Sunburst Honeycomb Knit Washcloth Free Pattern – Textured Cotton with Picot Edge

Bring a slice of sunshine to your kitchen or bath with this honeycomb-textured knit washcloth, worked in warm golden cotton. The raised hexagonal stitches and delicate picot border make it a beautiful, functional handmade gift. This beginner-friendly pattern uses simple slipped stitches and yarn overs to create a stunning textured fabric that is both absorbent and gentle on skin. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend project or a thoughtful handmade present, this washcloth is sure to brighten any space.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

• Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in sunflower yellow (approximately 60 yards / 55 meters). Cotton is ideal for washcloths because it is highly absorbent, durable, and softens with each wash.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. Straight or circular needles both work well for this project.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in honeycomb pattern (after blocking). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to check your tension.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and blocking pins (optional but recommended).

Pattern Information

Finished Size: Approximately 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm)

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two stitches together (decrease)
• YO: yarn over (increase)
• Sl1: slip one stitch purlwise
• BO: bind off

Pattern Notes

• The honeycomb stitch is created by alternating slipped stitches and yarn overs, forming a raised hexagonal texture that resembles a honeycomb.
• Work all slipped stitches purlwise with yarn in back (wyib). This keeps the slipped stitch loose and creates the distinctive honeycomb effect.
• The picot edge is added during bind off, creating a delicate scalloped finish.
• This pattern is worked flat in rows. The first and last 4 stitches of every row form a seed stitch border that keeps the edges flat and neat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Border (Seed Stitch)

CO 40 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).

Rows 1-4: *K1, P1* repeat across all rows. This creates a flat seed stitch border that will frame the honeycomb body. After completing these 4 rows, you should have a neat, textured edge on all sides.

Honeycomb Body

Now you will begin the honeycomb pattern. The pattern is worked in a 8-row repeat, with the border stitches maintained on each side.

Row 5 (RS): K4 (border), *Sl1, K1, YO, K2tog* repeat from * to * until last 4 stitches, K4 (border).

Explanation: Knit the first 4 border stitches. Then repeat the sequence: slip one stitch purlwise with yarn in back, knit one stitch, yarn over, knit two together. This sequence creates the honeycomb texture. Continue repeating until only 4 stitches remain, then knit those 4 border stitches.

Row 6 (WS): K4, *P1, Sl1, P1* repeat from * to * until last 4 stitches, K4.

Explanation: Knit the first 4 border stitches. Then repeat: purl one, slip one purlwise with yarn in back, purl one. This row works the wrong side of the honeycomb pattern. Continue until the last 4 stitches, then knit those border stitches.

Row 7 (RS): K4, *K1, Sl1, K1, YO, K2tog* repeat from * to * until last 4 stitches, K4.

Explanation: This row shifts the pattern by one stitch, creating the offset honeycomb effect. Knit the first 4 border stitches, then repeat: knit one, slip one purlwise with yarn in back, knit one, yarn over, knit two together. Continue until the last 4 stitches, then knit the border.

Row 8 (WS): K4, *P1, Sl1, P1* repeat from * to * until last 4 stitches, K4.

Explanation: Same as Row 6. Knit the first 4 border stitches, then repeat: purl one, slip one purlwise with yarn in back, purl one. Finish with 4 knit border stitches.

Rows 9-10: Repeat Rows 5-6.

Rows 11-12: Repeat Rows 7-8.

Continue repeating Rows 5-12 until the piece measures approximately 7.5 inches (19 cm) from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row. This ensures that the next row you work will be a right side row for the border.

Border (Seed Stitch)

Next 4 rows: *K1, P1* repeat across all rows. This mirrors the bottom border and completes the frame around the honeycomb body.

Picot Bind Off

This bind off creates a delicate scalloped edge that adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 1: BO 2 stitches using the standard bind off method.

Step 2: Slip the remaining stitch on the right needle back to the left needle.

Step 3: CO 2 stitches using the knitted cast-on method. To do this: insert the right needle into the stitch on the left needle as if to knit, wrap the yarn around, and pull through. Instead of completing the knit stitch, place the new loop back onto the left needle. Repeat once more to cast on 2 stitches.

Step 4: BO 4 stitches using the standard bind off method.

Step 5: Repeat from * to * (Steps 2-4) until all stitches are bound off. This creates a series of small picot points along the edge.

Fasten off by cutting the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pulling it through the last loop. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.

Finishing

Block gently to open up the honeycomb texture and even out the edges. To block, soak the washcloth in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay flat on a towel. Shape to the correct dimensions and pin if desired. Allow to dry completely. The cotton yarn will soften and the honeycomb pattern will become more defined after blocking.

Your Sunburst Honeycomb Knit Washcloth is now complete! This beautiful, textured cloth is perfect for everyday use or as a thoughtful handmade gift. The warm golden color and honeycomb texture will add a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen or bathroom. Enjoy your creation!