Cocoon Cardigan Crochet Pattern

This cozy crochet cocoon cardigan is designed with comfort in mind, and its chunky yarn ensures a project that works up in no time.

My pattern is the perfect blend of simplicity and style, making it ideal whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and satisfying make.

The chunky yarn not only adds warmth but also gives the cardigan a beautiful texture, making it the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Imagine wrapping yourself in the soft embrace of this cocoon cardigan on a chilly evening – it really is comfortable and feels like a warm hug!

In this pattern, I’ve kept the stitches simple but changed it up by working in alternate front and back loops (gives a gorgeous texture!). The pattern is sized for S to 5X and includes detailed instructions in US crochet terms and I’ve included diagrams alongside the process images for guidance.

Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a handmade gift for a loved one, this crochet cocoon cardigan is sure to become one of your favourites – it’s one of mine!

Keep scrolling to get this pattern for free or you can upgrade to a PDF in my Etsy or Ravelry shops.

Why you’ll love crocheting this cocoon cardigan

Design Inspiration

This yarn started life as a chunky sweater … I liked my design BUT when I seamed everything, I really didn’t like how the sweater draped!  I liked how the stitch pattern looked with the self-striping yarn and still wanted to design something to wear.  After the time spent designing, crocheting and then unpicking the sweater, I have to be honest, I wanted it to be a very easy project!  I was a little bit out of patience.

What could I design from a rectangular shape that would be wearable and warm?  I have ideas for another poncho so that was discarded.  I was already working on a long cardigan with the back and fronts worked in one piece.  My thoughts turned to how I could fold a larger rectangle and the cocoon cardigan took shape.  The finished garment is as great as I thought it had the possibility to be.  And the drape is perfect 🙂

How the cocoon cardigan pattern is worked

This cocoon crochet cardigan is worked in alternating half double crochet back loop and front loop.

A rectangle is crocheted first and then with the right side facing inwards, the fabric is folded in half so that the foundation row and final row are touching. 

Measurements are made on each side from the top (where the fold is) and stitch markers are placed to show where to start sewing the seam.  The seam is sewn from the stitch marker to the foundation and final row.

Next, the shrug is turned right side out to crochet the edging.  The edging is worked in single crochet back loop.  The ribbing starts at the bottom front edge, continues to work around the back of the neck and returns to the bottom front edge on the opposite side.  A number of chains are made and then worked into, slip stitching along the edge of the cardigan before working the next row.

The sleeve cuffs are worked next in the same stitches and the same technique as the ribbed edging.  The cuffs are seamed together by slip stitching the beginning and end of the rows.

If you prefer less of a gap between the left and right front or longer cuffs, the ribbed edging (widthways) and sleeve cuffs (lengthways) can be extended easily by crocheting extra chains.

Related Crochet Cardigan Patterns

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• With a one-row repeat, this seamless cardigan is an easy project.  You’ll enjoy the freedom of choosing the length to suit your personal style.
• Two hexagons look great as a pullover!  Check out the Moon Shimmer sweater pattern.
• The Stella granny square cardigan is worked in one large granny square for the back and smaller squares for the front.  This made-to-measure cardigan is an easy make.  You’ll find different designs and constructions in this collection of free granny square cardigans.
• My hooded granny stitch cardigan is the perfect garment to wear during spring and summer
• Looking for a quick make?  These chunky cardigan patterns could be just what you need.
• Suitable for wearing all year, you’ll have this two-row repeat cardigan worked up in no time.

Yarn Choices

My choice of Papatya Batik is a self-patterning chunky weight yarn in 100% premium acrylic. There’s a stunning collection of shades to choose from and the biggest bonus for me, it’s machine washable at 30 degrees and keeps its quality after washing.

The chunky weight works up really quickly and the texture is perfect for a wearable for the colder months.

I found this yarn really easy to work with, gliding on my hook and it gave me fab stitch definition.

Yarn substitutions

These substitutions match the gauge and fibre:

Cygnet Colour Rush Chunky

Papatya Splash

Pattern Notes

• This free cocoon cardigan crochet pattern is written in US crochet terms (the paid pattern includes UK written instructions).
• Sizing is shown as thus: S, (M, L, XL, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
• Worked in multiples of 2.
• Chain 1 does not count as a stitch.
• If you are finding it difficult to see the front loop or back loop of the stitches, holding your work so that you can see the ‘V’ of the stitch makes it easier.
• You might find it helpful to place a stitch marker in the stitch at the bottom of the shrug where the yarn is rejoined to begin working the edging.
• If you substitute the yarn, use the yardage and not the grams as not all weights hold the same lengths
• I’ve added a clasp as a closure for my cardigan.  You can leave yours open but there are some really pretty clasps available that give an elegant finish.  These vintage clasp fasteners are my favourites.

Skill Level

Easy

Materials

• 6mm / J10 crochet hook
• Papatya Batik Chunky (color 110); 1177, (1344, 1514, 1668, 1828, 1989, 2190, 2395) yds
• Tape Measure
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Glossary

Stitches

You’ll find how to work these stitches in my crochet stitch library.

Abbreviations

• Ch = chain
• St/s = stitch/es
• RS = right side
• Sl st = slip stitch
• Rh – right hand
• Lh – left hand

Gauge

13 stitches and 8 rows = 10cm X 10cm

If you’re finding it difficult to match the pattern gauge with your personal gauge, you can easily adjust your stitch count using the stitch gauge converter.

Measurements and Yarn Amounts

Measurements are based on the Craft Yarn Council guidance.

Finished rectangle includes 10cm of positive ease. If you would like more movement in your cocoon cardigan, follow instructions for the next size up.

Testimonials

Happy crocheting!

Copyright Notice

The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Sharon Goodwin at Jera’s Jamboree.  This pattern and design are subject to copyright and are for personal, non-commercial use only.  You may not share, resell, alter or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. You may, however, sell any finished items you make.  If you would like to include this pattern in a roundup, you may take one photo and link back to this pattern.

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