If you’re in the mood for an easy sweater pattern, you really can’t beat the simple construction of a cocoon cardigan sweater.
It’s hard to believe that a basic rectangle can produce such a cozy, relaxed shape, isn’t it? But it’s true! So whether you’re newer to crochet, or you just want a mindless project that will add something beautiful to your wardrobe, give this one a try.
Doesn’t it look like something you’d want to snuggle in, along with a good book, in front of your fireplace?
For reference, my model is wearing the XS/S/M size with a petite modification. The petite modification, which is noted within the pattern, removes 4″ from the overall length. That’s helpful when you’re only 4’9!
About the Yarn
For the body of this pattern, I used Premier Yarns Coffee Shop in the color “Sandstone”. Coffee Shop is a #3 lightweight, acrylic/wool blend with very slow, gradual color changes.
I don’t normally choose multi-colored yarns; I’m more of a solids girl. But as I was shopping the Premier site for a different yarn, this one caught my eye and I threw some into my shopping cart on a whim. I’m glad that I did! It really is gorgeous. It’s very wearable, and very, very lightweight… which is always a nice thing when crocheting a top.
Of course, you don’t have to use a multicolored yarn. This simple pattern will look sophisticated in a solid hue, too.
Yarn Substitutes
I also did a little searching online to find some possible substitutions for Premier Coffee Shop. (Sometimes yarn availability is out of our control, and I get questions about substitutions on every pattern I publish!) Please note that I haven’t tested these; but they are all multi-colored #3 weight yarns that I could see myself trying with the Fireside Cocoon Cardigan.
- Premier Bloom | Premier Yarns
- Mandala / Mandala Sparkle / Mandala Baby | Lion Brand
- Wool-Ease DK Cake | Lion Brand
- Ice Cream | Lion Brand
- Urban Chic | Yarn Bee
- Baby Bee Sweet Delight Prints | Yarn Bee
- Skinny Cakes | Caron
- Joy DK | Loops & Threads
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Prefer a PDF?
This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF. Below are two options: my popular All Access Pass, and the individual PDF pattern. Click the image to learn more about each option.
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Fireside Cocoon Cardigan
View on Ravelry
Language
American Standard
Difficulty
Easy
Finished Size
Pattern is written for sizes XS/S/M, L/XL/2XL, and 3XL/4XL/5XL (see chart for specific measurements). The cocoon design is a very oversized style with plenty of positive ease, so you should be just fine choosing your regular size. If you are petite in height, consider following the in-pattern instructions for the Petite Modification. It removes 4″ from the overall length.
Yarn
COLOR A (body): #3 DK yarn – I used Premier Yarns Coffee Shop in “Sandstone.”
COLOR B (collar/edging): #3 DK yarn – I used Yarn Bee Sweet Delight in “Cloudy.”
Hook
5.0mm (H), or whichever hook you need to get an accurate gauge check.
Gauge
14 HDC x 11 rows = 4″
Terms and Abbreviations
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
BLO (back loop only)
Notes
(1) Measurements can be easily adjusted. For width, chain any number, and for height, add or subtract any number of rows.
(2) Pattern is written for sizes XS/S/M, L/XL/2XL, and 3XL/4XL/5XL. Row numbers and stitch counts are written as follows: XS/S/M (L/XL/2XL, 3XL/4XL/5XL). If only one number is given, it applies to all sizes.
(3) CH1 at the beginning of rows does not count as a stitch.
(4) If using a self-striping yarn, be sure to begin on the same color you are leaving off with on the previous skein.
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Instructions
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BODY
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To Begin: With COLOR A, CH135 (155, 175).
Row 1: HDC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH.
Stitch count: 134 (154, 174)
*Rows 2-91 (2-94, 2-96), or until rectangle is about 33″ (34″, 35″) tall: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across.
Stitch count: 134 (154, 174)
*For Petite Modification (removes 4″ from length), follow these instructions instead:
Rows 2-77 (2-80, 2-82), or until rectangle is about 28″ (29″, 30″) tall: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across.
Stitch count: 134 (154, 174)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
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EDGING THE RECTANGLE
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Edging: Join COLOR B somewhere on the edge of the rectangle and CH1. SC evenly* around the rectangle, putting 3SC in each corner. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (*When you SC along the row ends, which don’t have top loops, you can start by SCing once in each row end. If it starts to pull or pucker, try crocheting 3SC for every 2 rows, or try a different sized hook. Nice-laying fabric is more important than stitch count here; just be sure to do the same technique on both edges.)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
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ASSEMBLING
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Lay rectangle out flat. (If using a self-striping yarn, lay stripes horizontally.) Bring outside corners in until the top left aligns with the bottom left, and the top right aligns with the bottom right:
Join COLOR B to the inner edge where the two left corners meet and CH1. Hold corners with loops together (so you should have a row of 4 total top loops) and SL ST through all 4 loops, about halfway to the end. Fasten off, weave in ends, and repeat on the right side.
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FINISHING THE ARMS
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To begin: Join COLOR B to inner corner of armhole, where seam ends; CH1.
Round 1: In BLO, HDC evenly around armhole. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first HDC (here and throughout).
Rounds 2-3 (or as many rounds as you want): CH1, turn. In BLO, HDC evenly around. Join.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for the other armhole.
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COLLAR
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To begin: Join COLOR B to top center of garment; CH1.
Round 1: HDC in BLO evenly around the entire perimeter of the collar area. Join.
Rounds 2-10 (or as many rounds as you want): CH1, turn. In BLO, HDC evenly around. Join.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Don’t forget to share your finished project!
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Thank you for this pattern.
Many thanks for the fantastic details & pictures making this such an easy pattern to follow & understand…much appreciated. It helps make it all that more clearer.
Hi, how did you get the color waves to line up so perfectly for each row. Did you change out the yarn?
Made 2 of these for my 4 and 5 year old granddaughters. It was my new “Covid craft” so I’m very much a beginner. Just measured them with arms out and elbow to elbow and neck to below the bottom. It was roughly 1/4 of the adult size and petite length. I used mandala ombré for one and lion brand cupcake for the other in bright rainbow colors because they are preschool girls. They loved them and although not perfect, I thought they looked very good for a beginner. Also I’m on the Gulf coast so a scarf usually substitutes for a coat here and I’m using some of your patterns. They’re beautiful thanks.
What yarn and color did you use for the edging and collar?
IRebecca I plan on using a #4 worsted because I would like a heavier cocoon. How do I figure our how much yarn I would need for my size. It wouldn’t be the same as for the #3 would it? Thanks for your response! Happy Holidays1
I’m with Sharron above, could you please explain the collar on where the blo starts? I’m stuck and can’t go any further.
I’m stuck to same spot ! If you found out how to do it. Could you please let me know .
I am very sorry for the delayed response. The collar edging was written in error. When I was designing the garment I originally only edged two of the sides, then later decided to edge the entire rectangle, and forgot to update those instructions. I am sorry for the confusion.
Can you clarify the edging instructions? Do you first go around the full rectangle and then do the sleeves?
If so do you go around the full rectangle 8 to 10 times or more and then finish the sleeves?
I am very sorry for the delayed response. The collar edging was written in error. When I was designing the garment I originally only edged two of the sides, then later decided to edge the entire rectangle, and forgot to update those instructions. I am sorry for the confusion.
I sent an email yesterday but have had no response so I thought I would try here: I am currently crocheting the Fireside Cocoon Cardigan and I am confused re: Collar Instructions: Round 1 “when you come to a section that is already edged, switch to BLO. join.” I have edged the entire rectangle with SC so it is all edged? And I do not find instructions to do the Band Edging around the body, after the armholes are completed, or is this Rounds 2-10 of the collar instructions. Are you calling this Band Edging the Collar??? I will really appreciate any clarification. Also is there a specific front and back to the cardigan because you are working in BLO????
I am very sorry for the delayed response. The collar edging was written in error. When I was designing the garment I originally only edged two of the sides, then later decided to edge the entire rectangle, and forgot to update those instructions. I am sorry for the confusion. Rounds 2-10 create the collar. The “right side” would be the side that displays the braided effect along the arms from seaming them together. (Before that, there is no right or wrong side.)
I can not get gauge with an H or I hook! I’m using Skinny cakes yarn. I hate to get out a J hook and have loose stitches. Any suggestions?
The measurements for the garment are up in the pattern information, so you can go by that for your rectangle. Width would be the measurement as specified, and length would be the measurement minus about 6″ (which will be added when you add the collar).
I absolutely love this! As a long-time knitter who CAN crochet (but probably shouldn’t) I am more than appreciative of this pattern and your handy-dandy modifications! Thanks for idiot-proofing this, because at this stage of my life, I need all the idiot-proofing I can get! 🙂
Could a 4# weight be used?
Sure, just use an appropriate hook size. The measurements for the garment are up in the pattern information, so you can go by that for your rectangle. Width would be the measurement as specified, and length would be the measurement minus about 6″ (which will be added when you add the collar).
Hi. Maybe I missed it but how much yarn should be used for each size? Thanks so much, love all your patterns, your a great teacher.!
I was wondering the same thing. Thanks! Looking forward to trying this pattern soon!
There is a chart up in the pattern info.
I am having a problem finding the PDF version of the Fireside Cocoon in my account. Has it been posted yet?
Yes. If you are a Passholder, here are the instructions:
1. Sign in to your Yarn + Chai account
2. Click “Passholder Area” in the very top menu (above the logo)
3. If the next screen says “content restricted”, hit the refresh button as instructed on that page. Otherwise you should see images of all of my patterns. Click an image to open the PDF.