CLICK here for Colored Clay Workshop Video # 5 to learn all about making herringbone canes
Herringbone patterns are versatile patterns you can quickly create with a little patience.
![herrring](../_Media/herrring_med_hr-2.jpeg)
Follow these simple steps.
Place any striped or patterned loaf on the table with the side you want to see the pattern on FACING UP. This works best on a longer loaf.
![herringbone position](../_Media/herringbone-position_med_hr.jpeg)
Then you slice off the end at an angle of your choice.
![choose an angle herringbone](../_Media/choose-an-angle-herringbone_med_hr.jpeg)
![Herringbone slant cut](../_Media/herringbone-slant-cut_med_hr.jpeg)
Then lift this piece and move it across the top of the loaf to the opposite flat end of the loaf - without turning it - just tap it into place on the end with the colors matching. You might need a light spritz of water to attach it.
Place that freshly cut side down on the table and cut slices between your two measured rulers.
![](../_Media/slicing-the-herring_med_hr.jpeg)
![](../_Media/herr1_med-2_med_hr.jpeg)
![](../_Media/herr-prop_med-2_med_hr.jpeg)
Find a way to hold the loaf up at the angle you want while cutting it.
I often end up using my chin or a roller to hold it in place.
![Slip or no slip herringbone](../_Media/slip-or-no-slip-herringbone_med_hr.jpeg)
Flip alternate slices to make your pattern.
You can put slip between the slices to join them or thin slices of clay for a different design.
![](../_Media/sides-together-herringbone_med_hr.jpeg)
![](../_Media/herr-3-2_med-2_med_hr.jpeg)
![](../_Media/herringbone-sample_med_hr.jpeg)
![progress](../_Media/progress_med_hr.jpeg)
It is a very versatile pattern as you can see
![Herring options](../_Media/herring-options_med_hr.jpeg)
PROBLEMS? Check out the Troubleshooting area
Thanks to Judy Goodstein for all the images!