The Honeycomb Hug Cardigan: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Cocoon-Shaped Baby Cardigan

Wrap Your Little One in the Honeycomb Hug Cardigan

There is something truly special about knitting a garment that is as practical as it is beautiful. The Honeycomb Hug Cardigan is a quick-to-knit, textured baby cardigan designed in a unique cocoon shape. This pattern features a stunning honeycomb stitch that creates a three-dimensional, deeply textured fabric, while the A-line silhouette makes dressing a breeze. Perfect for beginners looking for a rewarding project or experienced knitters wanting a fast, satisfying make, this cardigan is the ideal handmade gift for a new arrival.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The pattern is written for a bulky weight yarn, ensuring a quick knit and a wonderfully cozy finish.

• Yarn: Bulky weight (size 5) yarn, approximately 200-250 yards. The sample is shown in a soft, heathered oatmeal color.
• Needles: US size 10.5 (6.5mm) circular knitting needles, 24-inch or longer, for working back and forth. Also, a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size for sleeves (optional, can use magic loop).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional), measuring tape.
• Gauge: 12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch pattern (blocked). Always check your gauge for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked in pieces and seamed together. The honeycomb stitch is simple to memorize and creates a beautiful, textured fabric. Instructions are for the smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses.

Stitch Pattern: Honeycomb Stitch (worked flat, over a multiple of 4 + 2 stitches)

• Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
• Row 3: *K2, p2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2.
• Row 4: *P2, k2; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p2.
• Repeat rows 1-4 for pattern.

Back Panel

1. Cast on 38 (42, 46) stitches.
2. Work in honeycomb stitch pattern until piece measures 8 (9, 10) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Bind off all stitches loosely. Do not cut yarn if you plan to pick up stitches for edging later.

Left Front Panel

1. Cast on 22 (24, 26) stitches.
2. Work in honeycomb stitch pattern until piece measures 8 (9, 10) inches from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
3. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Right Front Panel

1. Work same as Left Front Panel.

Sleeves (make 2)

1. Cast on 18 (20, 22) stitches.
2. Work in honeycomb stitch pattern, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 4th row until you have 26 (28, 30) stitches. To increase: On a RS row, knit into the front and back of the first stitch (kfb), work pattern to last stitch, kfb. On WS rows, purl into the front and back of the first stitch (pfb), work pattern to last stitch, pfb.
3. Continue even (without increases) until sleeve measures 5 (6, 7) inches from cast-on edge.
4. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Assembly

1. Sew shoulder seams: Place back panel and two front panels with right sides together. Sew the top 2 (2.5, 3) inches of each shoulder seam using a mattress stitch or backstitch.
2. Attach sleeves: Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise to find the center of the top edge. Pin the center of the sleeve to the shoulder seam. Pin the edges of the sleeve to the armhole edges (the sides of the front and back panels). Sew sleeves in place using a mattress stitch.
3. Sew side and sleeve seams: With right sides together, sew from the bottom of the sleeve down to the bottom of the cardigan, matching the side seams of the body and the sleeve seams. Use a mattress stitch for a seamless finish.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
2. Block the cardigan to shape. Gently stretch the fabric to open up the honeycomb texture. The cocoon shape will naturally have a slight A-line silhouette.
3. Optional Edging: For a cleaner look, you can pick up stitches along the front edges and neckline and work 3 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) before binding off. This is not required for the cocoon style.

Your Honeycomb Hug Cardigan is now complete! This textured, cocoon-shaped baby cardigan is sure to become a cherished piece in any little one's wardrobe. Happy knitting!