Herringbone Slouch

Herringbone Slouch Armwarmers by Teresa Gregorio

What is Being Made

The Herringbone Slouch is a pair of knitted armwarmers designed by Teresa Gregorio. These are elongated hand coverings that measure 3.5 inches across and 17 inches long after blocking. The armwarmers feature functional thumbholes positioned approximately midway up the length, making them practical for everyday wear while allowing full finger and hand mobility.

Knitting Techniques Used

This advanced knitting project employs several key techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern begins with a cast-on in the round using the join method, requiring careful attention to avoid twisting the stitches. Knitters will work in the round throughout using circular knitting on double-pointed needles. The pattern incorporates fair isle colorwork, a stranded knitting technique where two colors are carried across the row to create the herringbone pattern. Additionally, the pattern requires thumbhole construction, which involves strategic cast-offs and cast-ons to create openings while maintaining the pattern integrity. The piece concludes with a ribbed cuff finish.

Stitches Used

The Herringbone Slouch utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed in a specific sequence. The project opens and closes with 1x1 ribbing, a basic alternating knit and purl stitch that creates elasticity and a finished edge. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, the most common knit stitch pattern, which provides a smooth, flat surface ideal for displaying the herringbone fair isle colorwork. The herringbone fair isle pattern itself is created through strategic placement of the two yarn colors within the stockinette base.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The armwarmers are constructed using Mission Falls Superwash yarn in two colorways: color 136 013 and color 136 008, with one ball of each color required. This superwash treatment makes the finished garment machine-washable and durable for regular wear. The project is worked on 3.25 millimeter double-pointed needles, which are sized to achieve the specified gauge of 6 stitches per inch. This gauge measurement is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions of 3.5 inches in circumference.

Pattern Overview

• Cast on 48 stitches with main color
• Work 1x1 ribbing for 0.75 inches
• Switch to stockinette stitch and begin herringbone fair isle pattern
• Continue pattern until piece measures 11.5 inches from cast-on edge
• Create thumbholes by casting off 10 stitches, then casting on 10 stitches to maintain continuity
• Knit 1 inch in pattern following the thumbhole creation
• Switch to main color only and work 1x1 ribbing for final 1 inch
• Make two identical armwarmers using this same sequence

Finished Specifications

After blocking, each armwarmer measures 3.5 inches in circumference and 17 inches in total length. The ribbed sections at the top and bottom provide stretch and recovery, while the herringbone fair isle pattern creates visual interest across the main body. The thumbholes are positioned to allow comfortable wear with the openings supporting the thumb while the remainder of the fabric covers the forearm.