Welcome back, crocheters! Today, we’re diving into a pattern that is the definition of classic lace: the beautiful “Azure Honeycomb Mesh.” This stitch, worked in that lovely bright blue, is characterized by its dramatic openwork created by large chain spaces, which alternate with rows of solid or partial double crochet for stability.
This pattern is a fantastic choice for projects that need maximum drape and minimum yarn. Think breezy summer scarves, light throws, or even a stunning filet-style garment panel. You asked for long and detailed, so let’s get started on mastering this simple yet elegant 4-row repeat!
🛍️ Materials & Tools: Gathering Your Gear 🛍️
The key to achieving this airy, open look is using a hook slightly larger than your yarn normally calls for.
- Yarn: I recommend a Sport Weight (Weight 2) or DK (Double Knitting/Weight 3) yarn. Cotton or a cotton blend will give you the best drape and definition after blocking.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your yarn, but aim for a loose tension. For DK weight, a 4.5 mm (7) or 5.0 mm (H/8) hook is a great choice.
- Scissors: For clean finishing.
- Tapestry Needle: For neatly weaving in ends.
- Stitch Markers (Optional): Helpful for marking the first and last stitch of the turning chain, which can sometimes be hard to spot in open lace.
📚 Stitch Glossary: Your Crochet Vocabulary 📚
This pattern uses simple, fundamental US crochet stitches.
| Abbreviation | Stitch Name | Description |
| ch | Chain | Yarn over, pull through loop on hook. |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) | |
| sk | Skip | |
| sl st | Slip Stitch | Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook. |
| sc | Single Crochet | Standard sc. |
| dc | Double Crochet | Standard dc. |
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📐 Gauge and Pattern Repeat 📐
Swatching is essential with this pattern to ensure your open spaces are consistent.
Pattern Repeat:
The pattern is worked over a multiple of 4+3 chains for the starting foundation.
- For our detailed swatch, we will start with Ch 39 (4×9=36+3=39).
- The ch 3 at the beginning of rows counts as 1 dc.
Gauge (Approximate):
- One full honeycomb motif (from one solid bar to the next) should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall.
- Approximately 4 honeycomb motifs wide and 5 motifs high should measure about 5 inches by 5 inches (12.5 cm by 12.5 cm).
🌊 The “Azure Honeycomb Mesh” Pattern: Row by Row 🌊
This pattern is a continuous 4-row repeat that alternates the position of the large open spaces to create the staggered honeycomb effect.
▶️ Foundation Row:
- Ch a multiple of 4+3. (For swatch, Ch 39).
Row 1 (RS – Solid Base Row):
- Dc in the 4th ch from the hook (the skipped 3 ch counts as 1 dc).
- Dc in every ch across.
- Turn. (Total stitches: 37 dc).
This row provides a stable foundation and the posts for the open rows.
Row 2 (WS – Large Mesh Row 1):
- Ch 1 (does not count as a st). Sc in the first dc.
- Ch 5, sk 3 dc, sc in the next dc.
- *Ch 5, sk 3 dc, sc in the next dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with sc in the top of the turning ch-3.
- Turn.
This row creates the large, open arches that form the honeycomb base.
Row 3 (RS – Closing Bar Row 1):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 2 dc in the first ch-5 sp.
- Dc in the sc.
- *4 dc in the next ch-5 sp.
- Dc in the sc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with 3 dc in the final ch-5 sp.
- Dc in the final sc.
- Turn. (Total stitches: 37 dc).
This row creates the solid horizontal bars, locking the large loops into the ovular honeycomb shape.
Row 4 (WS – Small Mesh Setup Row):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). Dc in the next dc.
- *Ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in the next 3 dc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row until 2 sts remain.
- Ch 1, sk 1 dc, dc in the top of the turning ch-3.
- Turn.
This row creates the small filet-style holes that sit above the center of the honeycomb. This row is crucial for offsetting the next row of large mesh.
Row 5 (RS – Large Mesh Row 2 – Offset):
- Ch 1 (does not count as st). Sc in the first dc.
- Sc in the ch-1 sp.
- *Ch 5, sk 3 dc, sc in the next ch-1 sp.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with sc in the ch-1 sp.
- Sc in the top of the turning ch-3.
- Turn.
This row creates the next set of large loops, which are offset by two stitches, placing the large openings directly over the solid bars of Row 3.
Row 6 (WS – Closing Bar Row 2):
- Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc). 2 dc in the ch-1 sp from Row 4.
- Dc in the sc.
- *4 dc in the next ch-5 sp.
- Dc in the sc.*
- Rep from * to * across the row, ending with 4 dc in the final ch-5 sp.
- Dc in the final sc.
- Turn. (Total stitches: 37 dc).
This row closes the honeycomb and forms the second set of solid bars, completing the offset effect.
🔄 The Repeat Sequence: Building the Fabric 🔄
The pattern is now fully established! The full pattern repeat is Rows 3, 4, 5, and 6.
To continue the Azure Honeycomb Mesh, you will now repeat the sequence: Row 3, Row 4, Row 5, Row 6.
- Key Observation: Rows 3 and 6 (the Closing Bar Rows) are worked identically; the only difference is where they land relative to the large loops. They both have 37 dc.
- The simple repeating cycle to build the height is to repeat Rows 3-6 until your desired length is reached.
Video Tutorial:
🚿 Finishing and Blocking: Maximizing the Mesh 🚿
For this highly open pattern, blocking is absolutely essential! It will relax the fibers, open up the mesh, and give the fabric beautiful drape.
- Final Edge: If your piece ends on a Large Mesh Row (Row 2 or 5), consider adding a final Closing Bar Row (Row 3 or 6) or a simple row of dc for a crisp edge. The swatch in the image ends on a solid bar.
- Wet Blocking: Soak your finished piece in lukewarm water.
- Pin and Stretch: Pin the fabric out onto a blocking mat, gently stretching it vertically and horizontally to open up the honeycomb spaces. Ensure the edges are straight.
- Dry: Allow the piece to dry completely before unpinning.
🌟 Project Inspiration 🌟
- Light Summer Wrap: The perfect airy layer for cool evenings.
- Tote Bag or Market Bag: Use a sturdy cotton for a strong, stretchy bag.
- Netted Curtains: The open weave makes for beautiful, light-filtering window treatments.
- Beach Cover-Up: The open design is ideal for quick-drying swimwear cover-ups.
Happy crocheting! Enjoy watching the Azure Honeycomb Mesh grow on your hook!
