Posted on Leave a comment

Knitting Pattern: Beehive Pullover

A top down raglan sweater with a honeycomb brioche knit texture

Skill Level: Expert


Find a printer-friendly, PDF version of the Beehive Pullover below!
 
 

SIZING

The pattern is designed to have 2-3 inches of positive ease. Select a size based on your actual bust width plus the 2-3 inches of positive ease, totaling the bust width in (A).

(A) Bust Width: 31 (35, 39, 43, 47) (51, 55, 59, 64) inches or 79 (89, 99, 109, 119) (130, 140, 150, 163) cm

(B) Sleeve Length: 17.5 (18.5, 18.5, 18.5, 18.5) (19, 19, 19.5, 19.5) inches or 44 (47, 47, 47, 47) (48, 48, 50, 50) cm

(C) Total Length: 23 (23, 23, 23, 23) (23, 23, 23, 23) inches or 58 (58, 58, 58, 58) (58, 58, 58, 58) cm

(D) Yoke Length: 7 (7.5, 9, 10, 9.5) (10.5, 11.5, 12.5, 13.5) inches or 18 (19, 23, 25, 24) (27, 29, 32, 34) cm

(E) Waist Length: 16 (15.5, 14, 13.5, 13.5) (13, 12, 10.5, 9.5) inches or 41 (39, 36, 34, 34) (33, 30, 27, 24) cm

(F) Upper Sleeve Width: 12.5 (12.5, 13.5, 14.5, 15.5) (17.5, 19, 20.5, 22) inches or 32 (32, 34, 37, 39) (44, 48, 52, 56) cm

SUGGESTED NEEDLES

Size 4 (US), 3.5 mm circular needles

Size 4 (US), 3.5 mm double pointed needles or small circular needles

GAUGE

16 sts x 42 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern

NOTIONS

Stitch markers

Scrap yarn

Tapestry needle

SUGGESTED YARN

(MC) 3 (3, 4, 4, 5) (5, 5, 6, 6) skeins Berroco Dulce in Silver, or 466 (525, 583, 642, 702) (764, 825, 886, 945) yards or 426 (480, 533, 587, 642) (699, 754, 810, 864) meters of worsted weight yarn

(CC) 3 (3, 4, 4, 4) (4, 5, 5, 5) skeins Berroco Dulce in Onyx, or 427 (481, 534, 588, 643) (700, 756, 812, 866) yards or 390 (440, 488, 538, 588) (640, 691, 742, 792) meters of worsted weight yarn

STITCH ABBREVIATIONS

BO – bind off

BOR – beginning of round

BK2tog – (brioche knit 2 together) knit the next stitch together with its paired yarn over

BP2tog – (brioche purl 2 together) purl the next stitch together with its paired yarn over

BrRsl – (brioche right slant decrease) Instructions available here. (decrease)

BrLsl – (brioche left slant decrease) Instructions available here. (decrease)

CC – contrast color

CDI – (central double increase) Instructions available here. (increase)

CO – cast on

K – knit

M1L – pick up the bar between the stitch you knit and the one you’re about to knit, bringing the needle from front to back, and knit into the back of the stitch (increase)

M1R – pick up the bar between the last stitch you knit and the one you’re about to knit, bringing the needle from the back to the front, and knit into the front of the stitch (increase)

MC – main color

P – purl

PM – place marker

Rd(s) – round(s)

RS – right side

SM – slip marker

St(s) – stitch(es)

WS – wrong side

Wyib – with yarn in the back

Wyif – with yarn in the front

YO – yarn over

YOS – (yarn over slip) bring yarn forward, slip 1 purlwise, bring yarn over right needle

HONEYCOMB BRIOCHE PATTERN

Worked Flat:

R1: (RS) In CC, sl 1 wyib, *move the previous row’s YO to the left of its paired stitch, K that paired st, slip the YO wyib, K1* to last 2 sts, K the paired stitch, slip the YO wyib, sl the last st wyib.

R2: (RS) Slide work and in MC, K1, *BP2tog, YOS* to last 2 sts, BP2tog, K1.

R3: (WS) Turn work and in CC, sl 1 wyif, P1, *sl YO wyif, P the paired st, P1* until last st, sl 1 wyif.

R4: (WS) Slide work and in MC, K1, *YOS, BK2tog* to last 2 sts, YOS, K1.

Worked in the Round:

Rd1: In CC, K1, *move the previous row’s YO to the left of its paired stitch, K that paired st, slip the YO wyib, K1*

Rd2: In MC, *YOS, BP2tog*

Rd3: In CC, K1, sl 1 wyib, *K2, sl 1 wyib* until last st, K1

Rd4: In MC, *BP2tog, YOS*

PATTERN NOTES

This raglan yoke sweater uses brioche knitting and is knit from the top down and flat for the beginning of the yoke, then joined and knit in the round. Please note the Honeycomb Brioche Pattern changes slightly when worked flat compared to working in the round. You first work the yoke, which includes a front and a back body panel and the beginning of two sleeve panels. When your yoke is long enough to reach your armpits, you separate the sleeve panels from the body panels, holding the sleeve stitches on scrap yarn and joining the body panels to finish the body of the sweater down to the waist. Then, you pick up stitches along the cast on edge to knit the collar and bind off using the i cord bind off. You end by working each sleeve individually.

When working the Honeycomb Brioche Pattern flat, each row begins with either “slide work” or “turn work.” “Slide work” means you keep the same side of the work facing you, pushing all the stitches to the right end of the needles, and without turning the work, you start the new row as you normally would. “Turn work” means you do what you normally would do at the end of a row when knitting flat.

When changing the colors between rounds, make sure to catch your floats after each round, particularly for Rd4 that ends in a YOS.

Stitch counts and round counts are indicated for each size based on the following size order: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL). It is recommended that you highlight the stitch and round counts for your size before beginning to knit.

Stitches that appear between * and * should be worked until the end, unless otherwise indicated.

It is recommended you check your gauge on both the circular needles and double pointed needles (or small circular needles) to ensure your tension is the same. Adjust your needle size as necessary to obtain gauge.

INSTRUCTIONS

Yoke Increases (Worked Flat):

Using long tail cast on and MC, CO 61 (57, 57, 61, 69) (69, 69, 69, 69) sts.

R1: (set up row) In MC, work *K1, YOS* across 4 (4, 4, 4, 4) (4, 4, 4, 4) sts, PM, K1, PM, work *K1, YOS* across 12 (8, 8, 8, 12) (12, 12, 12, 12) sts, PM, K1, PM, work *K1, YOS* across 24 (28, 28, 32, 32) (32, 32, 32, 32) sts, PM, K1, PM, work *K1, YOS* across 12 (8, 8, 8, 12) (12, 12, 12, 12) sts, PM, K1, PM, work *K1, YOS* across 5 (5, 5, 5, 5) (5, 5, 5, 5) sts.

For Sizes XL (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) ONLY:

R2: Beginning with R1 of the pattern, *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl1 wyif, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

R3: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, CDI, M1L, SM, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, M1R, CDI, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern. (12 sts increased)

R4: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl4 wyif, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

R5: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, PM, K1, PM, work 2 sts in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, work 2 sts in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, PM, K1, PM, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Repeat R2-5 an additional – (-, -, -, 5) (5, 6, 7, 9) times for a total of – (-, -, -, 6) (6, 7, 8, 10) repeats. Do not turn your work. You will now have – (-, -, -, 141) (141, 153, 165, 189) sts distributed as follows:

Right Front Panel: – (-, -, -, 16) (16, 18, 20, 24) sts

Between Markers: – (-, -, -, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Sleeve A: – (-, -, -, 24) (24, 26, 28, 32) sts

Between Markers: – (-, -, -, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Back Panel: – (-, -, -, 56) (56, 60, 64, 72) sts

Between Markers: – (-, -, -, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Sleeve B: – (-, -, -, 24) (24, 26, 28, 32) sts

Between Markers: – (-, -, -, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Left Front Panel: – (-, -, -, 17) (17, 19, 21, 25) sts

For Sizes XS (S, M, L) ONLY:

R2: Beginning with R1 of the pattern, *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl1 wyif, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

R3: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, CDI, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern. (8 sts increased)

R4: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl3 wyif, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

R5: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, PM, K1, PM, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Repeat R2-5 an additional 5 (6, 6, 7, -) (-, -, -, –) times for a total of 6 (7, 7, 8, -) (-, -, -, –) repeats. Do not turn your work. You will now have 109 (113, 113, 125, -) (-, -, -, –) sts distributed as follows:

Right Front Panel: 10 (11, 11, 12, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (-, -, -, –) st

Sleeve A: 24 (22, 22, 24, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (-, -, -, –) st

Back Panel: 36 (42, 42, 48, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (-, -, -, –) st

Sleeve B: 24 (22, 22, 24, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (-, -, -, –) st

Left Front Panel: 11 (12, 12, 13, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

For ALL Sizes:

Yoke Increases (Worked in the Round):

You will begin working in the round. Using the backwards loop cast on method and MC, CO 15 (19, 19, 23, 23) (23, 23, 23, 23) sts on your left needle. *YOS, K1* across new CO sts until last new st, YOS. PM for BOR and begin working in the round.

Rd 6: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl1 wyib, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Rd 7: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, CDI, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern. (8 sts increased)

Rd 8: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl3 wyib, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Rd 9: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, PM, K1, PM, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Repeat Rds 6-9 an additional 11 (12, 14, 15, 16) (20, 22, 24, 25) times for a total of 12 (13, 15, 16, 17) (21, 23, 25, 26) repeats. You will now have 220 (236, 252, 276, 300) (332, 360, 388, 420) sts distributed as follows:

Sleeve A: 48 (48, 52, 56, 58) (66, 72, 78, 84) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Back Panel: 60 (68, 72, 80, 90) (98, 106, 114, 124) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Sleeve B: 48 (48, 52, 56, 58) (66, 72, 78, 84) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Front Panel: 60 (68, 72, 80, 90) (98, 106, 114, 124) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

For Sizes M (L) ONLY:

Rd 10: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl1 wyib, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Rd 11: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, K1, M1R, SM, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, M1L, K1, SM* (4 sts increased)

Rd 12: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl2 wyib, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Rd 13: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, K1, PM, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, remove marker, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, PM, K1, SM*

Repeat Rds 10-13 an additional – (-, 1, 1, -) (-, -, -, –) times for a total of – (-, 2, 2, -) (-, -, -, –) repeats. You will now have – (-, 260, 284, -) (-, -, -, –) sts distributed as follows:

Sleeve A: – (-, 52, 56, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Back Panel: – (-, 76, 84, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Sleeve B: – (-, 52, 56, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

Front Panel: – (-, 76, 84, -) (-, -, -, –) sts

Between Markers: 1 (1, 1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 1, 1) st

For ALL Sizes:

Rd 14: *Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, SM, sl1 wyib, SM* until last section, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Try on your piece. The length should fall just below your armpits, where you can comfortably pinch together either side of a sleeve panel under your arms. If it is too short, continue working in the Honeycomb Brioche Pattern until you reach your desired length, being sure to end on Rd1 or Rd3 (a CC round) of the Honeycomb Brioche Pattern.

Separate Sleeves from Body:

Rd 15 (Set up Round): Cut yarn, remove BOR, sl sts to first marker, RM, sl1 wyib, RM, place 48 (48, 52, 56, 58) (66, 72, 78, 84) sts on scrap yarn or stitch holder to save for later, CO 1 (1, 1, 1, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) sts in MC, place marker for the new BOR, CO 1 (1, 1, 1, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2), Honeycomb Brioche Pattern to next marker, RM, work 1 st in Honeycomb Brioche Pattern, RM, place 48 (48, 52, 56, 58) (66, 72, 78, 84) sts on scrap yarn or stitch holder to save for later, CO 2 (2, 2, 2, 4) (4, 4, 4, 4) sts, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern to BOR.

Body:

Rd 15: Honeycomb Brioche Pattern

Repeat Rd 15 a total of 158 (153, 138, 130, 132) (126, 114, 102, 90) times, or until you reach your desired length before the hem.

Bind off in MC and using the I-Cord Bind Off (video tutorial available here) until the last 3 sts. Using a separate needle, pick up 3 sts along the edge of the CO stitches at the beginning of the round. Holding the two needles together, graft the 3 sts at the end of the round to the 3 picked up sts at the beginning of the round.

Collar:

Using the circular needle and MC, pick up and knit 84 (86, 86, 96, 88) (88, 88, 88, 88) sts along the collar and begin working in the round. Bind off using the I-Cord Bind Off (video tutorial available here) until the last 3 sts. Using a separate needle, pick up 3 sts along the edge of the CO stitches at the beginning of the round. Holding the two needles together, graft the 3 sts at the end of the round to the 3 picked up sts at the beginning of the round.

Sleeves:

(Set up Round): Remove 48 (48, 52, 56, 58) (66, 72, 78, 84) sts from scrap yarn and distribute evenly along double pointed needles or small circular needles. Find the bottom of the armpit (where you cast on sts at the sleeve separation), and pick up 2 (2, 2, 2, 4) (4, 4, 4, 4) sts. PM in the middle of the picked up sts at the bottom of the armpit to mark the BOR.

Rds 1-3: Honeycomb Brioche Pattern across

Rd 4: BrRsl, Honeycomb Brioche Pattern until last 3 sts, brLsl

Rds 5-23 (23, 23, 21, 17) (15, 13, 11, 11): Honeycomb Brioche Pattern across

Repeat Rds 5-23 (23, 23, 21, 17) (15, 13, 11, 11) for a total of 3 (3, 4, 5, 6) (8, 9, 11, 12) repeats. You will now have 38 (38, 38, 38, 38) (38, 40, 38, 40) sts.

Repeat Rd 1 for a total of 126 (132, 112, 102, 108) (102, 108, 116, 108) repeats, or until you reach your desired length.

Repeat Rd 4 for a total of 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 2, 2, 2) repeats. You will now have 30 (30, 30, 30, 30) (30, 32, 30, 32) sts.

Bind off in MC and using the I-Cord Bind Off (video tutorial available here) until the last 3 sts. Using a separate needle, pick up 3 sts along the edge of the CO stitches at the beginning of the round. Holding the two needles together, graft the 3 sts at the end of the round to the 3 picked up sts at the beginning of the round.

THANK YOU!

I hope you enjoyed making the Beehive Pullover as much as I did! Tag me on Instagram @knitabitcrochetaway and use #knitabitcrochetaway and #BeehivePullover – I’d love to see your progress and finished product!