This fabric is made with a Herringbone Half Double Crochet worked in the Back Loop Only (HHDC BLO).
That combination creates the diagonal, knitted-look ribs you see in the photo.
Herringbone Half Double Crochet (HHDC BLO)
US crochet terms
What makes this stitch special
- The herringbone step creates the slanted “V” look
- Working in the back loop only forms raised ribs
- Rows naturally lean diagonally, giving a knitted appearance
Materials
- Yarn: medium / worsted (or any yarn you like)
- Hook: match yarn (example: 4.5–5 mm)
- Scissors
Step 1: Foundation Chain
- Make a slip knot.
- Chain any number of stitches.
- Add 1 extra chain for turning.
👉 Example:
If you want 20 stitches → chain 21.
Step 2: Row 1 – Basic HHDC
This first row sets up the stitch.
One complete HHDC stitch (VERY detailed)
- Yarn over (yo) – wrap yarn over hook from back to front.
- Insert hook into the 2nd chain from the hook.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop → 3 loops on hook.
- Pull the first loop straight through the second loop
(you do NOT yarn over here). - Yarn over.
- Pull yarn through the remaining 2 loops.
✅ One HHDC completed.
- Repeat steps 1–6 in each chain.
- Chain 1, turn.
Step 3: Row 2 – HHDC Back Loop Only (IMPORTANT)
From this row on, you work ONLY into the back loop.
Identify the back loop
Each stitch has:
- Front loop (closest to you)
- Back loop (farther from you)
👉 Insert hook only under the back loop.
One HHDC BLO stitch
- Yarn over.
- Insert hook into the back loop only of the next stitch.
- Yarn over, pull up a loop → 3 loops on hook.
- Pull the first loop through the second loop.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through the remaining 2 loops.
Repeat across the row.
Chain 1, turn.
Step 4: Repeat Pattern
- Repeat Row 2 for all remaining rows.
That’s it!
The fabric will begin to show:
- Vertical ridges
- Diagonal braided texture
- Knit-like elasticity
Why the ribs look diagonal
- HHDC naturally twists stitches
- BLO forces stitches to stack
- Together they form slanted ribs instead of straight ones
This is normal and desired 👍
Common mistakes (and fixes)
❌ Fabric too tight
✔ Use a larger hook or relax tension
❌ No ribbing showing
✔ Make sure you are:
- Pulling loop through loop (herringbone step)
- Working in back loop only
❌ Holes between stitches
✔ Pull the yarn snug after step 4
Edge control (optional but recommended)
To get straighter edges:
- Always work the last stitch
- Don’t skip the turning chain
- Keep turning chain loose
Pattern summary (short form)
Ch any number +1
Row 1: HHDC across, ch 1, turn
Row 2: HHDC BLO across, ch 1, turn
Repeat Row 2
