I love a cardigan that you can literally throw on over anything! This easy crochet cocoon cardigan pattern is lightweight, lacy and will look amazing over any outfit! It’s a quick, beginner-friendly crochet cardigan project with a beautiful drape, and no shaping or complicated construction required!
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make your own crochet cocoon cardigan including full written pattern, yarn options and stitch guidance. There’s also a video tutorial to help you with any tricky bits! Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, this crochet cardigan will quickly become a staple in your handmade wardrobe.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means we may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. However, this does not influence our product recommendations, which are based on honest reviews and genuine enthusiasm. Read my Privacy Policy for more information.
Quick Look at the Crochet Cocoon Cardigan Pattern
- Skill level: Easy – just the basic stitches needed
- Crochet Stitches: US double crochet stitches and chains create the mesh effect
- Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
- Yarn: Stylecraft Knit Me Crochet Me in Earth
- Hook size: 5mm
- Approx. make time: 10 hours
- US terms: or upgrade for UK terms too!
- Perfect for: throwing on to head out on the school run, on holiday, or even for a night out!
*This helps Google recognise me as a crochet designer 😊
Why you’ll Love this Free Crochet Cocoon Cardigan Pattern
I hope you’re going to love making and wearing this crochet cocoon shrug as much as I do. I think you’re going to love:
- Relaxed cocoon silhouette with effortless drape
- 9 sizes from XS–5XL for an inclusive fit
- Simple mesh stitches — perfect for advancing beginners
- Lightweight layering piece you’ll reach for all summer and beyond
- Beautiful handmade gift
- Meditative, relaxing stitches
How is this Crochet Cardigan Made?
The cocoon cardigan is made of a rectangle of crocheted fabric, which is then folded. We seam part of each end, leaving an opening for your arms, before edging is added to the armholes and around the neckline.
Yarn
Stylecraft Knit Me Crochet Me, 80% Acrylic, 20% Wool, (100g/3.53oz, 290m/317yds) in Earth.
Yarn Alternatives
There are so many options for yarn for your Coral Cocoon Cardigan. Any DK yarn would work wonderfully. Consider using a colour-changing yarn like I have, or you could choose a more neutral version. My second version is made with Manarola in Autumn.
Here are a few alternative options that you might consider:
- World of Yarn Manarola, 100% Acrylic (100g/3.53oz, 240m/262yds)
- Hayfield Bonus DK, 100% Acrylic (100g/3.53oz, 280m/306yds)
- Brava Recycle, 100% Recycled Acrylic (100g/3.53oz, 280m/306yds)
- King Cole Riot DK, 70% Acrylic 30% Wool (100g/3.53oz, 294m/322yds)
Supplies you will need
- 5mm Crochet Hook or hook needed to match gauge
- A tapestry needle for working in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch markers
Size
The cocoon cardigan is designed to be a loose-fitting cardigan.
Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
To fit bust: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62) inches.
Length: 24.75 (24.75, 24.75, 24.75, 24.75) (27.5, 27.5, 30, 30) inches.
Width: 33.75 (33.75, 36.75, 36.75, 39.75) (39.75, 39.75, 42.75, 42.75) inches.
How to get the pattern
There are a few different ways that you can get your crochet cocoon cardigan pattern.
You can carry on scrolling down and read the pattern for free on the blog in US crochet terms. The blog has ads on it, which is how I am able to offer it for free. Please do bookmark the page and come back to it as you work on your pattern though, rather than trying to print it out. Spending time on this page is how I get paid.
Alternatively you can purchase a premium pdf version of the pattern, which includes schematic, stitch tutorials, links to lots of video tutorials and full explanations. The premium pattern comes in US and UK terms. And of course, if you purchase the pattern, it is yours to keep, print and make notes on too.
PLEASE NOTE: The premium pattern is a pdf crochet pattern, written in English. It is not a finished project. You will receive a digital download upon completion of purchase.
Tension
16 sts and 6 rows = 4in x 4in (10cm x 10cm) using set pattern.
2 repeats of the 12-st pattern = 6 in (15cm).
To measure your tension, create a sample swatch by following the pattern for the first 13 rows. Start with a chain of 32.
If your sample swatch is bigger than the tension given, try with a smaller hook size. If your swatch is smaller than the tension given, try with a larger hook size.
Video Tutorial for the Free Crochet Cocoon Cardigan Pattern
If you prefer crocheting from a video tutorial, watch as I show you how to crochet the Coral Cocoon Cardigan:
Stitch Abbreviations
- blo – back loop only
- ch(s) – chain(s)
- ch-sp – chain space
- dc – double crochet
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
- sk – skip
- sc – single crochet (how to do a single crochet stitch)
- ss – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- WS – wrong side
- […] – stitch count
- * – repeat the instructions from * as directed
If you love this stitch pattern, you might also like this lightweight crochet scarf pattern.
What Special Crochet Stitches are Used to Make this Easy Crochet Cocoon Cardigan?
Invisible join
An invisible join is a ‘fake’ stitch that replaces the slip stitch join and creates a smooth finish. If you prefer though, use a slip stitch.
Cut your yarn leaving a 4” / 10cm tail and pull the tail all the way through the last stitch. Thread this end onto a needle. Insert your needle under both of the top loops of the first stitch of the round, as you would with your hook for a normal sc. Pull tight, but not too tight. Then insert your needle into the top of the last stitch you crocheted, straight down through the middle. Pull tight, but try to make the ‘fake’ stitch you’ve created the same size as the other stitches. Weave in the end to secure.
Slip stitch seam
In this tutorial we’ll be working through both loops of the stitches for a sturdier seam. With 2 panels held together with their RS facing each other:
- Insert your hook into both loops of the st on the panel nearest you and both loops of the corresponding st on the panel furthest from you.
- Yarn over.
- Pull through all loops and the loop on your hook.
- Continue across your seam.
Customising your Crochet Cocoon Cardigan
The cardigan comes in 9 sizes, but there are also other customisations you can do to really make it fit you perfectly.
LENGTH: You can easily adjust the length of your cardigan by crocheting more or fewer rows.
WIDTH: If you wish to adjust the width of you cardigan, add or remove multiples of 12 chains to your foundation chain.
ARMHOLES: Adjust the size of your armholes by seaming more or fewer stitches on the side seams.
RIBBING: If you want your ribbing longer, add more rounds of sc in blo.
Pattern Notes
Be sure to read through these notes before you start your easy crochet cocoon cardigan – they will make it so much easier to understand the pattern!
- Read through the pattern completely before starting and refer to the stitch tutorials as needed.
- ch1 does not count as a stitch.
- ch3 counts as a dc.
- Starting ch5 counts as a dc and ch-sp.
- dc in 8th ch from hook on Row 1 counts as 2ch along the foundation, dc, 2ch-sp, and then the dc that you work.
- Blocking your cardigan before seaming really opens up the stitch pattern to its full glory.
- Sizes are written using brackets in the following format: XS (S, M, L, XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL).
- There is a stitch chart on page 11 for your reference.
Join the Concrete Gems Crochet Community for pattern support!
Free Crochet Cocoon Cardigan Pattern
US Terminology.
Not ready to start yet? Summarise and save this crochet pattern for later:
To unlock the free, exclusive content from Concrete Gems Crochet, all you have to do is enter your email address and create a password in the box below.
Every time you see Grow Exclusive Content from then on, you will be able to log in with your username and password and view the content. This also applies on other blogs, who use Grow.
Thank you for subscribing! I hope you enjoy the free patterns on this site. I can’t wait to see what you create! Please do share your crochet makes tagging @concretegemscrochet
SIDE SEAMS
Fold your rectangle in half from top to bottom with RS facing inwards. Counting from the open edge, place a st marker in the 9 (8, 7, 6, 6) (8, 7, 6, 6)th row going through both layers on each side.
Using your preferred seaming method, seam together from the open edge to your st marker. I used a slip stitch seam. Rep for the other side.
Fasten off.
How about trying another summer crochet pattern? This floral crochet cover up is perfect for the beach or day’s out.
CARDIGAN EDGING
With RS facing, join yarn in the first ch-sp after a side seam, ready to work around the cardigan neckline.
Round 1: ch3, 3dc in same ch-sp, *4dc in next ch-sp, rep from * around the cardigan, ss in first st to join.
Rounds 2-4: ch1, sc in blo in each st around, ss in first st to join.
Round 5: ch1, sc in blo in each st around, join with an invisible join.
Fasten off.
ARMHOLE EDGING
With RS facing, join yarn in the first ch-sp after the seam.
Round 1: ch3, 2dc in same ch-sp, *2dc in next ch-sp, 3dc in next ch-sp, rep from * around, ss in first st to join.
Rounds 2-4: ch1, sc in blo in each st around, ss in first st to join.
Round 5: ch1, sc in blo in each st around, join with an invisible join.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Take your Coral Cocoon Cardigan out for a spin.
Check out my other crochet patterns for more crochet inspiration. You might like this lacy crochet water bottle holder pattern too!
Pattern help
There is a lot more detail in the premium pdf pattern of the easy crochet cocoon cardigan, including photos, stitch tutorials, stitch chart and a schematic. Plus it’s your to print out and keep!
Also please do check out the stitch tutorials on my YouTube channel for extra guidance.
Get the ad-free PDF here!
Upgrade to the premium PDF and create your Coral Cocoon Cardigan — a beautifully lacy, lightweight shrug perfect for throwing on over any outfit.
What You Get
✨ Ad-free, printable PDF in UK and US terms — instant download
🌸 Stitch tutorials, schematic, stitch chart, yarn options, and customisation
🎥 Supporting video tutorial to guide you along the way
💛 A relaxing project you can pick up and enjoy anytime
If you are struggling with the pattern, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Find me on Facebook or Instagram @concretegemscrochet or drop me a message.
FAQs
A: This crochet pattern is suitable for confident beginners and beyond. This crochet cardigan is the perfect first garment to try, as it has no shaping and easy construction.
A: Of course! Whilst I used acrylic yarn, this crochet cardigan would work great in cotton yarn too! Just be sure to do a gauge swatch before you start.
A: Yes — add or remove rows to change the length, or add/remove multiples of 12 chains to the foundation chain to change the width.
A: The free version on the blog has the full written pattern in US terms. The premium PDF adds a stitch chart, schematic, and is ad-free and printable, plus it’s available in both UK and US terms.
A: This pattern is written for DK weight (category 3) yarn. Any DK yarn will work well — you don’t need anything special, just make sure to check your gauge swatch first.
If you enjoyed making your simple crochet cocoon shrug free pattern, please consider sharing it to social media tagging @concretegemscrochet or come and join the Concrete Gems Crochet Community to share in the joy of crochet with me.
Other Crochet Patterns you Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed making this easy crochet cocoon cardigan, then you might also like these crochet garment patterns:
Thanks for reading and happy crocheting! 🧶
