Knits Gifts 2018: Herringbone Trail Cowl

The herringbone pattern, with its alternating vertical columns of left- and right-leaning parallel lines, was so named because it resembles the bones of a fish. This popular pattern can be found in flooring tiles, sidewalk pavers, and fabric.

In knitting, there is more than one version of a herringbone pattern. The classic herringbone stitch is created by working a row of right-leaning decreases followed by a row of left-leaning decreases. (Because only 1 stitch is dropped from the needle each time, the stitch count never changes.) It can take a little practice to get into the rhythm of working a decrease and dropping only 1 of the 2 stitches, but the gorgeous results are well worth the effort.

Another version of a knitted herringbone pattern can be seen in the Herringbone Trail Cowl from Interweave Knits Gifts 2018. This pattern was created by alternating pairs of right and left 1-over-1 twists across each round. The twists shift 1 stitch to the right or left on each round so that the topmost stitches form a diagonal line that spans several rows. The twists are worked without a cable needle, so the knitting goes fast.

If you’re looking for a quick, but fun, knitting project for someone on your holiday gift list, the Herringbone Trail Cowl is the perfect choice!

Pattern Details

DESIGNER Sarah Rothberg

DIFFICULTY Easy

FINISHED SIZE 22″ circumference and 13″ tall.

YARN Sugar Bush Yarns Bold (100% extra fine superwash merino; 190 yd [174 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): #3018 Georgian grey, 2 balls.

NEEDLES Size 8 (5 mm): 24″ circular (cir). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS Marker (m); tapestry needle.

GAUGE 22 sts and 31 rnds = 4″ in charted patt.

Knits Gifts 2018: Make Your Way to Christmas