How to Knit the Open Honeycomb Stitch: Easy Lace Pattern Tutorial

The Open Honeycomb Stitch is a beautiful lace knitting pattern that creates an airy, hexagon-like texture. This stitch is made with yarn overs and decreases, giving it both structure and openness.

The result is a lightweight, breathable fabric—perfect for summer scarves, shawls, and layering garments. Despite its intricate look, this stitch is quite approachable for adventurous beginning knitters. 

The right side showing of the open honeycomb stitchOpen Honeycomb Stitch

Skill Level

Easy to Intermediate – Suitable for knitters comfortable with knitting, purling, yarn overs (YO), and simple decreases such as slip, slip, knit (SSK).

Skills Needed

  • Casting on
  • Knitting (K) and purling (P)
  • Yarn over (YO)
  • Slip, slip, knit (SSK) decrease
  • Binding off
  • Understanding knitting 

Abbreviation Meaning

K = Knit

P = Purl

YO = Yarn Over

SSK = Slip, Slip, Knit

RS = Right Side

WS = Wrong Side

sts = Stitches

rep = Repeat

Written Instructions for Working Flat on Straight Needles

Cast on any odd number of stitches.  For a practice swatch, try 21, 23, 25 stitches

Row 1 (RS): Purl all sts

Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts
Row 3: K1, *YO, SSK; rep from * to end of row
Row 4: Purl all sts

Repeat Rows 1–4 for the pattern.  Work until you reach your desired length, then bind off loosely and weave in ends.

The wrong side showing on a swatch of the open honeycomb stitchWrong Side of the Open Honeycomb Stitch

Instructions for Working Flat From a Knit Chart

A knitted chart of the open honeycome stitchOpen Honeycomb Stitch in Chart Form

Instructions for Working in the Round

If working in the round, purl rows become knit rounds:

Round 1: Knit all sts
Round 2: Knit all sts
Round 3: K1, *YO, SSK; rep from * to end of round
Round 4: Knit all sts

Repeat Rounds 1–4 for pattern.

Tips, Hints & Troubleshooting

  • Consistent tension: Keep your yarn overs the same size to ensure uniform holes throughout the pattern.
  • SSK execution: When slipping stitches for SSK, slip knitwise to maintain stitch orientation.
  • Edge curling: Because this is a lace pattern with a stockinette base, edges may curl slightly.   Blocking will take care of this problem.
  • Blocking: Light blocking will open up the lacework and enhance the honeycomb effect.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Open Honeycomb Stitch

Is the Open Honeycomb Stitch reversible?

No, the stitch has a distinct right side and wrong side.  The wrong side has a distinct reverse stockinette stitch appearance, but with the eyelets present.   

Can I use this stitch for blankets?

It works best for lightweight projects, but you can use it for blankets with a border to prevent curling.

Does this stitch use more yarn than stockinette?

It uses slightly more yarn due to yarn overs, but not significantly.

What type of yarn works best?

Smooth, light- to medium-weight yarns showcase the lace best. Avoid very fuzzy yarns that can obscure the pattern.

Pin Now, Knit Later

A swatch of the open honeycomb stitch worked in pink on a pin imageOpen Honeycomb Stitch

Conclusion

The Open Honeycomb Stitch is a simple lace pattern that makes it an excellent introduction for beginners interested in creating lace and eyelet fabric. Whether you use it in an entire piece or as a decorative panel, its light, open design is perfect for warm-weather knits or adding breathability to garments. With just four easy rows to remember, you can knit it confidently after a few repeats.