Pattern Overview
Made from a rectangle, this cocoon cardi is a great project for beginner and expert crocheters alike. It is simple construction, with a focus on customization and details that create a comfy, breathable, and gorgeous finished garment with just a few stitches. I call it the “Unclouded Cocoon Cardi” because it’s light and airy enough for those cloudless summer days and nights, and just feels like the perfect summer layer.
Construction/customization notes
This pattern is completed in “phases” of construction. The row or round numbers will reflect the rows/rounds to be completed in that section or phase, they will not be the full number. The garment is constructed in the following order: phase 1 – main body rectangle, phase 2 – seaming and sleeves, phase 3 – edging/pseudo-collar.
In the pictures, both models are wearing the cardigan as written below (model 1 in the dress is 5’8” size M; model 2 in tank top/skirt is 5’7” size S/M). However, because of the simplicity of construction in this pattern, you can customize it to your exact figure and desired fit.
You can easily size it up or down – though the pattern written should work for a few sizes, given the amount of stretch and the loose fit. It can be sized by adding more chains to the foundation row (adding length and drape), by adding a few extra rows to the main body (adding width across the back and towards the center), changing the number of stitches you seam together to create the sleeves, changing the number of rounds or decreases in the sleeves, or even adding additional rows to the collar/edging portion. You can also use these adjustments to customize the look of the finished cardi, for example, tightening the sleeves with a longer initial seam or adding additional decreases or rounds. I would love to see the finished product (with or without adjustments and customizations) so post using #uncloudedcardi and tag me (@skeinsandstitchesco) when you finish! Obviously the yarn quantities suggested below are for the pattern as written, so make sure you plan for any anticipated modifications before purchasing the yarn.
Supplies Needed
- 6.5 mm crochet hook (or size needed to achieve a loose and drapey finished “fabric”)
- Approx. 220 grams / 550 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used Lion Brand Jeans Colors – but you could use any worsted weight yarn, just make sure it has good drape to it – the fibers being too stiff will make your finished cardi stiffer and can change the way it looks)
- Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Stitches (*US Terms*)
- Treble crochet (tr)
- Treble crochet 2 together (tr2tog)
- Double crochet (dc)
- Half double crochet (hdc) – optional, used in edging
- Single crochet (sc) – optional, used in edging
- Slip stitch (sl st)
- Chain stitch (ch)
- Stitches (sts)
- Repeat stitches/steps in between * * as noted (*…*)
Gauge/Dimensions
Gauge: 14 stitches (treble crochets) x 5 rows (treble crochets) = 4 inches
The most important note on gauge for this pattern is that “loose = good”…you want your stitches to be loose as that creates the airy feel and breathability of the finished product.
Finished dimensions of main rectangle (blocked/worn/relaxed): approx 32in (rows height/foundation chain to last row) x 28in (row length)
Pattern Instructions
Phase 1 (Main Body Rectangle):
Foundation Chain: Ch 99 (if you’d like your cardigan to be longer, add additional chains here)
Row 1: Turn, work 1 tr into the 4th chain from the hook, then work 1 tr into each of the remaining stitches (to get the best finished edge, I personally work into the “bump” on the back of the chain stitches, but you use whatever method you prefer). Turn. (96 stitches)
Row 2: Ch 3, 1 tr into each stitch across. Turn. (96 stitches)
Row 3: Ch 3, skip tr at base of chain, 1 tr in next stitch, *ch 1 – skip 1, tr in next stitch*, repeat *…* to end of row, with final tr in top of turning chain. Turn. (48 tr/ch 1 groups/spaces)
Row 4: Ch 3, *tr in ch 1 space, ch 1, tr in next ch 1 space*, repeat *…* to end of row, with final tr into top of turning chain. Turn. (48 tr/ch 1 groups/spaces)
Rows 5 – 34: Repeat row 4 instructions. (Ch 3, tr in ch 1 space, ch 1, repeat. Turn at end of row). If you’d like to add extra width to your cardigan, just add additional rows here.
Row 35: Ch 3, tr into each stitch and ch 1 space across. Turn. (96 stitches)
Row 36: Ch 3, tr into each stitch across. Break yarn, and tie off. (96 stitches).
Phase 2 (seaming and sleeves):
Seaming (a.k.a. making it actually work as a garment) – this section is what creates the “armholes” and cocoon shape.
Lay the finished rectangle out flat. Folding this correctly is the most important step of the entire construction, if it is folded the wrong way, the length and width will be reversed. Lay the rectangle in front of you (on the floor or a large table), so that the “solid” rows (tr in every stitch) are on the left and right sides of the rectangle. This makes the number of stitches the length of the garment, and the number of rows the width. Carefully fold this in half by bringing the top corners of the rectangle to the bottom corners, (hamburger-style if anyone else was taught this method in kindergarten). The fold should produce a long, skinny, rectangle with the solid tr rows on the left and right sides.
Once you have it folded properly, seam up each “side” where the solid rows meet. For the pattern written, sl st 29 stitches together, from the edge towards the fold, to create the arm holes. You should have 38 stitches remaining un-seamed at the fold.
If you’ve made adjustments here, or would like a tighter fitting sleeve, feel free to seam it into a smaller or larger opening based on your personal preference.
After you complete the seam, you can leave it as the single row of slip stitches, or do an additional row of surface slip stitching along the initial slip stitch seam to create a more finished look and interesting texture.
Sleeves – the sleeves start at the join/slip stitch of the seam, and then continue in the round. The turning chain in the sleeves does not count as a stitch.
Round 1: Ch 3, tr into each of the 38 sts around, join with sl st to first stitch. (38 stitches)
Round 2: Ch 3, tr2tog, tr into remaining 36 sts, join with sl st to first stitch. (37 stitches)
Round 3: Ch 3, tr2tog, tr in next 2 sts, tr2tog, tr in next 10 sts, tr2tog, tr in next 10 sts, tr2tog, tr in next 2 sts, tr2tog, tr in last stitch, join with sl st to first stitch. (32 stitches)
Round 4: Ch 3, tr2tog, tr in next 13 sts, tr2tog, tr in next 14 sts, join with sl st to first stitch. (30 stitches)
Round 5: Ch 2, dc in each stitch around, join with sl st to first stitch. (30 stitches)
Repeat with other side to create the other sleeve. Weave in ends, and you’ve completed 95% of this cardigan.
If you would like, this is where you can repeat round 4 to continue tapering and lengthening the sleeve. You can also just repeat the round with 30 stitches, or whatever is a comfortable width for your sleeve. It is totally customizable. The instructions above are for the fit I wanted and the pictured cardi.
Phase 3: Edging/Collar
This section is totally optional. I decided to add it because I like the extra shape it gives to the cardi and the way it finishes the look, but if you would rather skip it, feel free! You can also add additional rows or use taller stitches than I did below if you want it to be more dramatic or more collar/lapel-like. You can also start it lower/go around more of the cardigan or less.
Starting with the cardigan laid in front of you, join the yarn with a sl st to the base of the 5th row from the seam.
Row 1: Sl st into the first stitch opening. Then single crochet around and down to the base of the 5th row down from the seam on the other side (matching it to the same spot that you started the yarn on the initial side). I did 160 and spaced them evenly, roughly 3-4 single crochets per post/turning chain around the edge. Slip stitch the last stitch to the base of the 5th row from the seam to match the other side. Turn. You could do more or fewer to create a more wavy look or a tighter look.
Row 2: Ch 1, working back up the row of single crochets, sc in the next 15, hdc in the next 25, dc 80, hdc 25, sc 15, sl st to initial join spot. Tie off. Weave in ends.
If you did additional customization of length or width, this number will be different. But plan to make sure the single crochets of row 1 are evenly spaced about 3 – 4 per post and you should be able to work out a similar look. You can also add additional rows of the sc, hdc, and dc stitches to create a thicker collar.
If you enjoy this pattern or have any comments or questions, please feel free to reach out via email, facebook, or instagram, and I will happily help you however I can! Take me in your finished makes @skeinsandstitchesco and #uncloudedcardi.
Feel free to sell finished products from this pattern (giving me credit as the designer), but please link to the blog post version of this pattern rather than copy and pasting if you want to share it on your platforms. Thanks!
