The Spiced Honeycomb Mandala Neck Warmer: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Circular Yarn Cake

The Spiced Honeycomb Mandala Neck Warmer: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Circular Yarn Cake

Wrap yourself in the cozy, sculptural warmth of this unique neck warmer, designed as a crocheted mandala that hugs the shoulders like a soft, edible yarn cake. The textured honeycomb stitch and playful pom-pom trim create a modern, tactile accessory that's both a statement piece and a comforting layer. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to explore post stitches and circular construction.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
  • 200 yards of Main Color (MC) - a warm, golden honey (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Honey')
  • 150 yards of Contrast Color (CC) - a deep, spiced amber (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease in 'Spice')
• Hook: Size J/10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle
• Gauge: 14 dc and 8 rows = 4 inches in honeycomb stitch pattern (after blocking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes

The neck warmer is worked in the round from the center outwards, forming a flat, circular mandala that is then folded and seamed to create a tube. The pom-poms are attached to the outer edge.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• fpdc = front post double crochet
• bpdc = back post double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd(s) = round(s)

Pattern

Center and Increase Rounds (MC)

Rnd 1 (MC): Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (12 dc)

Rnd 2 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc)

Rnd 3 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (36 dc)

Rnd 4 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)

Honeycomb Stitch Pattern (Alternating Colors)

Rnd 5 (CC): Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around, ending with fpdc around last st. Join with sl st to top of ch-3. (48 sts)

Rnd 6 (CC): Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around, ending with bpdc around last st. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 7 (MC): Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around, ending with fpdc around last st. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 8 (MC): Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around, ending with bpdc around last st. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 9 (CC): Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st; repeat from * around, ending with fpdc around last st. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 10 (CC): Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st; repeat from * around, ending with bpdc around last st. Join. (48 sts)

Increase Rounds and Continue Honeycomb

Rnd 11 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 3 sts. Join. (60 dc)

Rnd 12 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 4 sts. Join. (72 dc)

Rnd 13 (CC): Repeat Rnd 5. (72 sts)

Rnd 14 (CC): Repeat Rnd 6. (72 sts)

Rnd 15 (MC): Repeat Rnd 7. (72 sts)

Rnd 16 (MC): Repeat Rnd 8. (72 sts)

Rnd 17 (CC): Repeat Rnd 9. (72 sts)

Rnd 18 (CC): Repeat Rnd 10. (72 sts)

Rnd 19 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 5 sts. Join. (84 dc)

Rnd 20 (MC): Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around, ending with dc in last 6 sts. Join. (96 dc)

Rnd 21 (CC): Repeat Rnd 5. (96 sts)

Rnd 22 (CC): Repeat Rnd 6. (96 sts)

Rnd 23 (MC): Repeat Rnd 7. (96 sts)

Rnd 24 (MC): Repeat Rnd 8. (96 sts)

Rnd 25 (CC): Repeat Rnd 9. (96 sts)

Rnd 26 (CC): Repeat Rnd 10. (96 sts)

Scalloped Edge

Rnd 27 (MC): Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; repeat from * around, ending with ch 3, sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (32 ch-3 spaces)

Finishing

Fold the circle in half so the wrong sides are together, creating a half-circle shape. Using MC yarn and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the straight edges together, leaving a 6-inch opening for your neck. Weave in all ends.

Pom-Poms

Make 8 small pom-poms (about 1.5 inches in diameter) using both MC and CC yarns. Attach one pom-pom to each of the 8 points of the outer edge (the ch-3 spaces from Rnd 27), spacing them evenly. Trim pom-poms as needed.

Your Spiced Honeycomb Mandala Neck Warmer is complete! Enjoy the cozy, textured warmth and the playful pom-pom trim that makes this piece truly unique.