The Honeycomb Hearth Wrap: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Honeycomb-Stitch Shawl
Wrap Yourself in Warmth: The Honeycomb Hearth Wrap
Imagine the golden glow of a crackling fire, the soft warmth of a favorite blanket, and the satisfying rhythm of your knitting needles. That's the magic of the Honeycomb Hearth Wrap. This free knitting pattern creates a deeply textured, triangular shawl using a mesmerizing honeycomb stitch that is both airy and insulating. Perfect for chilly autumn evenings or cozy winter nights, this wrap is a joy to knit and an even greater joy to wear. The rich, golden amber color and dimensional stitch pattern make it a stunning handmade accessory that will be treasured for years.
Materials Needed
To create your own Honeycomb Hearth Wrap, you'll need the following materials. Using the exact specifications will ensure your shawl matches the intended size and drape.
- Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (Category 4). Approximately 800-900 yards. The sample shown uses a rich, golden amber color.
- Needle: US Size 8 (5.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 32-inch or longer cord. The long cord is essential to hold the increasing number of stitches.
- Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch pattern (blocked). Achieving the correct gauge is important for the final size and fabric texture.
- Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, blocking mats and pins (optional but recommended).
Step-by-Step Instructions
This shawl is worked from the top center point down, increasing at the center and edges. The honeycomb stitch pattern is a 6-row repeat. For a neat, professional edge, always slip the first stitch of every row purlwise with yarn in front.
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- yo: yarn over
- k2tog: knit two together
- ssk: slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, one at a time, then knit them together through the back loops)
- sl1 wyif: slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in front
- st(s): stitch(es)
Pattern Instructions
Cast On: Cast on 3 stitches.
Row 1 (Right Side): Sl1 wyif, k1, yo, k1. (4 stitches)
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Sl1 wyif, p1, yo, p to the last 2 sts, yo, p2. (6 stitches)
Row 3 (Right Side): Sl1 wyif, k1, yo, *k2tog, yo; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, yo, k2. (8 stitches)
Row 4 (Wrong Side): Sl1 wyif, p1, yo, p to the last 2 sts, yo, p2. (10 stitches)
Row 5 (Right Side): Sl1 wyif, k1, yo, *ssk, yo; repeat from * to last 3 sts, k1, yo, k2. (12 stitches)
Row 6 (Wrong Side): Sl1 wyif, p1, yo, p to the last 2 sts, yo, p2. (14 stitches)
Repeat Rows 1-6 until the shawl measures approximately 30 inches from the center point to the bottom edge, ending with a Wrong Side row (Row 2, 4, or 6).
Bind Off: Bind off loosely knitwise. A loose bind off is crucial to prevent the edge from being too tight and to allow the shawl to drape beautifully.
Finishing
Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle. Blocking is essential for this pattern. Soak the shawl in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay flat on a blocking mat. Gently stretch the shawl to open up the honeycomb pattern and achieve the final dimensions. Pin the edges if desired. Allow to dry completely. The honeycomb pattern will become more defined and the fabric will soften beautifully.
