A Free Knitting Pattern from Liz Chandler 🐝
So, I have a problem with wasps. Well, not really a problem; they are great helpers in the garden eating all the aphids. But, when they try to turn my sacred porch space into their new nursery, I get annoyed (or worse, stung). To keep these little stinkers out of my space I’ve designed a knit wasp nest decoy that should be weather-proof.
Last year, I tried the classic “paper bag trick” to keep wasps from nesting near the house. You know the one: crumple a brown paper sack to look like a wasp nest, hang it up, and hope for the best. It worked really well… until it rained. Then it just looked like sad trash blowing in the wind.
This year, I’m declaring war. I’ve been stung too many times, and I’m done playing nice. So I grabbed some UV-resistant paracord and knit myself a proper wasp nest decoy. I stuffed it with a gray trash bag for structure. Now, it’s tough enough for summer storms, realistic enough to fool territorial insects, and, let’s be honest, a lot more fun to make.
Wait… Do Fake Nests Actually Work?
Yes… for the right bugs.
Most hornets, paper wasps, and yellowjackets are extremely territorial. If they see another nest in the area, they usually back off and go find a less “claimed” spot, often hundreds of feet away.
To the wasps? This is an intruder’s home base.
To me? It’s a cozy little hot air balloon decoration with a purpose.
And unlike the paper version, this one:
- Holds its shape through wind and rain
- Won’t disintegrate in a week
- Actually looks like the real thing (but without the buzz and bite)
If you get nests popping up on your home, put up a decoy. It may be just enough to make the wasp change their mind about their spot. Or, you might have to knock these little nests down (if you can’t do it safely yourself, contact a professional). Placing the decoy can make the wasps think whatever lives in the fake hive ruined their nest.
What It Won’t Do
This won’t repel:
- Ants
- Mosquitoes
- Bees (they’re unbothered by wasps)
- Termites or ground dwellers
But if your porch or eaves are regular nesting sites for hornets or wasps, this might be just the nudge they need to build elsewhere.
Where to Hang It
- Under eaves
- Porch rafters
- Barns, sheds, or garages
- Any spot that’s been a favorite for wasps in the past
Choose a place that’s visible to flying insects but slightly sheltered. Early in the season is best. It is easier to deter wasps before nests are started.
How to Knit this Wasp Nest Decoy Pattern
This quick knit is worked in the round and shaped to mimic the tapered, layered form of a real wasp nest. It’s practical, weirdly charming, and deeply satisfying, especially if you’ve ever flailed around with a broom trying to knock a real one down.
Use a UV resistant nylon paracord for this project to keep it sun and water resistant. I chose a gray color, but light brown also works for this decoy. Then, stuff with a plastic bag to keep it’s shape.
Materials to Knit a Wasp Nest Decoy
Knitting Needles
Double Point Needles (DPNs)
- 7-inch (18 cm) long US No. 10 (6.0 mm) DPNs (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Or Long Circular Needles
- 36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 10 (6.0 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Yarn
One 100 Foot Hank of Paracord* (shown Paracord Planet Paracord color Diamonds), in your choice of color.
* Length estimated with Paracord Planet Paracord; other materials may vary. Does not include gauge swatch.
Tools
- A stitch marker (optional).
- One large, clean garbage bag (for stuffing).
Gauge
8 stitches x 10 rows = 4 x 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on No. 10 (6.0 mm) needles.
Abbreviations
k = knit
p = purl
** = repeat the pattern between the asterisks
M1L = make one left [Pick up the strand between the stitch just worked and the next stitch from front to back with the left needle and knit into the back of it.]
k2tog = knit two together
Instructions: Wasp Nest Decoy
(measures 6 inches [15.24 cm] tall by 5 inches [12.7 cm] wide)
This project is knit from the top down. Use the Long-Tail Cast On method. Knit in the round. For Double Point Needles, follow DPN instructions written in italics. For circular needles, follow Magic Loop instructions written in bold. If desired, use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning/ends of your rows/rounds by placing it between the last and first stitch of each row/round.
[Using DPNs or long circular needles] Row 1: Cast on 6 stitches. Divide onto 3 DPNs (2 on each DPN). Or separate stitches on long circular needles for Magic Loop (3 on each side). (6 stitches)
Row 2: Join the round (taking care not to twist stitches) and k 6. (6 stitches)
Row 3: *k, M1L* x 6. (12 stitches)
Row 4: k 12. (12 stitches)
Row 5: *k, M1L* x 12. (24 stitches)
Row 6: k 24. (24 stitches)
Row 7: *k, M1L* x 24. (48 stitches)
Rows 8 – 11: k 48. (48 stitches)
Row 12: *k 2, k2tog* x 12. (36 stitches)
Row 13: k 36. (36 stitches)
Row 14: *k, k2tog* x 12. (24 stitches)
Rows 15 – 17: k 24. (24 stitches)
Row 18: *k, k2tog* x 12. (12 stitches)
Row 19: k2tog x 6. (6 stitches)
Turn wrong-side (purl-side) out.
Cut yarn and draw through remaining 6 stitches.
Bring the yarn tail from the bottom of the project through to the inside up towards the top. Tie both yarn tails together to create a loop that can be used to hang the decoy.
Stuff the decoy with a plastic bag or your desired weatherproof filling.
Print the Free Wasp Nest Decoy Knitting Pattern
Printable Free Wasp Nest Decoy Knitting Pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels
⚠️ Quick Disclaimer:
This project is a preventive trick, not a full-on wasp removal plan. It may deter hornets, paper wasps, or yellowjackets, especially if used early in the season before nests are built. But if you’ve already got an active infestation, please don’t try to knit your way out of it.
Call a pest control professional to handle the sting-y stuff safely.
Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
Related Patterns You’ll Love
☕ Quick & Easy Coffee Cup Cozy: Fun to Knit and Use
🧣Chunky Knit Scarf Pattern: Simple, Quick, and Beautiful
🙏 Gratitude Blanket Pattern: Cozy Comfort for Every Home
🛁 Double-Thick Cotton Washcloth Pattern: Knits Up in No Time
🥾 Quick & Easy Boot Cuffs Knitting Pattern: Cute & Cozy
Looking for More Help Around the Homestead? 🌱
Don’t Miss a Stitch! 🧶
Love cozy knitting projects? Sign up for my newsletter to get more free patterns, helpful tips, and updates straight to your inbox. 💌
When I finally got around to making this baby food jar stash into a craft project, I ran into a problem. The clear plastic labels do peel off easily. Unfortunately, the glue used to adhere the label to the jar leaves behind a terrible sticky residue. I could not get the sticky residue off the baby food jars just by tossing the jars in the dishwasher, as I had hoped. And to just leave the glue on the jars on was not a good solution; it is incredibly sticky, so it collects dirt and hair like an icky magnet. Icky, sticky containers aren’t pretty or useful, so I was determined to find a way to be rid of the glue on all my little jars.
stones. To make them a little prettier, I got a bottle of teal spray paint (Rustoleum). A couple thin coats made the lids fresh and new, and I think this baby food jar craft project looks adorable siting on my shelf.