Honeycomb Haven Bobble Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for Cozy, Textured Layers

Wrap yourself in the cozy luxury of a handcrafted cardigan that’s as delightful to knit as it is to wear. The Honeycomb Haven Bobble Cardigan features a stunning, honeycomb-inspired stitch pattern that combines smooth knits, subtle purls, and raised, dimensional bobbles. This free pattern guides you through creating a modern, oversized silhouette—perfect for layering over everything from simple tees to flowing dresses. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a textured project or a confident beginner ready for a rewarding challenge, this cardigan is your next favorite make.

With its warm honey-gold main color and creamy contrast trim, this cardigan feels like a hug in garment form. The generous, boxy fit and dropped shoulders give it a contemporary, relaxed vibe, while the tactile honeycomb texture adds depth and visual interest. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide and create a statement piece you’ll treasure for years.

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience. All yarn amounts are estimated for the three sizes provided.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease) in a warm honey gold. Approximately 1200 (1400, 1600) yards.
• Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight yarn in a creamy off-white. Approximately 200 (250, 300) yards.

Needles & Notions

• US 8 (5mm) circular knitting needles, 32-inch or longer (for the body panels).
• US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles for sleeves (or use the magic loop method with your circular needle).
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Buttons (5-7, depending on your preferred spacing)
• Scissors

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (after blocking). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished cardigan matches the intended measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for three sizes: S/M (L/XL, XXL). Finished chest measurements are 40 (48, 56) inches. The cardigan is designed with an oversized fit, so choose the size based on your desired ease.

Stitch Patterns

Before you begin, familiarize yourself with the signature Honeycomb Bobble Pattern. This 8-row repeat creates the beautiful, textured fabric.

Honeycomb Bobble Pattern (multiple of 6 + 2 stitches):

• Row 1 (RS): K2, *p1, k5; repeat from * to last 4 sts, p1, k3.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K2, *p1, k1, MB (make bobble), k3; repeat from * to last 4 sts, p1, k3.
• Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 5 (RS): K2, *p1, k5; repeat from * to last 4 sts, p1, k3.
• Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 7 (RS): K2, *p1, k4, MB, k1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, p1, k3.
• Row 8 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Repeat Rows 1-8 for the pattern.

MB (Make Bobble): (K1, p1, k1, p1, k1) into the same stitch—this creates 5 stitches from 1. Then, pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the 1st stitch. One stitch remains, and your bobble is complete.

Back Panel

1. With MC, cast on 110 (134, 158) stitches.
2. Work in the Honeycomb Bobble Pattern until the piece measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Shoulders: Bind off 10 (12, 14) stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows, then bind off another 10 (12, 14) stitches at the beginning of the following 2 rows.
4. Bind off the remaining 70 (86, 102) stitches for the back neck. Set aside.

Left Front Panel

1. With MC, cast on 56 (68, 80) stitches.
2. Work in the Honeycomb Bobble Pattern until the piece measures 16 (17, 18) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Shape Neck: At the beginning of the next RS row, bind off 8 (10, 12) stitches. Continue in pattern, decreasing 1 stitch at the neck edge every RS row 6 (8, 10) times. You should now have 42 (50, 58) stitches remaining.
4. Work even (without decreases) until the piece measures the same as the back to the shoulder, ending with a WS row.
5. Shape Shoulder: Bind off 10 (12, 14) stitches at the beginning of the next RS row and the following RS row. Bind off the remaining 22 (26, 30) stitches.

Right Front Panel

1. Work exactly as for the Left Front Panel, but reverse all shaping. This means the neck shaping will happen on WS rows, and the shoulder shaping will also be on WS rows. This ensures your decreases mirror the left side.

Sleeves (Make 2)

1. With MC, cast on 44 (50, 56) stitches.
2. Work in the Honeycomb Bobble Pattern, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 6th row until you have 68 (78, 88) stitches on your needles. To increase, simply knit into the front and back of the first and last stitch of the row.
3. Work even (without increases) until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the cast-on edge.
4. Bind off all stitches loosely. Repeat for the second sleeve.

Finishing & Assembly

1. Block all pieces to the specified measurements. This is crucial for the honeycomb pattern to open up and lay flat.
2. Sew shoulder seams using a mattress stitch or your preferred seaming method.
3. Set in sleeves: Pin the sleeve caps to the armhole edges, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the sleeves in place.
4. Sew side and sleeve seams in one continuous line, from the underarm down to the cuff.

Collar and Button Band

1. With CC, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the right front edge, around the neck, and down the left front edge. Aim for approximately 1 stitch per row, adding extra stitches at the neck shaping curves to prevent puckering.
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 2 inches.
3. Bind off loosely.
4. Buttonholes: On the right front band (for women) or left front band (for men), mark your button placements. On a separate piece of yarn, work a buttonhole row: K2, yo, k2tog, then continue in garter stitch. Work 1 more inch, then bind off.
5. Sew buttons opposite the buttonholes.
6. Weave in all ends to secure your work.

Your Honeycomb Haven Bobble Cardigan is now complete! The rich texture, cozy fit, and beautiful contrast trim make this a standout piece in any wardrobe. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a crisp autumn walk, this cardigan will keep you warm and stylish. Happy knitting!