Honeycomb Cable Knitting Pattern

Instructions

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1. 1Stitch multiple and cast onHoneycomb uses a multiple of 8 sts plus 2 purl edge stitches at each side, i.e. a multiple of 8 + 4. For the swatch, cast on 28 sts (8 x 3 + 4) with 5 mm needles. The 2 edge sts on each side show as purl on the RS and frame the cables.
2. 2Pattern rows (8-row repeat)Row 1 (RS): p2, *C4B, C4F; rep from * 3 times, p2. (28 sts) Row 2 (WS): k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2. Row 3: p2, knit to last 2 sts, p2. Row 4: as Row 2. Row 5: p2, *C4F, C4B; rep from * 3 times, p2. Row 6: as Row 2. Row 7: as Row 3. Row 8: as Row 2.
3. 3How the honeycomb worksOn row 1 each 8-st repeat gets a right-leaning cable (C4B) followed by a left-leaning one (C4F); the stitches move apart in the middle. On row 5 the order is reversed: left then right cables bring the stitches back together. This closes a hexagonal cell between the two cable rows and creates the honeycomb.
4. 4Crossing the cables correctlyHold the cable needle at the back for C4B and at the front for C4F; if you mix them up, the cells won't close and the stitches will zigzag instead. Slip the 2 sts purlwise for each cable so they don't twist. On cable rows two cables sit side by side, so keep your tension firm or the centres of the cells will look loose.
5. 5Knit the swatchRepeat rows 1-8 four times, for 32 rows and 8 cable rows; the piece will measure about 12.5 cm. Honeycomb pulls in a lot, so the same stitch count would measure about 15.5 cm in stockinette; for larger projects always calculate stitches from a patterned swatch.
6. 6What to make with itHoneycomb is striking on chunky scarves, cushion covers and sweater front panels, and its dense texture is very warm. For a scarf, cast on 44 sts (8 x 5 + 4; about 18 cm) and work to 150 cm; because of the dense fabric you'll need about 400 g. When placing it on a sweater front, leave a few purl stitches on each side of the honeycomb panel.
7. 7FinishingAfter row 8 of the last repeat, bind off loosely in pattern on the RS; working k2tog once in each 8-st group keeps the bind-off edge from flaring. Weave in the ends on the WS. Dampen and dry the swatch; don't weigh it down or iron it, so the cables keep their depth.