Honey Bee-nie

Honey Bee-nie Knit Hat by JenStarKnits

What is Being Made

The Honey Bee-nie is a bobble hat designed by JenStarKnits, inspired by a honeycomb stitch pattern. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a snug-fitting beanie featuring an oversized pompom finish. The hat is engineered with up to 13 cm of negative ease for a close, secure fit, with the option to fold the extra length upward for additional warmth around the ears. The pattern is available in multiple sizes to accommodate different head circumferences, from Extra Small (child) through Medium.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction ideal for hat-making. The pattern utilizes a honeycomb stitch as its primary design element, which works best when knitted using contrasting colours to showcase the dimensional texture of the stitch pattern. The negative ease design—where the finished hat circumference is smaller than the intended wearer's head measurement—creates the characteristic snug fit that modern beanie styles require. The oversized pompom is added as a finishing detail, creating visual interest and a playful aesthetic.

Stitches Used

The Honey Bee-nie pattern features a honeycomb stitch as its signature stitch pattern, which creates a textured, dimensional surface. The gauge is measured using K2 P2 rib (knit 2, purl 2 ribbing) in the unstretched state, which indicates ribbed sections are incorporated into the design. Cable stitches are also used, as evidenced by the inclusion of a cable needle in the materials list. These techniques combine to create visual depth and texture throughout the hat.

Yarn and Materials

The Honey Bee-nie pattern is designed to work with Aran weight yarn, also known as 10 ply yarn. The suggested yarn is Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran, with two colours required:

• Colour 1 (C1): 1 × 50g ball in Saffron (100 m / 109 yds)
• Colour 2 (C2): 1 × 50g ball in Medium Grey (100 m / 109 yds)

The pattern requires 4.5 mm (US7) circular needles measuring 65 cm / 25½" in length. Additional materials needed include a 4 mm cable needle for cable stitch work, an 11 cm pompom maker for creating the oversized pompom finish, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends. The gauge is 26 stitches and 28 rows per 10 cm / 4" when measured in K2 P2 rib in the unstretched state.

Sizing Information

The Honey Bee-nie is available in three sizes:

• Extra Small (child): Designed to suit head circumference of 48 cm / 19", with actual finished size of 37 cm / 14½"
• Small (teen): Designed to suit head circumference of 53 cm / 21", with actual finished size of 40 cm / 15¾"
• Medium: Pattern includes a Medium size option (complete measurements not provided in excerpt)

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some prior experience. The combination of in-the-round knitting, honeycomb stitch work, and cable techniques requires solid foundational skills, though the project remains accessible to those who have completed several basic hat or sweater projects.