Honeycomb Cowl Knitting Pattern

Honeycomb Cowl Knitting Pattern by Plymouth Yarn

Project Overview

The Honeycomb Cowl is a knitted neck accessory designed by Plymouth Yarn, available as a downloadable PDF pattern. This cowl features an elegant textured stitch pattern that creates a visually striking honeycomb effect, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a sophisticated yet achievable garment.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a circular cowl—a tubular neckwear piece that drapes around the shoulders and neck. The finished cowl measures approximately 12 inches in length along the honeycomb section, creating a versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone statement piece.

Materials Required

The Honeycomb Cowl is crafted using Dye for Me: Merino Baby Alpaca yarn, requiring one hank for completion. Knitters will need US size 6 circular needles measuring 24 inches in length, or the appropriate needle size to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern calls for a gauge of 16 stitches and 22 rows equaling 4 inches when worked in the Mesh Honeycomb Stitch on US size 6 needles. Maintaining proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and drape of the cowl.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The primary stitch featured in this pattern is the Mesh Honeycomb Stitch, worked in the round. This textured stitch combines fundamental knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance:

• Knit stitches (K) form the foundation of the pattern
• Purl stitches (P) create contrast and texture, particularly in the edging rounds
• Yarn overs (YO) generate the openwork elements characteristic of the honeycomb design
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases that work in conjunction with yarn overs to form the lacy honeycomb structure

Stitch Pattern Sequence

The Mesh Honeycomb Stitch repeats over four rounds when worked in the round:

• Round 1: Purl all stitches
• Round 2: Knit all stitches
• Round 3: Yarn over, slip-slip-knit, repeated to the end of the round, creating the openwork honeycomb effect
• Round 4: Knit all stitches

Construction Method

The cowl is constructed using the in-the-round method on circular needles, which creates a seamless, continuous tube. After casting on 86 stitches, the knitter joins the stitches carefully to avoid twisting. Three purl rounds establish a finished edge at the beginning, followed by the main honeycomb pattern section. The pattern is repeated until the cowl reaches approximately 12 inches in length, ending with a complete Round 1 of the stitch pattern. Three final purl rounds create a matching finished edge before binding off loosely to maintain elasticity.

Finishing

Completing the Honeycomb Cowl requires only basic finishing: weaving in all yarn ends to secure them and create a polished appearance.

Skill Level Considerations

This pattern incorporates intermediate-level techniques including working in the round on circular needles, maintaining stitch patterns, and executing yarn overs and decreases in sequence. The repetitive nature of the four-round pattern makes it accessible for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore textured stitch patterns.