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Constructed from a simple lace corner to corner square, this flattering crochet cocoon cardigan pattern is a breeze to create and effortless to style with your wardrobe.
Now I didn’t know until recently that this style of garment is called a cocoon cardigan but is also classed as a type of shrug too! Basically it’s a simple square that we fold and seam in an unusual but easy way to create two armholes and then pop a collar and cuffs on!
In adult sizes from XS to 5XL (30″-62″ chest sizes) this type of crochet blanket sweater (another term used for them!) is super simple to make and so easy to wear. Just throw it on top of anything!
In this post you’ll find everything you need to know how to crochet an easy crochet shrug like this including materials, stitches, a detailed video tutorial and free written pattern for blog subscribers.
Construction of the Crochet Cocoon Shrug
It honestly couldn’t be easier to construct this garment because we simply make a corner to corner square (with a lovely lace twist) that we then block to measurements.
Once that’s done we fold it in half and seam for as much or as little on either side as you’d like to form your armholes. No tricky shaping, just two small seams and you have yourself a stunning oversized crochet cardigan to enjoy wearing.
Things you’ll love about this cozy crochet shrug pattern
Corner to Corner Crochet Method
For this design I chose to use the corner to corner crochet method which is a fun and simple way to create a fabric on the bias.
This means that we start in one corner and work in turned rows to increase until we get our fabric to the height and width we’d like (in this case a square). Then we begin decreasing in simple steps to close the side of the square and complete.
I added a chain space into the traditional corner to corner block stitch and loved how it looked! It gives the same feel but with the most amazing drape to the fabric. I also used it in my lightweight c2c shawl pattern too.
This technique is amazing for colourwork too so make sure you explore my other c2c deisgns such as this fun c2c hat pattern and my retro crochet apron!
Why make an oversized crochet cardigan?
The trend for loose, oversized garments is still going strong this year. I love wearing items with a good amount of positive ease (meaning they are bigger than your body measurements) but I hate it when they appear to add bulk to my frame.
So I set about finding just the right weight of yarn, stitch combination and overall style to make the perfect oversized crochet cardigan for me. I hope you enjoy wearing it too!
More Free Crochet Cardigan Patterns
I absolutely love creating easy crochet cardigan patterns. If this oversized and full of drape style is something you love too then how about my sleeveless summer crochet cardigan? Or if you love colour then my granny square cardigan is for you!
If you prefer something more close fitting then my puff stitch cardigan or knit look crochet cardigan is for you. They use the same simple technique and work the front and back of the body in one go so less seams!
Getting Started: Materials Needed for Your Crochet Cocoon Shrug
Sizing
Adult Sizes: XS-M (L-2XL, 3XL-5XL)
To fit chest sizes: 30-38 (42-50, 54-62) inches.
With finished garment width: 36 (42.5, 47.25) inches.
Yarn
To make the sweater shrug I used Color Theory by Lion Brand which is 100% Acrylic, 246yds/225m/100g in the colour Bone.
This is a beautiful category 4 worsted weight yarn that has the most beautiful colour choices.
How much yarn do I need to crochet the shrug?
Sizes: XS-M (L-2XL, 3XL-5XL) will require approximately 1125 (1280, 1535) metres, 1200 (1400, 1680) yards of yarn to make the shrug cardigan.
Yarn Substitutes
You can use any yarn that you like for your cocoon cardigan bearing in mind that you need to make sure you meet the gauge. Some other great options are:
- Lion Brand Heartland, 100% acrylic, 251yds, 230m/142g
- Sirdar Country Classic Worsted, 50% wool, 50% acrylic, 218yds, 200m/100g
- Swish DK 100% fine super wash Merino wool, 123yds/112m/50g
Please note that the Color Theory is a category 4 weight but I found that some slightly heavier category 3 weight yarns match the gauge really nicely.
Pattern Gauge
5 rows of lace dc c2c pattern = 4” square.
Work a gauge swatch with at least 8 rows of the Lace Corner to Corner as per the Main Panel in the written pattern. Then block it lightly before measuring to make sure you meet the gauge.
Read all about how to make a crochet gauge swatch and why it matters.
Other Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- A 5mm/H crochet hook or hook size that meets the pattern gauge
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
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Video Tutorial: Follow Along to Crochet Your Cocoon Cardigan
Step by Step Video Tutorial
Come along as I crochet the XS-M size in this step-by-step video tutorial.
Included in the video tutorial:
We begin by creating a square using the lace corner to corner stitch. This will be a different size depending on which size you are making from the pattern.
Next we fold the square and seam along part of 2 sides to create the armholes.
Then we add the collar in continuous rounds around the neckline using knit look stitches.
We then repeat the collar stitches around the armholes to create matching cuffs for the sleeves.
Crochet Terms You’ll Need to Know
Glossary and Abbreviations
ss/sl st – slip stitch
ch – chain
ch-sp – chain space
sp – space
st(s) – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
blo – back loop only
flo – front loop only
Yoh – yarn over hook
Stitches
The pattern is written in standard US terms and uses the following crochet stitches:
yo slst – yarn over slip stitch
hdc – half double crochet (UK htr – half treble crochet)
dc – double crochet (UK tr – treble crochet)
Special Stitches
Yo slst – Yarn over slip stitch
Yoh, insert your hook, yoh and pull through stitch and all loops on the hook.
Variations and Ideas: Making Your Cocoon Crochet Cardigan Unique
The great thing about the cardigan is that you can make your Main Body any size you like!
If you would like your shrug bigger then continue increasing the amount of blocks you work. If you would like it smaller then work less increases to reduce the amount of blocks.
You can also adjust the size of the armholes by seaming more or less of the sides to suit you.
These are the sizes of the squares within the pattern so that you can adjust if you’d like to: 36 (42.5, 47.25) inches.
Before you dive into crocheting your sweater, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, transitioning yarn colours, and tips on turning your work.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
- A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.
- Turn at the end of each row.
- Do not turn or join at the end of a Round on the Collar or Sleeve Bands
- Read through the entire pattern before beginning.
- Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!).
- Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous row.
- The count number referring to each size is laid out as follows: XS-M (L-2XL, 3XL-5XL).
- The pattern uses standard US crochet terms.
Theory Cocoon Cardigan Crochet Pattern
There are a few options for you to access and enjoy this crochet pattern:
- View the free pattern on the blog – all blog subscribers will be able to view the patterns supported by ads by logging into their Grow account.
- Purchase the individual pattern on Etsy or Ravelry as a beautifully formatted PDF with extra stitch charts, schematic and colour information page and more!
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Perfect to print out or use on any device, with added schematic and charts, colour inspiration and stitch tutorials
Learning to Crochet Garments
If you’re new to crochet garments and worried about all the sizing, seaming, gauge and other things that might seem really daunting, please don’t worry. I used to feel exactly the same! If you can make a blanket, then you can make this garment. I promise!
I’ve written all about my experience with learning to both make and design garments and you can learn about crochet garment making and make sure you explore all of these fabulous easy crochet cardigan patterns too. There are so many options out there for every skill level and style!
We also have an article all about how to make perfect crochet garments which is a great read packed full of experience and tips!
If you’re ready to dive and get all of the garment making info in one place then you will LOVE our Crochet Garments with Confidence Course! You get lifetime access to world class crochet garment designers teaching you everything they know!
Copyright Notice
The Theory Cocoon Cardigan Crochet Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.
This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd).
Unauthorised distribution or reproduction of this pattern or elements of the instructions is strictly prohibited. The free to view crochet pattern is intended for personal viewing only. By accessing this pattern, you acknowledge and agree to comply with these copyright terms and conditions.
Pattern Support
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Crochet Pattern Free for Blog Subscribers to View
US Terminology
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SIDE SEAMS
Fold the square in half. Place a stitch marker at the end of the 10th (13th, 15th) c2c block and join to the corresponding block on the other side of the fabric underneath.
Repeat this on the other side of the square.
You can now try on the cardigan to get an idea of the size of the sleeves. You can adjust the stitch markers to wherever you would like them to sit comfortably for you.
Once you are ready, seam from the corners of the square to your stitch marker on both sides. You can either use a slip stitch seam or sew with a whip stitch to the wrong side.
COLLAR
The Collar is worked in continuous rounds around the large edge of the joined square.
Join your yarn to either the centre front or back of your cardigan to begin.
Round 1: ch1, hdc in each stitch and ch around, work 3hdc in the side of a dc, do not join or turn at the end of the round [276 (324, 360)].
Round 2: yo slst in blo of each st around, do not join or turn at the end of the round.
Round 3: hdc in blo of each st around, do not join or turn at the end of the round.
Round 4: yo slst in blo of each st around, do not join or turn at the end of the round.
Rounds 3 and 4 create the Rib Pattern.
Rounds 5-10: Repeat the Rib Pattern.
You can repeat the Rib Pattern as many times as you like to increase the depth of your Collar.
SLEEVE CUFFS
The Sleeve Cuffs are worked in continuous rounds around the edge of the Sleeve opening.
Join your yarn to either the centre of your Sleeve opening to begin.
Round 1: ch1, hdc in each stitch and ch around, work 3hdc in the side of a dc, do not join or turn at the end of the round [78 (84, 90)]. This count will change if you have adjusted your armhole size.
Round 2: yo slst in blo of each st around, do not join or turn at the end of the round.
Round 3: hdc in blo of each st around, do not join or turn at the end of the round.
Round 4: yo slst in blo of each st around, do not join or turn at the end of the round.
Rounds 3 and 4 create the Rib Pattern.
Rounds 5-6: Repeat the Rib Pattern.
You can repeat the Rib Pattern as many times as you like to increase the depth of your Sleeve Cuff.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends and block to measurements.
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Congratulations on completing your crochet cocoon cardigan! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this adorable piece I hope you’re ready for more! Dive into my other fun adult crochet garment patterns, each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media—I love seeing your unique twists and colourful creations! Join our community of crochet enthusiasts, where we share tips, tricks, and plenty of crafting inspiration. So, grab your hooks, explore more patterns, and let’s continue this crochet adventure together! Happy stitching! 🧶✨
