Heirloom Honeycomb Baby Romper Free Pattern – Knit a Sweet Pea Jumper

Understanding the Honeycomb Stitch Pattern

The honeycomb stitch is a simple 4-row repeat that creates a beautiful textured fabric. Here's how it works:

• Row 1 (RS): *K1, P1* repeat to end.
• Row 2 (WS): *P1, K1* repeat to end.
• Row 3: *P1, K1* repeat to end.
• Row 4: *K1, P1* repeat to end.

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern. The offset ribbing creates the honeycomb effect. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each row to help you keep track of where you are in the pattern.

Back Panel

Cast On and Ribbing: Cast on 56 (60) [64] stitches. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. This creates a neat, stretchy hem that will sit comfortably against baby's skin.

Body: Switch to the honeycomb stitch pattern and work straight until the piece measures 6 (7) [8] inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. This forms the main body of the romper.

Shape Armholes (Back)

Bind Off: Bind off 3 (3) [4] stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows. This creates the initial armhole shaping.

Decrease: Decrease 1 stitch at each edge every other row 2 (2) [3] times. To decrease at the beginning of a row, knit 2 together; at the end, knit 2 together through the back loop. You should now have 46 (50) [50] stitches remaining.

Continue: Work even in pattern until the armhole measures 3.5 (4) [4.5] inches, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape Neck and Shoulders (Back)

Divide for Neck: On the next right-side row, work 15 (16) [16] stitches, bind off the center 16 (18) [18] stitches, then work to the end. You'll now work each shoulder separately.

Neck Decreases: Working on one shoulder at a time, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every row 2 times. You should have 13 (14) [14] stitches per shoulder.

Finish: Work even until the armhole measures 4.5 (5) [5.5] inches. Bind off all stitches. Repeat for the other shoulder.

Front Panel

Work as Back: Work the front panel exactly as the back until the armhole shaping is complete. You'll have 46 (50) [50] stitches.

Continue: Work even in pattern until the armhole measures 2 (2.5) [3] inches, ending with a wrong-side row. The front neckline is deeper than the back to accommodate baby's chin.

Shape Neck and Shoulders (Front)

Divide for Neck: On the next right-side row, work 18 (19) [19] stitches, bind off the center 10 (12) [12] stitches, then work to the end.

Neck Decreases: Working each shoulder separately, decrease 1 stitch at the neck edge every row 3 times, then every other row 2 times. You should have 13 (14) [14] stitches per shoulder.

Finish: Work even until the armhole measures the same as the back. Bind off all stitches.

Sleeves (Make 2)

Cast On and Ribbing: Cast on 34 (36) [38] stitches. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch.

Increase: Switch to the honeycomb stitch pattern. Increase 1 stitch at each edge every 4th row until you have 46 (50) [54] stitches. To increase, pick up the bar between stitches and knit it through the back loop. This creates a subtle, invisible increase.

Continue: Work even until the sleeve measures 5 (6) [7] inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row.

Shape Sleeve Cap

Bind Off: Bind off 3 (3) [4] stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows.

Decrease: Decrease 1 stitch at each edge every row until 20 (22) [24] stitches remain.

Final Bind Off: Bind off 2 stitches at the beginning of the next 4 rows. Bind off the remaining stitches. This creates a nicely rounded sleeve cap that will fit smoothly into the armhole.

Finishing and Assembly

Seams: Sew the shoulder seams using a mattress stitch for an invisible finish. Set in the sleeves, matching the center of the sleeve cap to the shoulder seam. Sew the side and sleeve seams.

Neckband

Pick Up Stitches: With the right side facing, pick up and knit 50 (54) [58] stitches evenly around the neckline. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.

Leg Openings

Pick Up Stitches: Pick up and knit 40 (44) [48] stitches around each leg opening. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 0.5 inch. Bind off loosely. This creates a neat, finished edge that won't dig into baby's legs.

Button Placket (Back)

Pick Up Stitches: Pick up and knit 20 (22) [24]