Perfect for those just starting their crocheting journey, with clear instructions and simple techniques
Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.
Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.
Throw this on over your favorite jeans and a tee for an effortless look that keeps you cozy from morning coffee to evening lounging. It makes a thoughtful, high-end gift for anyone who loves comfort.
I am obsessed with how this yarn feels—it is like working with a cloud! The construction is so clever yet simple; you are basically just making a giant striped square and then folding it into shape. It is pure magic.
I honestly believe every crocheter needs at least one cocoon cardigan in their wardrobe. There is something so satisfying about taking a giant, flat square and turning it into a stylish, functional garment with just a few simple seams. When I first saw this pattern, I knew it would be the perfect 'palette cleanser' project. You know the ones—the projects you pick up when you want to make something beautiful without having to constantly stare at a complicated chart.
The Bernat Forever Fleece is a total game-changer for this design. It has this incredible brushed texture that makes the finished fabric look almost felted, but it keeps all the squishy goodness of a classic crochet stitch. Because the yarn is so thick, the v-stitches create these lovely little windows of airiness, so the cardigan is warm without being heavy or stifling. It's my favorite thing to wear while I'm working from home or just chilling with a cup of tea.
One little tip: don't be afraid to play with the colors! While the three-row stripes look classic, this would look just as amazing with random scrap yarn stripes or even as a solid color. Just make sure you stay consistent with your hook size so the drape stays soft. If you crochet tightly, you might even want to go up a hook size to make it extra slouchy. I can't wait for you to feel how soft this is!
This oversized cardigan is basically a wearable hug. It is worked as one large square, so you do not have to worry about complex shaping or difficult sleeves. You will love how the super bulky fleece yarn works up fast, making it a perfect project for a rainy weekend. It is the kind of piece that feels just as good to make as it does to wear.
Stripe Pattern: Work 3 rows with Color A, then work 3 rows with Color B. rep this 6-row sequence throughout the project.
Using Color A, start by making a foundation ch of 99.
Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the 6th ch from your hook. The skipped 5 ch act as your first dc and a ch-2 sp. *Skip the next 2 ch, then work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the following ch. rep from * until you have only 3 ch left. Skip 2 ch and work 1 dc into the final ch. Turn.
ch 3 to start, which counts as your first dc. *Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the next ch-1 sp from the row below. rep from * across the row. End with 1 dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.
rep Row 2, following the Stripe Pattern sequence, until your work measures approximately 39 inches long. Ensure you finish after a full 3-row stripe of either color. Fasten off.
Stripe Pattern: Work 3 rows with Color A, then work 3 rows with Color B. rep this 6-row sequence throughout the project.
Using Color A, start by making a foundation ch of 108.
Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the 6th ch from your hook. The skipped 5 ch act as your first dc and a ch-2 sp. *Skip the next 2 ch, then work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the following ch. rep from * until you have only 3 ch left. Skip 2 ch and work 1 dc into the final ch. Turn.
ch 3 to start, which counts as your first dc. *Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the next ch-1 sp from the row below. rep from * across the row. End with 1 dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.
rep Row 2, following the Stripe Pattern sequence, until your work measures approximately 42 inches long. Ensure you finish after a full 3-row stripe of either color. Fasten off.
Stripe Pattern: Work 3 rows with Color A, then work 3 rows with Color B. rep this 6-row sequence throughout the project.
Using Color A, start by making a foundation ch of 114.
Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the 6th ch from your hook. The skipped 5 ch act as your first dc and a ch-2 sp. *Skip the next 2 ch, then work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the following ch. rep from * until you have only 3 ch left. Skip 2 ch and work 1 dc into the final ch. Turn.
ch 3 to start, which counts as your first dc. *Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the next ch-1 sp from the row below. rep from * across the row. End with 1 dc in the top of the turning ch. Turn.
rep Row 2, following the Stripe Pattern sequence, until your work measures approximately 45 inches long. Ensure you finish after a full 3-row stripe of either color. Fasten off.
Lay your square flat and fold it in half with the wrong sides together, bringing the first and last rows to meet.
Measure 8 inches down from the folded top edge on both sides and place a marker. This creates your armhole openings.
Using Color A and your yarn needle, sew the side seams starting from the marker down to the bottom edge using a flat seam. Leave the markers in place for now.
With the right side facing you, join Color B with a sl st to the front opening at the side seam.
ch 1. Work 1 sc into the same sp as your join. Work 1 sc into every ch and dc all the way around the opening. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn. You should have 192 (210, 222) sts total.
ch 1. Work 1 sc into every sc around the entire opening. Join with a sl st to the first sc and fasten off.
With the right side facing, join Color B with a sl st to the armhole opening at the marker.
ch 1. Working around the posts of the dc stitches, work 2 sc around each post evenly around the entire armhole. Join with a sl st to the first sc.
ch 1. Work 1 sc into every sc around the armhole. Join with a sl st to the first sc and fasten off. rep for the second armhole.
Weave in all your yarn tails securely on the inside of the garment.
I really hope you enjoy making this cardigan as much as I did. It is one of those projects that feels so rewarding because you can see the progress with every single row. Once you are done, you will have the softest, most comfortable piece in your wardrobe. It is perfect for gifting, too — though you might find it hard to give away once you feel how soft it is! Happy stitching, and I cannot wait to see your finished cocoon. 🧶 ✨
You could use a worsted weight, but you would need to adjust the starting chain significantly and it will not have that same chunky, cozy drape that the fleece yarn provides.
Since the v-stitch is a reversible pattern, both sides look great! The 'right side' is simply whichever side you choose to have facing you when you begin the edging rounds.
A little variation is totally fine, but try to get within an inch of the target size so the oversized fit remains comfortable and the armholes sit correctly.
Not at all! This looks stunning in a solid color, which also means fewer ends to weave in. You could also try 2-row stripes or even a variegated yarn for a different look.
