The Sun-Kissed Citrus Hammock: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Bohemian Fruit Sling

Introducing the Sun-Kissed Citrus Hammock

Elevate your kitchen or sunroom with this charming, hand-knitted hammock designed to cradle your precious citrus and avocados. The open, airy stitch pattern allows for perfect airflow while adding a touch of boho texture to your countertop. This free knitting pattern is perfect for beginners looking to create a functional and stylish home decor piece. The textured, bohemian design will bring warmth and organic beauty to any space, making it a delightful project to knit and a joy to use.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (or any worsted-weight cotton yarn): 1 skein each of Linen (MC) and Terracotta (CC)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, scissors
• Gauge: 18 sts x 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). Achieving the correct gauge is important for the final size and fit of the hammock.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This hammock is worked flat in two pieces (the main body and the hanging loop), then seamed together. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to create your own Sun-Kissed Citrus Hammock.

Main Body (worked flat)

With MC (Linen), cast on 30 stitches.

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: *K2, yo, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (This creates the open mesh pattern.)
• Row 4: Purl all stitches.
• Row 5: Knit all stitches.
• Row 6: Purl all stitches.
• Row 7: Repeat Row 3.
• Row 8: Purl all stitches.
• Row 9: Knit all stitches.
• Row 10: Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 3-10 until piece measures 12 inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (a purl row). This will create the main body of the hammock with the open mesh texture.

Shaping the Bottom (decrease section)

Now, you will shape the bottom of the hammock by decreasing stitches. Work the following rows:

• Row 1 (RS): K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (28 sts)
• Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (26 sts)
• Row 5: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (24 sts)
• Row 7: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (22 sts)
• Row 9: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (20 sts)
• Row 11: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (18 sts)
• Row 13: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (16 sts)
• Row 15: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (14 sts)
• Row 17: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (12 sts)
• Row 19: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (10 sts)
• Row 21: K2, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. (8 sts)
• Row 23: K2, k2tog, k2tog, k2. (6 sts)
• Row 25: K2tog, k2tog, k2tog. (3 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through the remaining 3 stitches, and pull tight to close the bottom. Weave in the end securely.

Hanging Loop (worked flat)

With CC (Terracotta), cast on 6 stitches.

Work in Stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row) until piece measures 18 inches from cast-on edge.

Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends.

Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your hammock:

1. Fold the main body in half lengthwise, with the right side (RS) facing out. The open mesh rows should be horizontal.
2. Sew the side seams: Using MC yarn and a tapestry needle, sew the side seams from the cast-on edge down to the beginning of the decrease section. Leave the decrease section open (this forms the bottom of the hammock).
3. Attach the hanging loop: Fold the loop in half. Sew the ends of the loop securely to the inside of the top corners of the hammock (the cast-on edge). Ensure the loop is centered.
4. Weave in all remaining ends to give your hammock a clean, professional finish.

To Use:

Hang the loop over a hook or doorknob. Place fruit inside the hammock, allowing the mesh to cradle them. Enjoy your beautiful, hand-knitted Sun-Kissed Citrus Hammock!