Herringbone stitch

It is so named as it resembles the bones extending from the spine of a herring fish.

A knitted herringbone stitch creates a firm fabric "similar to a woven in appearance and elasticity".

[1] A heavyweight fabric can be made with variations of the herringbone stitch, such as the herringbone twist stitch, which can be worked in either one or two colours; both versions are suitable for experienced knitters.

[2] The herringbone stitch is used as one of the symbolic motifs in the traditional knitted Aran jumper, or "fisherman's sweater"; specifically, the tradition as it exists in the Channel Islands of Guernsey, Jersey and Filey.

The herringbone pattern represents the "fisherman's catch and thus for success in one's career".

Embroidered herringbone stitch.
A knitted herringbone stitch.
Close-up of an alphabet embroidery sampler made with blue, green, black, and yellow thread. The rows of letters are each separated by a line of herringbone stitches.
Embroidery sampler featuring herringbone stitch