This crochet honeycomb stitch pattern is truly eye-catching. Also known as the “smock stitch”, this unique stitch pattern creates a really thick and dense fabric, making it perfect for hot pads! Or if you want a nice, thick washcloth or towel, it will work beautifully for that as well.
The stitch pattern is worked over four rows. While it might seem complex at first, once you have worked a few repeats, it actually becomes quite intuitive.
Because the honeycomb stitch creates such a thick fabric, it also uses a lot of yarn, far more than any of my other crochet dishcloth patterns! Additionally, it is easy for your tension to become tight with this pattern, so I definitely recommend going up a hook size from the one suggested on the yarn label.
I made my washcloth in the most gorgeous shade of bright yellow, aptly named Dandelion! I absolutely love the summer vibes that the honeycomb stitch and this vibrant color create together.
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What You’ll Need to Make this Honeycomb Stitch Hot Pad (or Dishcloth!)
Yarn
For this pattern, I used Drops Paris (which is a 100% cotton yarn) in the colorway “Dandelion”. Most of my dishcloth patterns call for roughly 80-100 yds / 73-92m, whereas this one requires a good deal more than that – approximately 135-145 yds / 123-133m!
Cotton is perfect for hot pads or dishcloths as it is strong and durable and is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear and washing. The pattern below includes links to a variety of cotton yarns that are perfect for kitchen crochet projects.
Hook
You will need a 5.5mm I/9 crochet hook for this project (or whichever hook size allows you to crochet with an even tension). As I mentioned earlier, this stitch pattern creates a very dense fabric, so if you crochet very tightly you might even find that you need to go up another hook size.
HONEYCOMB WASHCLOTH
Crochet Pattern
Pattern Notes
Please read through the entire pattern before beginning.
Skill Level
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- beg = beginning
- ch = chain
- mod-sc2tog = modified single crochet 2 together (see Special Stitches)
- rem = remaining
- sc = single crochet
- sk = skip
- SPsc = Spiked single crochet (see Special Stitches)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
General Pattern Notes
- Ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch.
- Stitch count for each row is given in square brackets [ ] at the end of the row.
- If no stitch count is given then the count is the same as the previous row.
- This stitch pattern is quite dense and uses a lot of yarn!
Materials
Yarn
Any #4/Worsted/Medium weight yarn in a cotton or cotton blend. The amounts given here are for Drops Paris in Dandelion (14) (82yds/75m per 50g skein; #4/Worsted/Medium; 100% Cotton).
| Project | Total Yds/m |
|---|---|
| Washcloth | 136yds / 124m |
| Tea Towel | 596yds / 545m |
Alternative yarn options:
- WeCrochet Dishie (190 yds/174m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds/170m per 100g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Rico Creative Cotton Aran (93 yds / 85m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
- Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (94yds / 86m per 50g skein; 100% Cotton)
Hook
Other Items
- Yarn needle
Finished Measurements
Washcloth: 8.25″ x 8.5″ / 21cm x 21.5cm
Tea Towel: 14.5″ x 22.5″ / 37cm x 58cm
Note: you can also add an optional single crochet border around the edge of your project which will add approx 0.5” / 1.25cm to the width and length.
Please see Adjustments section below for information on making this project in a different size.
Gauge
14 sts x 15 rows = 4″ x 4″ / 10 cm x 10 cm measured over honeycomb pattern.
Note:
Gauge is not critical for this project. However, if your gauge does not match the one listed above then your project may turn out a little larger/smaller depending on how loosely/tightly you crochet, and you may use a different amount of yarn than what is listed above.
Special Stitches
Spike single crochet (SPsc)
A spiked single crochet is a simple variation on the regular single crochet stitch. Instead of inserting your hook through the top of the next stitch, you will instead drop down to work into one of the previous rows. In this pattern, the SPsc is always worked 2 rows below.
Step 1: Insert hook into next st 2 rows below.
Step 2: Working around the entire stitch, yarn over and pull up a long loop to the height of the current row. [2 loops on hook]
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the single crochet as normal.
Modified Single Crochet 2 Together (mod-sc2tog)
Usually the sc2tog stitch is worked over 2 sts as a decrease stitch. However, in this pattern the stitch is worked a little differently as follows:
Step 1: Insert hook into second leg of SPsc just below.
Step 2: Insert hook into first leg of next SPsc.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop. [2 loops on hook]Step 4: Yarn over and pull through both loops.
Adjustments
Stitch multiple: 2 + 1
Starting chain multiple: 2 + 2
- To adjust the width of your project, simply chain any multiple of 2 + 2 to start.
- To adjust the length, simply repeat Row 3-6 until you reach your desired length.
Note: adjusting the size of your project will impact the amount of yarn required.
Written Pattern
Washcloth: Ch 30.
Tea Towel: Ch 52.
Row 1: Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, turn. [Washcloth: 29; Tea Towel: 51]
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st, here and throughout), sc in first st and each st across, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, *SPsc in next ch 2 rows below, sc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each of first 2 sts, *mod-sc2tog (inserting hook under second leg of SPsc just below and first leg of next SPsc), sc in next st; repeat from * until 1 st rem, sc in last st, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, SPsc in first st, *sc in next st; SPsc in next st 2 rows below (ensuring that your hook goes through the center of the upside-down “V” on the opposite side); repeat from * across ending with last SPsc in last st 2 rows below, turn.
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in first st, *mod-sc2tog (inserting hook under second leg of SPsc just below and first leg of next SPsc), sc in next st; repeat from * across, turn.
Washcloth: Repeat Rows 3-6 for a total of 32 rows, or until work measures approx. 8.5″/ 21.5cm in length.
Tea Towel: Repeat Rows 3-6 for a total of 84 rows, or until work measures approx. 22.5″/ 57cm in length.
Note: End on a Row 4 or Row 6 repeat.
BORDER (optional)
Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc evenly around the edge of your work, working 3 scs to turn each corner. Join to beg sc with a sl st or invisible join.
Fasten off.
Weave in ends. All done!
If you wish, you can purchase an inexpensive, ad-free PDF version of this pattern through Ravelry or Etsy.
I hope you have enjoyed this pattern, if you have questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. And be sure to tag your finished project on Instagram or Facebook using @nedandmimi or #nedandmimi!
Happy crocheting!
Sarah