Cocoon Cardi Crochet Pattern

Voluminous and absolutely cozy, this scrumptious cocoon wrap is toasty AND so fashion-forward. A simple crocheted stitch pattern makes this project a simple one, while innovative shrug-style design makes this pattern interesting and chic. You’ll love it!  (Enough to make three more in different colors!) 

This cardi will fit like an over-sized shrug – lots of volume and lots of figure forgiveness!   Billowy full sleeves gather gracefully just below the elbow for super-feminine gathers and an effortlessly chic fit.  So perfect with jeans and a cami, or even layered over another sweater.  Crochet this piece ahead of the crowd.

Yarn: Lamb’s Pride (85%wool/15% mohair worsted weight single-ply; 190 yards/4 0z): “Pine Tree”,  5 skeins.

Hook: J/10

Gauge (in pattern): 4” by 4” square = 13 sts, 8 rows.

Notions: 1/8” elastic

Finished dimensions (shown in size M): 

S : 34” from sleeve hem to sleeve hem

M: 35” from sleeve hem to sleeve hem

L:  36” from sleeve hem to sleeve hem

XL:  37” from sleeve hem to sleeve hem

XXL:  38” from sleeve hem to sleeve hem

Directions for S (M, L):

Ch 109 (113, 117, 119, 121) LOOSELY

Row 1: tr in 4^th ch from hook and tr across.  Ch 1 LOOSELY.  (106 [110, 114, 118, 122] tr.) Turn.

Row 2: sc in every tr across.  Ch 3 LOOSELY.  Turn.

Repeat last two rows 29 (31, 33, 35, 37) times.

Repeat Row 1 one more time.

You should have a large square, measuring approximately 34” (35”, 36”, 37″, 38″) wide by 31” (32”, 33”, 34″, 35″) high.

Finishing:

Fold square in half so that your foundation row butts up to your last completed row – it should look like a tube as you crochet your next row (joining row).

Joining Row: With first row and last row touching, sc in first tr by first passing hook in between the first two stitches of first row, and complete sc as normal, drawing yarn through loops on hook as well as through the first row stitches.  (This same technique is used to join motifs in an afghan.)  Repeat 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) more times (11 [12, 13, 14, 15] total sc joining first and last rows).  You have now formed your first side/sleeve seam.  Now sc ONLY into your last row for the next 84 (86, 88, 90, 92) trs (do not pass these stitches through the foundation row).  Following direction for the first 11 (12, 13, 14, 15) stitches of this row, sc into next 11 (12, 13, 14, 15) trs by joining first and last row (11 [12, 13, 14, 15] totally sc joining first and last rows).  You have now formed your second side/sleeve seam.  Fasten off and weave in end.  Steam to block.

Gathered Sleeve Hem: Cut a long length of elastic, about 1 yd.  Attach yarn at side/sleeve seam.  While holding elastic along the inside sleeve edge, you will crochet an edge around the sleeve edge, forming your stitches around the elastic as you go.  *sc twice into side of each tr stitch, sc once into side of each sc.  Repeat around from *.  When edging is complete, pull the elastic to achieve desired gather fullness. Fasten off elastic by sewing or tying.  Cut elastic and secure ends.  Weave in yarn end.  Repeat for second sleeve edge.