Open Shell Cocoon Cardigan
Looking for a super quick crochet project to whip up this weekend? Well here is the Open Shell Cocoon Cardigan free crochet pattern. Very easy pattern and can be worn for any season!
It’s constructed from a simple rectangle, which is then folded and seamed to create that popular relaxed cocoon shape. If you can make a rectangle, you can make this awesome cardigan!
The pattern is beginner friendly and uses very basic stitches. It’s very easy to memorize and works up quickly making it a great first wearable project.
The directions are written for widths 32″, 38″ & 44″ but any width can be made and any yarn can be used. If you want to wear it for the summer and use a light weight yarn just increase your beginning chain. In the picture I used Lion Brand Pound of Love in Elephant Grey and used about 700 yards for the 38″ width. The length is 26″ for all sizes but feel free to make it any length you want.
I love this crochet pattern & I hope everyone enjoys too!
ABBREVIATIONS (The pattern is in US terms):
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet (UK double crochet)
- dc: double crochet (UK treble crochet)
MATERIALS:
- Medium (4) weight yarn.
- Size J (6 mm) crochet hook or size needed to obtain the correct gauge.
GAUGE:
14 sc = 4 inches
SIZES:
XXS/XS – 32″ width (about 600 yards of yarn)
S/M – 38″ width (about 700 yards of yarn)
L/XL – 44″ width (about 800 yards of yarn)
If you want to make a larger width not shown just increase the beginning chain in multiples of 7 starting with the largest chain which is 155. If you want to make it smaller just decrease the beginning chain in multiples of 7 starting with the smallest chain which is 113 & follow the pattern as written. Each multiple of 7 measures about 2 inches with the gauge shown above.
DIRECTIONS FOR THE OPEN SHELL COCOON CARDIGAN:
Ch 113(134, 155) = XXS/XS(S/M, L/XL)
FOUNDATION ROW:
– Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across to the end. Turn. 112(133, 154) sc
TOP BORDER ROWS:
1 – 6: Ch 1, sc in each sc across to the end. Turn.
MAIN BODY ROWS:
1: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 6, skip 5 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc; repeat from * across working the last repeat ch 6, skip 5 sc, sc in the last sc. Turn. 16(19, 22) ch 6 spaces
2: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *work 6 sc in the next ch 6 space, sc in each of the next 2 sc; repeat from * across working the last repeat work 6 sc in the last ch 6 space, sc in the last sc. Turn. 128(152, 176) sc
3: Ch 1, sc in each sc across to the end. Turn.
4: Ch 5, skip the first 3 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc, *ch 6, skip 6 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc; repeat from * across to the last 3 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc, dc in the last sc. Turn.
5. Ch 1, sc in the first dc, work 2 sc in the first ch 2 space, sc in each of the next 2 sc, *work 6 sc in the next ch 6 space, sc in each of the next 2 sc; repeat from * across to the turning ch 5 space, work 3 sc in the turning ch 5 space. Turn.
6: Ch 1, sc in each sc across to the end. Turn.
7: Ch 1, sc in the first sc, *ch 6, skip 6 sc, sc in each of the next 2 sc; repeat from * across working the last repeat ch 6, skip 6 sc, sc in the last sc. Turn.
Repeat rows 2 – 7 until the piece measures approximately 24½ inches from the very beginning ending with row 7. You can make it shorter or longer by repeating rows 2 – 7 just make sure to end with row 7 & keeping in mind you will be adding a little more than 1½ inches with the bottom border rows.
BOTTOM BORDER ROWS:
1: Ch 1, sc in first sc, *work 5 sc in the next ch 6 space, sc in each of the next 2 sc; repeat from * across working the last repeat work 5 sc in the last ch 6 space, sc in the last sc. Turn. 112(133, 154) sc
2 – 7: Ch 1, sc in each sc across to the end. Turn.
Fasten off.
ASSEMBLY:
– Lay the piece down flat, fold the corners in to meet up with each other and sew leaving 8 inches open for the armholes.
All done & I hope you love your new Open Shell Cocoon Cardigan!
