We are in the home stretch. After this, there will only be 1 more block to grade for (Thank God). Then, the assembly can begin. I have already gone ahead and seamed most of my blocks to make sure that the blocks do in fact fit together and around the body. It's not as roomy as I thought it would be, but it is definitely comfortable. If you are seaming already, keep in mind that at the end of this, we will be doing ribbing at the wrists, neckline, and hips. That should help it have a more finished appearance. I really like the look of this stitch and will probably be admiring it a lot.
The Hexagon (or sometimes called Honeycomb) stitch is another stitch that has a couple of different common ways it can be worked. One of the biggest things I’ve learned throughout this Swatch It Up KAL is that so many of these stitches can be achieved in multiple ways! Hexagon Stitch is a great example – there is a version where you knit one below to achieve the stitch (this is what we’ll be using for the KAL) and a wrap version. You can really pick what you’re more comfortable with and use that version to achieve the exact same look!
Materials Worsted Weight Yarn US size 8 knitting needles Tapestry Needle
Cable Needle Measuring Tape
HEXAGON STITCH
Notes
Note that when counting gauge, each large “V” shape on the right side is composed of two knitted rows, so it may look like gauge is 14 stitches by 14 rows on the right side. It may be easier to count gauge on the wrong side as you can more clearly see each individual knitted stitch.
For the border, we’re slipping the first stitch to keep our work straight.
Gauge
14st x 28r =4 x 4" (10cm)
Tip: pay attention to this, especially if you are modifying the pattern.
Abbreviations
K - Knit
P - Purl
RS - Right side
SL - Slip stitch
WS - Wrong Side
Finished Size
Do NOT measure the stockinette border. This will be used for seaming and shouldn't contribute to the finished size of the sweater.
Sizes are width x length
XS: 13.75 x 7.25 in (35.5 x 19 cm)
S: 14.25 x 7.25 in (36.5 x 18.5 cm)
M: 15 x 7 in (38.5 x 17.5 cm)
L: 16 x 7 in (41 x 18 cm)
XL: 17.5 x 6.75 in (45 x 17 cm)
2X: 19.5 x 6.5 in (50 x 16.5 cm)
3X: 21 x 6 in (53.5 x 15 cm)
4X: 22.5 x 6 in (57.5 x 15 cm)
5X: 23.5 x 5.5 in (60 x 14 cm)
Instructions
Cast on 52 (54, 56, 60, 66) (72, 78, 82, 86) sts
Row 1: Knit across (rs)
Row 2: Purl across (ws)
Row 3 [Set-up row]: SL1K WYIB, K across
Row 4: SL1PWYIF, K1 (for border), *K1, K1B* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, K2 (border)
Row 5: SL1KWYIB, K1, *K1 with the “dropped” stitch from the K1B in the last row – it may be easier to see this in the video, it looks like a looser, extra wrap on your stitch, K1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, K2 (border)
Row 6: SL1PWYIF, K1, *K1B, K1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, K2
Row 7: SL1KWYIB, K1, *K1, K1 with “dropped” stitch*, repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain, K2
Repeat rows 4-7 until you reach 50 (50, 50, 50, 46) (46, 42, 42, 38) rows or work is ~1/4 inch or 1 cm less than your desired total length.
Bind off
If you are going to alter the pattern, here is the gauge:
14st x 28r =4 x 4" (10cm)
Plug this into the final equations for the Arm Blocks:
Gauge st x gauge row = 4 x 4 inches
_____ (arm block width) x ( _____Gauge st / 4”) = # sts _____
_____ (arm block length) x ( _____Gauge rows / 4”) = # rows _____
Once you have your stitch and row count, use those numbers in the pattern instructions above.
Still having some trouble?
We have a lot of resources this week.
1) We Are Knitters has a written stitch pattern and video for one stop learning.
2) The Crafts Teacher has a good write-up.
3) And Wool & the Gang also has a video in case the other two still have you stumped.
Post this graphic to your social media if you're taking part in the KAL, and use the hashtag #swatchitup21 so we can see your progress.
Check back here next week for our final stitch.