The Honeycomb Harvest Apron: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom Kitchen Accessory

Introducing the Honeycomb Harvest Apron

This isn't your grandmother's apron—it's a modern, sculptural piece of knitwear that brings cozy texture to your kitchen. The Honeycomb Harvest Apron features a stunning honeycomb brioche stitch panel, creating a plush, reversible fabric that's as beautiful as it is functional. Designed as a textured, heirloom kitchen accessory, this free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to expand their skills while creating a truly unique piece. The apron combines a warm 'Linen' beige body with a central 'Dusty Rose' pink honeycomb panel, resulting in a modern farmhouse aesthetic that emphasizes craftsmanship and texture.

Materials Needed

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight (Aran/10ply) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Shown in: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (100% mercerized cotton, 100g/186 yds) in color 'Linen'. Approx. 350 yards.
• Contrast Color (CC): Worsted weight (Aran/10ply) cotton or cotton-blend yarn. Shown in: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton in color 'Dusty Rose'. Approx. 150 yards.

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle, 32-inch length (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Stitch markers
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

• 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, blocked
• 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Honeycomb Brioche pattern (unstretched)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes: One size fits most (approx. 30-inch waist, 22-inch length from top of bib to hem).

Abbreviations:

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• sl1yo: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (bring yarn to front, slip stitch, bring yarn over needle to back)
• brk: brioche knit (knit the stitch together with its yarn over)
• brp: brioche purl (purl the stitch together with its yarn over)
• k2tog: knit two together
• ssk: slip slip knit
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker

Pattern Notes: The apron is worked flat in two pieces: the waistband/bib and the skirt. The honeycomb brioche panel is worked in the center of the bib. The honeycomb brioche pattern is reversible and creates a thick, cushy fabric.

Waistband/Bib

With MC, CO 80 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl all sts.

Row 2 (RS): Knit all sts.

Row 3: Purl all sts.

Row 4 (RS - set-up row): K20, pm, work Honeycomb Brioche pattern over next 40 sts as follows: *sl1yo, k1; repeat from * to marker, pm, k20.

Row 5 (WS): P20, sm, work Honeycomb Brioche pattern over next 40 sts: *brp, sl1yo; repeat from * to marker, sm, p20.

Row 6 (RS): K20, sm, work Honeycomb Brioche pattern: *brk, sl1yo; repeat from * to marker, sm, k20.

Repeat Rows 5-6 until piece measures 10 inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

Next Row (RS - decrease row): K20, sm, work Honeycomb Brioche pattern over next 40 sts, sm, k20. (No decreases in this row, but note for shaping.)

Next Row (WS): P20, sm, work pattern, sm, p20.

Next Row (RS - decrease row): K1, ssk, k to 3 sts before marker, k2tog, k1, sm, work pattern, sm, k1, ssk, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (4 sts decreased)

Repeat decrease row every 4th row 3 more times (68 sts). Work even until piece measures 14 inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Armholes:

BO 4 sts at beginning of next 2 rows (60 sts).

Decrease 1 st at each edge every RS row 3 times (54 sts).

Work even until armhole measures 8 inches from BO edge, ending with a WS row.

Shape Neck:

Next Row (RS): K18, BO center 18 sts, k18. Work each side separately.

Left Shoulder:

Row 1 (WS): Purl.

Row 2 (RS): K1, ssk, k to end. (17 sts)

Repeat last 2 rows 2 more times (15 sts). Work even until armhole measures 10 inches. BO all sts.

Right Shoulder:

With WS facing, rejoin yarn.

Row 1 (WS): Purl.

Row 2 (RS): K to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (17 sts)

Repeat last 2 rows 2 more times (15 sts). Work even until armhole measures 10 inches. BO all sts.

Skirt

With MC, CO 120 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Purl.

Row 2 (RS): Knit.

Repeat these 2 rows for Stockinette stitch until piece measures 8 inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

Next Row (RS - increase row): K1, M1L, k to last st, M1R, k1. (122 sts)

Repeat increase row every 2 inches 3 more times (128 sts). Work even until piece measures 16 inches from CO edge, ending with a WS row.

Next Row (RS): Knit.

Next Row (WS): Purl.

BO all sts loosely.

Finishing

Block all pieces to measurements.

Sew skirt to bottom edge of bib, matching center points.

Ties (make 2): With MC, CO 5 sts. Work in I-cord for 30 inches. BO. Sew one tie to each side of waistband.

Neck strap: With MC, CO 5 sts. Work in I-cord for 20 inches. BO. Sew ends to top corners of bib.

Weave in all ends.