The Crochet Honeycomb stitch, also called Smock Stitch, mimics perfectly the knitted version of the same stitch. It creates a fabric that is incredibly dense, squishy, and structured. Because it has virtually no holes, it is the absolute perfect choice for bags, thick winter cowls, or sturdy baskets.
I recently used this specific technique to design my Honey Pouch and i could not find any tutorial how to make this one in the round seamlessly so here you go!
While it looks intricate like complicated embroidery or cabling, it is actually just a clever variation of single crochet. Don’t be intimidated. If you can single crochet, you can master this texture.
Why You’ll Love This Stitch
- Knitted Look: It mimics the look of smocked knitting without the need for two needles.
- Dense Fabric: This pattern creates a thick, protective fabric. Nothing will poke through this weave!
- Rhythmic: Once you get past the first repeat, the motion becomes incredibly rhythmic and relaxing.
- Seamless: This specific tutorial teaches you how to work it in the round, meaning no sewing seams later.
Materials & Tools
For this tutorial, I used Drops – Muskat, a lovely DK yarn. However, this stitch works with almost any fiber.
Yarn: Any weight yarn.
Note: This stitch is a “yarn eater” due to its density, so always buy a little extra!
Crochet Hook:
- size 1 mm bigger than what is recommended (I used 5,5 mm)
TIP: The Honeycomb stitch is naturally very tight. Choose hook at least 1 mm larger than what the yarn ball band recommends, or your fabric will be stiff and difficult to work into.
Pattern Notes & Abbreviations
- Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner
- Terminology: US Standard Terms
- Construction: Worked in the round. This tutorial uses slip stitch to join in round for the cleanest transition between the two pattern rows.
Abbreviations:
- Ch: Chain
- Sc: Single Crochet
- Sl st: Slip Stitch
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- YO: Yarn Over
- ESc: Extended Single Crochet
- Msc: Modified Single Crochet
Special Stitches
Extended Single Crochet (ESC): Instead of working into the row directly below, insert your hook into the stitch two rounds below. YO and pull up a long loop (height of current row). YO and pull through both loops.
Modified Single Crochet (MSC): This stitch “ties” the long loops together to create the honeycomb shape.
- Insert hook under one leg of the previous extended stitch (from the row below).
- Insert hook under one leg of the next extended stitch.
- Insert hook into the top loops of the current stitch (where you would normally work).
- YO and pull through the stitch and the legs (3 loops on hook).
- YO and pull through remaining 2 loops.
The Honeycomb Stitch Tutorial
Part 1: Preparation and Base
The Honeycomb stitch needs a foundation to “grip” onto. We cannot start the pattern immediately on a chain. Decide if you want a tube or a something that has a bottom. If you want a tube, your foundation will be a chain, if you want a bottom, your foundation will be a crochet circle.
- Foundation
- Tube: Chain any number that creates an even number of stitches in the round. Join to the first chain with a sl st.
- With bottom: Crochet a circle that has even number of stitches around.
- Base Round 1: Ch 1. Sc in every stitch around. Sl st to join.
- Base Round 2: Ch 1. Sc in every stitch around. Sl st to join.
Part 2: The Two-Round Repeat
The pattern is now just a two round repeat. The rounds are explained in more detail bellow.
Round 1: Ch 1. *ESc, sc* rep from * till the end of round. Sl st in first st to join in round.
Round 2: Ch 1. *MSc, sc* rep from * till the end of round. Sl st in first st to join in round.
Here is more detailed explanation of these rows with pictures:
Pattern Round 1: The Spikes (Extended SC)
In this round, we create the long vertical lines. Make sure to use the larger hook size from now.
- Start: Chain 1.
- ESC: Make an Extended Single Crochet (ESC). Insert your hook into the stitch two rounds below (into the first base row). Pull up a loop, YO, pull through 2.
- SC: Make a normal single crochet in the very next stitch.
- Repeat: Continue alternating [1 ESC, 1 Normal SC] until the end of the round.
- Placement Note: When making the ESC, you are essentially covering the stitch from the previous row. Skip the stitch directly behind your ESC and work the normal SC into the next available stitch.
- Finish: You should end with a normal SC. Sl st into the first ESC to join.
Pattern Round 2: The Cinches (Modified SC)
In this round, we pull those long lines together to form the “V” or diamond shape.
- Start: Chain 1.
- MSC: Make a Modified Single Crochet (MSC).
- Review: Hook under leg of previous ESC, hook under leg of next ESC, hook into top of current stitch. YO, pull through 3 loops, YO, pull through 2 loops.
- SC: Make a normal single crochet in the next stitch.
- Repeat: Continue alternating [1 MSC, 1 Normal SC] until the end of the round.
- Finish: You should end with a normal SC. Sl st into the first MSC to join.
Continuing the Pattern
Simply repeat Pattern Round 1 and Pattern Round 2 until your work reaches the desired length.
Placement Tip for Repeats: When you go back to repeat Round 1 (the ESC round), where do you put your hook? Look for the “upside down V” shape created two rows below. Insert your hook right into the center of that shape.
Video Tutorial
Want to put this stitch to use?
Now that you have mastered the swatch, you are ready for a real project. I designed the Honey Pouch specifically to showcase this texture. It’s the perfect size for carrying your essentials and makes for a stunning gift.