is it that you’re all able to combine classic with modern every single time?
I was hoping to do this pattern and treat myself to some yarn from Purl Soho. However, there are very few colours for the yarn you used. I was hoping to knit it with ANZULA For Better or Worsted, but being a somewhat self-taught knitter, I’m not sure it would work. What do you think? Also, would I need 2 or 3 skeins?
Thank you!
Hi Catherine-
For Better or Worsted would work beautifully, especially if you like the look of hand dyed yarn, which have a streaky quality. I would recommend a lighter color so that you can see the stitch pattern well. You would need 3 skeins.
Or if you’d rather not do a a hand dye, our Worsted Twist yarn would also work and you would also need 3 skeins: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9239-Purl-Soho-Worsted-Twist
Thanks so much for your question and please let us know if you need any more help!
Molly
Hi, Purlbee. I just bought the yarn from Purlsoho to make this scarf, and although I have the stitch pattern down, I have two questions:
One, maybe it’s just the magic of photography, but the scarf in the photo looks as though it had been knitted on smaller needles than #10, and your edges seem so much finer than mine. Is that stitch really the result of #10 needles? If so, any suggestions as to how I might get a tighter edge? And two, when I was practicing the stitch, I dropped one and had absolutely no clue how to pick it up. Any hints on how to handle a dropped stitch? I’m afraid I’ll be a quarter of the way into the darned scarf, make a dreadful error and be stuck having to rip the whole thing out! Fear and trembling!
Hi Tim.
Yes, indeed these are size US #10 needles. I knit the scarf myself and could not believe how large a needle this stitch requires. If I was to work this yarn in stockinette stitch I would probably do so on a US #7, so I totally understand your disbelief.
One way to very slightly tighten up those selvedge stitches, would be to slip them knitwise rather than purlwise. Maybe give that shot?
As for picking up in this stitch, the best advice I can give here, is to slowing rip out a few rows, carefully watching how the loops and stitches interact with one another. That way, by the time you pull out your knitting down to the error, you’ll know what the stitches should look like and how to pick them back up.
Thanks for writing in, Tim, and please let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
Hi!
I love this pattern and would love to try knitting it in Woolfolk Far. What needle size would you recommend for this yarn and pattern?
Thanks!
Michelle
Hi Michelle-
The Woolfolk Far is a good substitution because it’s a similar weight to the original yarn used here. You shouldn’t have to adjust the needle size or the pattern at all!
Thanks for your question and please let us know if you have any more!
Molly
Hi Michelle + Molly.
Yes. Molly, you’re correct, they are similar in weight, but Michelle, the Woolfolk is a hair thicker than the Swan’s. I would maybe go up a size in needle, especially if you have a tendency to knit on the tight side. Plus the Woolfolk has more loft and bloom to it than the Swan’s so it can be knit a bit looser!
Let us know how it goes!
Laura
Help! Am I counting wrong. If the first 3 stitches and the last 3 stitches equal 6 stitches, and each set of p2tog requires and even number of stitches, how do you do this with and odd number of stitches (55)? After the sl1, p1, k1, then herringbone stitch all the way across I end up with only 2 stitches left. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Ann.
Thanks for writing in.
I think you may be overlooking a stitch in the pattern somewhere.
Yes, the selvedge stitches add up to 6, between them is an odd number. The Mini Herringbone potion does repeat in pairs of stitches but then ends with a single purl 1 on the wrong side and a single knit 1 on the purl side.
When you combine the Mini Herringbone pattern to the selvedge pattern it looks like the following…
Row 1 (WS): Sl1 wyif, p1, k1, * P2tog and leave stitches on needle, purl the first stitch again and drop both stitches together from left-hand needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k1, p2
Row 2 (RS): Sl1 wyib, k1, p1, *Slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, then with left-hand needle raise up the slipped stitch as if to bind off but before dropping off right-hand needle, knit it and then drop from needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k1, p1, k2
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Could this be done in a DK cashmere/merino blend? How would I adapt the pattern? Needle size, number of stitches? Want to make for my son who’s six feet tall.
Hi Marilynn!
Since this scarf stitch pattern can be worked over any odd number of stitches, you should be able to adjust it easily! I would go down a couple of needle sizes from the pattern, and add a few stitches to the cast-on. Since it is a scarf it is entirely up to you how wide you’d like it!
I also usually make scarves at least as long as the height of the recipient, plus a few inches.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I love this pattern and am hoping to make it as Christmas gift for someone but was thinking about using a slightly heavier yearn that I have. If I wanted to use an Aran weight yarn (https://blueskyalpacas.com/yarns/extra/) should I change what size needles I use?
Thanks!
Hi Kathleen-
That yarn actually sounds pretty similar so it will probably work to just substitute it and do the pattern as is. But keep in mind that needle size is always just a suggestion, so if your swatch is too tight or too loose on the suggested needles you should always feel free to change!
Best-
Molly
Hi,
I am trying to make this lovely scarf, but something’s not going right. I cast on 55 stitches, and follow row one as written. I then end up with 2 stitches at the end (instead of 3), and no longer have the 55 stitches. Then, when I ignored the edge and kept knitting, I followed the instructions for the second row, and ended up with 2 stitches left for the edging and had a total of 56 stitches. What could I be doing wrong??
Thanks, Phoebe
Hi Phoebe.
Thanks for writing in. I think you may be overlooking a stitch in the pattern somewhere. When you combine the Mini Herringbone pattern to the selvedge pattern it looks like the following…
Row 1 (WS): Sl1 wyif, p1, k1, * P2tog and leave stitches on needle, purl the first stitch again and drop both stitches together from left-hand needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k1, p2
Row 2 (RS): Sl1 wyib, k1, p1, *Slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, then with left-hand needle raise up the slipped stitch as if to bind off but before dropping off right-hand needle, knit it and then drop from needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k1, p1, k2
Does this help at all? I think you need to stop working the Mini Herringbone pattern one pair of stitches sooner in order to either k1, p1, k2 on the RS or p1, k1, p2 on the wrong side.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Yes, that helps very much. Thank you!! The pattern reads to work the herringbone until the last 3 stitches, which is where I went wrong. Now off to continue my christmas knitting!
Thanks again!
Please help. I have swatches and swatchec and while the front looks right the back looks, as someone else posted, like basket weave. I even watched the you tube. The cowl and scarf a so lovely I can’t wait to have it made
Hi Amy.
I’d love to help you figure this out!
The Men’s Mini Herringbone and Whitney’s Herringbone cowl are two different stitches. We haven’t put out a video tutorial on either (although I know some for the cowl do exist on YouTube) so I’m not sure which stitch or pattern has you confused.
If it’s the Big Herringbone Cowl… please comment here (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/01/05/whits-knits-big-herringbone-cowl/) so that Whitney can get back to you!
If it’s the scarf… can you tell me what exactly you’re struggling with? I’d love to help get you started! Please write us back!
Laura
I just started knitting this with Madeline Tosh Vintage 100% merino – worsted weight, 200 yds. I thought the yarn was comparable to the one featured in the pattern, but my gauge is too big with size 10 needles and even size 9 seems big. The scarf is turning out a full inch wider than the 7.5 inches mentioned in the pattern. Can you tell me if Madeline Tosh Vintage worsted is comparable to Swan’s Island Worsted? Should I keep dropping needle sizes until I match the guage? (The Madeline Tosh yarn actually calls for size 6-7 needles.)
Great website and patterns!
Hi Linda.
We don’t see Madeline Tosh Vintage so I don’t have any experience with it first hand, but after some internet research it’s looking like the suggested gauge is 4.5 to 5 stitches to the inch on size US6 or US7 needles. Swan’s Island’s Worsted is 4.5 stitches to the inch on size US8 needles. While the suggested needle size is different, by the looks of it, they can still accomplish the same gauge.
For the Mini-Herringbone, I suggest a US10 for the Swan’s Island Worsted for this pattern (2 sizes up from what’s recommended for stockinette stitch), so I think I’d go up from the recommended Us6 or US7 for stockinette to a US8 or US9 for this Mini-Herringbone pattern in the Madeline Tosh Vintage.
If the gauge is too big, then yes, I would drop down in needle size. The most important thing is that you’re happy with the fabric. Is the knit fabric too loose and hole-y? If yes, I’d drop down in needle size. If the fabric is a nice density and still drapey, maybe just continue to work the scarf as you are. The nice thing about scarves is that even if they are a little wide or a little narrow, they still “fit”.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks.
Laura
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much for the quick reply. I do feel that even with the 9s the fabric was not as clean and tight as the scarf in the web photos. I’ll try dropping to the 8s to achieve that look.
Thanks again!
Linda
Hi Laura,
I’ve been knitting with size 8s and the scarf is turning out beautifully. I have a more general question now about the selvedges as this is the first time I am knitting a pattern that has them. Are they purely aesthetic, or do they function to prevent or reduce curling? I’m wondering if adding these selvedge stitches to a rosette stitch scarf would keep it from curling.
Thanks!
Hi Linda!
I am so glad to hear your scarf is coming along!
Regarding the selvedge stitches… They are primarily aesthetic, but yes they can help prevent a edge that wants to curl. The Mini Herringbone stitch tends to lay fairly flat on it’s own, but I have used this edge on other pieces and found it very helpful for fabrics whose edges curl.
I love this selvedge, but it doesn’t work for every row gauge. When it does, I find it quite pleasing, a clean finish that compliments textured stitch patterns like this or, I would imagine, a rosette stitch. If it doesn’t match the rosette stitch row gauge, maybe take a look at the edge I did on my Trellis Scarf. It’s similar and I think helps with a rolled edge even more. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/04/04/lauras-loop-trellis-scarf/
Let me know how it goes!!
Laura
Hi,
This pattern is really incredibly beautiful, but I’m having a very hard time with it. Somehow, somewhere, I am dropping stitches. I can’t figure out why, where, when or how I’m not noticing.. I started working off the combined pattern that Laura so kindly wrote out, but I’m still having trouble. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any solutions? I’ve pulled out so many rows that my yarn has basically felted itself. Please help!
Thank you!
Hi Joy.
I’m so glad you think it’s beautiful and I’m so sorry it’s causing such strife.
Some spots where you may be losing stitches…
– maybe on the right side, when you are supposed to knit the stitch as you are binding it off, are you forgetting to knit it?
– maybe on the wrong side, when you are supposed to p2tog, but then purl into the first stitch again, are you forgetting to purl into that stitch again?
– maybe you are working up until the last two stitches rather than the last 4 and that is messing things up?
Readers, knitters, commenters… please weight in here. I’d love to hear your experience with this stitch, plus I’d love to get Joy back on track!
Joy… write me back with which part of the pattern has you most tripped up. I think we can figure this out!
Laura
A much earlier post provided this link to a video demonstrating the stitch. It is very clear and even makes reference to this purl bee scarf.
http://www.theweeklystitch.com/2013/01/little-herringbone-stitch.html
I’ve not had any problems since watching the video.
Joy, did you figure out what was causing this? I’ve just started this scarf and realized that I’ve dropped about 5 stitches so far (I’ve knitted maybe 10-12 rows), but I can’t figure out where. Perhaps we are making the same mistake–if you have any advice, I’m grateful!
It looks like you no longer sell the Swan’s Island’s Worsted yarn that the pattern uses. Do you have any suggestions for substitutions?
Thank you!
Hi Kimberly…
You could use any worsted weight yarn for this project! The Swan’s Island’s Worsted is on the lighter side, boardering on DK weight rather than Aran. You will need 500 yards total. Here are some good options:
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9658-Purl-Soho-Flax-Down
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7913-Anzula-For-Better-or-Worsted
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7795-Brooklyn-Tweed-Shelter
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/649-Cascade-Yarns-Cascade-220
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8065-Cascade-Yarns-Eco-Cloud
Hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any questions!!
Laura
I’m a bit confused by the selvedge element.
When you’re left with four stitches on the wrong side are you supposed to purl, purl, knit, purl? On the right side are you supposed to knit, knit, purl, knit?
Hi Kasady.
Thanks for writing in.
Here’s what the pattern looks like all together (selvedge stitches + Mini Herringbone stitch pattern). Hope this helps!
Laura
Row 1 (WS): Sl1 wyif, p1, k1, * P2tog and leave stitches on needle, purl the first stitch again and drop both stitches together from left-hand needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, p1, k1, p2
Row 2 (RS): Sl1 wyib, k1, p1, *Slip 1 with yarn in back, k1, then with left-hand needle raise up the slipped stitch as if to bind off but before dropping off right-hand needle, knit it and then drop from needle, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, k1, p1, k2
This pattern is beautiful! I am just wondering if it can be done with a regular herringbone stitch in between the selvege edge? I found a pattern where you k2tog in the back, drop of first stitch and continue to end of row on the RS. The WS is th e same as you described. Would that work?
Hi Danielle.
I’m not entirely sure it will work, but it sounds promising (and interesting). The stitch pattern you found… is it worked over an odd number of stitches? Have you done a swatch to test it out? I’d love to hear how it goes!
Laura
Can you recommend a matching hat pattern for a man? Maybe gloves?
Hi Allison.
I do not know of any hat patterns that use this same stitch. I will keep my eye out though. I bet this stitch pattern would make a lovely pair of Mittens. Maybe Mini Herringbone on the back side of the mitten and stockinette on the front or palm side? Again, I don’t know of any off the top of my head, but I’ll keep it in mind (and maybe even see if we can work something like this into the calendar for 2015).
Thanks for your interest and for writing in.
Laura
PS: Here’s a link to all of our knit hats! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/accessories-projects-knit/hats-projects-knit/
Hello, I am having trouble with the selvedge stitch. The chain of stitches on one side is coming out loose, while the other side is perfect. Do you have suggestions on how to fix the lose side?
Hi Celeste.
I’m glad you wrote in! A couple people have had this same issue. I’ve been suggesting to slip that first slipped stitch, on the loose edge, knitwise rather than purlwise. Most of the time this fixes that extra looseness. Another option is to try a different edge all together… like the one I used on the Brioche Scarf: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/10/20/lauras-loop-brioche-scarf/
On the right side start and end each row with… slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif
On the wrong side start and end each row with… k1, slip 1 wyif, k1
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Thank you Laura, I will knit a swatch for both options to see which works best. I’ll write again to tell you how I am doing with the project.
Celeste
Is casting on 55 stitches correct? Is this not made across the short end, and then to desired length?
Hi Susan.
Casting on 55 stitches is perfect!
You cast on for the short edge and then work to the desired length!
At 7 1/2 stitches to the inch in stitch pattern, the scarf should end up approximately 7 1/2 inches wide.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
I made this! It turned out beautiful. I made it in cashmere as a gift for my son. He loves it. Thank you so much for such a pretty/handsome pattern and for offering it free. I posted it to Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/RamonasGirl/mens-mini-herringbone-scarf
Hi I would like to make this using some Juniper moon baby alpaca I have. The yarn is bulky weight. I’m also a tight knitter and I know this is a tight kind of stitch. What size needle would you recommend? Your pattern uses 10s… May I go up to 13s? And keep an odd number of stitches? I definitely want to keep the masculine look of this scarf. Other herringbone patterns have edging that looks too feminine for my husbands style.
Hi Jennifer-
I am not familiar with that yarn but it sounds like you’re on the right track. The best thing to do would be to knit a swatch on the 13s to make sure you like the look of the fabric you create.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
Gorgeous pattern!
Hi there!
I am relatively new to knitting but feel like I have mastered this pattern with one small exception! My scarf is always slightly slanted towards the left! Can you suggest what could be causing this?
I have tried knitting it tighter or looser and I am making sure that both wrong and right side are knitted in the same tension but it keeps happening. Could it be the yarn I used? I’m knitting with Patons wool blend aran which uses the same needles and very similar tension as the wool in the pattern. I would appreciate any advice!
Thanks.
Hi Ju.
It sounds like you’ve already really investigated the situation. I know you said you’ve been diligent about keeping your tension even on both sides, but sometimes, with patterns like this (where you are working two stitches at once and working stitches twice and doing a faux bind off kind of thing), we can’t help but favor one side. We either purl a little tighter or knit a little tighter. It’s a charming nuance of hand made goods.
Have you blocked your scarf? Do you think it is so drastically slanted that blocking won’t straighten it up? Sometimes a good soak will really relax the stitches, taking some of that unwanted shape away.
I’m sorry to not have any new or secret or magical advice to give.
Please keep us posted if you figure out a fantastic solution or have any thoughts on this! We’d love to hear about your experience.
Thanks.
Laura
Does the front side look identical to the back side of the pattern?
Hi Jamie
Great question.
It does not. The has a slight and subtle pattern of purl-like stitches.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Laura
Dear Purl Bees
I have just received your “worsted twist” wool via mail.
Can I use it too for this mens scarf? It is a little thicker than the described one. What is the smallest needle possible for the “worsted twist”? Last but not least – do you suggest iron needles for a even pattern?
kind regards
Dear Purl Bees
I have just received your “worsted twist” wool via mail.
Can I use it too for this mens scarf? It is a little thicker than the described one. What is the smallest needle possible for the “worsted twist”? Last but not least – do you suggest iron needles for a evenly knitted pattern?
Hi Mario.
You definitely can use the Worsted Twist for the Men’s Mini Herringbone Scarf! As you mentioned it’s a bit thicker than the yarn used in the pattern, but not by too much. For the original scarf I used a size US10 needle. I would typically use a US7 for the Swan’s Island Worsted if working stockinette stitch, but the Mini Herringbone is so dense, I had to jump up a few needle sizes.
For the Worsted Twist, I typically use a US8 if working stockinette stitch, so I would probably go up to a US10 1/2 or US11 for this scarf.
You asked what the smallest needle possible for Worsted Twist… I tend to use a US6 if I am trying to work ribbing for the cuff of a hat or something similar.
As for needles, I personally tend to knit with only metal needles. I love the Addi Turbos and the Addi Turbo Rockets. https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/8-knitting-crochet-knitting-needles?filters%5B%5D=11 Lots of people love wooden needles though too. It’s whatever is more comfortable in your hand. There’s a bit more flex with the wooden needles, but there is also more friction, which can slow you down.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Thanks a lot for your detailed answer. I have tried it out with the worsted weight. I am not very convinced if I have it right. Probably it is the look of the «twisted» which seems different to your pictures. With a different wool I almost got it … but maybe I invented also another pattern.
Hi! This pattern is gorgeous, but I’ve tried starting it a few times and my border always looks much chunkier than it does in the photographs… Are you sure it’s the same? It seems like 3-4 stitches on either side looks like more than you could have in the pictures. Then again it could just be me making a mistake. Please let me know! Thanks
Hi Noa.
The scarf pictured here follows this exact pattern.
The edge doesn’t fully take shape until you’re a few inches in. How far have you been getting until before you rip out? Are you slipping your slipped stitches purlwise? I’m not sure if you’ve read any of the comments, some commenters found it helpful to slip the slipped stitches knitwise instead (just for the selvedge stitch). This does change the look a little bit, but it may tighten things up for you.
I do hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Laura
Hi. I love this pattern. My scarf is knit on size 8s using Madeline Tosh DK Merino. It looks amazing except that it is biasing to the left. Is there a way to correct this? Any thoughts on why this is happening? My knitting has never biased in 15 years.
Thanks!!
Hi Sarah.
I’m glad you wrote in.
You are not alone! A few others have written in with similar concerns or experiences. I think this fabric may have has a tendency to bias especially if you might be working the right and wrong sides with even just a slightly different tension (which is extremely common). The difference in tensions can cause subtle pull or bias to become much more exaggerated. Most folks who’ve suffered this problem have had great luck with blocking this scarf back into a rectangle. Have you tried to block your scarf?
Please write us back. I’m curious to hear how the blocking goes! Let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Laura
Does anyone have any substitute yarn suggestions? This scarf is beautiful, but it looks like Purl Bee is no longer selling the Swan’s Island yarn originally used. Thanks!
Also, I am in love with the original color, so I would love a suggestion for a similar color as well.
Hello again!
Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist Heather in Wheat Flour is very similar! Check it out here: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/worsted-twist-heather.html
Thanks for writing! -Alyson
Hello Kaitlynn!
This pattern originally used a standard worsted weight, so any of these yarns would work wonderfully:
Purl Soho’s Worsted Twist: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/worsted-twist.html
Madeline Tosh Merino: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/tosh-merino.html
or Manos del Uruguay’s Maxima: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/knitting-crochet/maxima.html
Hope this helps! Happy knitting! -Alyson
Hi Laura
Really like this patten. Would like to know if it’s passible to use this patten to make a baby hat for my son! If it’s passible how can I decrease ?
Hello Krilin!
While we don’t have a pattern at the moment for this exact stitch pattern in a child’s sized hat, we do have a pattern with a stitch that resembles herringbone available here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/12/08/elfin-hats/
Take a look and let us know what you think! Thanks for writing in, Alyson
This knits up so beautifully, I looooove this herringbone pattern! My question is…. Any tips on tinking? I made a practice swatch to learn this technique, and completely ripped the work off the needles after a mistake because i simply could not undo it. My efforts to tink were disastrous!! If I make a mistake two feet in on the actual project scarf I’ll cry if I can’t fix lol. Help!
Oh….maybe i should add that I didn’t realize it right away and truth is I wasnt sure where my error even was… I was trying to work backward to find it. Thank you!
Hello Laura!
From your second comment it seems like you aren’t able to identify where the problem was in the scarf. Were you able to find it? Has the error affected the rows that you are working on now?
As you unfortunately figured out, this stitch pattern is quite intricate and therefore nearly impossible to tink back without ripping out to the error. How drastic is the error? It may be possible to stitch it into place from the back of the work and make it invisible. Let us know so we can brainstorm together!
Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Ok, so in the meantime I DID have an error in my actual project. I took it to my local yarn shop out here on Long Island, and the owner patiently tink-ed away. She’s a MASTER lol. I learned a lot from her that day and am all fixed up. Lesson learned: do not knit this scarf until the kids are ASLEEP. thanks for your reply! And for this beautiful scarf. I think my honey’s going to love it <3
I’m a little upset that there is no video on how to do this, but rather, how to end it. I would love a video or pictures because the written of this is just too much and too easy for me to mess up 🙁 It seems to be very popular and asked about, I hope a video is added.
Hi Jakkie.
Thank you for your request!
We’ll see what we can do about adding this to our Video To Do List. In the meantime I’d love to help you through any portion you’re finding difficult. Please do not hesitate to write us back with any questions!
Thanks.
Laura
I am working on starting this beautiful pattern, but every time I get to the third row I am short one stitch. The first two work through fine, but when I get to the end of the third row I have five stitches left instead of the four needed for the p1, k1, p2. I have started over 4 times and end up with the same problem each time.
Nevermind, I still don’t know what I was doing but I somehow fixed my own problem.
Jordan, I’m glad to hear your back on track. Please don’t hesitate to write us if you run into any other problems! Thanks for writing in. -Laura
I just purchased the woolfolk yarn from purlsoho to make my husband the mini herringbone scarf. Can you suggest the needle size to swatch/gauge with? This will be my first attempt at this stitch and am needing some guidance. Thank you for all the lovely patterns.
Hello, Carol!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! Which Woolfolk yarn did you buy? For Far I recommend trying a US 10 or US 11 and for Tynd I recommend trying a US 5 or 7. Pleaes let us know if you have further questions!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I would love to knit this scarf but find I cannot follow the tutorial as you are knitting continental. What is the difference between the “mini” herringbone and regular herringbone stitches? I can find other tutorials for herringbone that I understand but none for mini herringbone. Thank you!
Hello Sandra,
Thanks for your interest in this pattern! “Mini Herringbone” is also known as “Little Herringbone” and I have posted a link to a YouTube tutorial below. This tutorial is also continental, but it is the only tutorial I could find of this stitch. I hope this helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n8443eRryM
Best,
Adam
Beautiful pattern! My husband would love me to knit him a scarf and we’ve settled on this one, but horror of horrors he does not want wool! Can you suggest a quality cotton yarn substitution? Much appreciated.
Hi Liz,
What a bummer! For a cotton replacement for the Swan’s Island Worsted, I would suggest trying Blue Sky Worsted Cotton. The yardage is a little different and you will need 3 skeins of the Blue Sky Worsted Cotton to get the same yardage.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I just started this pattern and am struggling with visualizing the first row..
p2tog and leave stitches on needle, purl the first stitch again and drop both stitches together from left-hand needle
I am not sure I’m understanding how to purl the first stitch again. I get really tight knots when I try, and I’ve you tubed a few herringbone videos and none seem to be purling two together and then purling into the first stitch again. Is it possible to elaborate for an intermediate knitter. I feel like once I get that down, I’ll be good to go!
Thank you!
Oh no, I just saw the link above! Very helpful, the first few rows look a bit weird, but once you get going it starts to make sense. I’m working a bit sloppy, but may start again with another yarn, etc. Thanks!!
I am knitting this scarf using Cascade Longwood worsted. I completed about 12″ and the scarf is coming out slanted not square. What have I done wrong? Can it be fixed by blocking?
Hello Wendy!
You are not alone! A few others have written in with similar concerns or experiences. We think that this fabric may have has a tendency to bias especially if you might be working the right and wrong sides with even just a slightly different tension (which is very common). A difference in tensions can cause subtle pull or bias to become much more exaggerated. Most folks who’ve suffered this problem have had great luck with blocking this scarf back into a rectangle.
Please write us back. We’d love to hear how the blocking goes! And please let us know if you have any further questions.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hello,
This looks like a fabulous pattern and I’m really looking forward to making it as a Christmas present for a friend.
A suggestion for future knitting patterns: it would be good to list the approximate number of yards needed; it’s only by reading some old comments that I noticed that this scarf needs 500 yards.
Thanks for the patterns… keep them coming. 🙂
Hello Su,
Thank you so much for your kind words! Your suggestion is a great and we will certainly take it under consideration!
Thank you for writing in.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I thought I should let you know that I finished the scarf in 2 1/2 weeks and gave it to a friend as a Christmas present. He said that he loves the herringbone pattern and the thickness of the scarf. Trouble is, now he wants me to knit more things for him! 😀
Thanks again for the excellent pattern, and Happy New Year!