Meet my cozy and beginner-friendly crochet baby cocoon pattern! Designed with simple half-double crochet stitches and less than 500 yards of yarn, this newborn cocoon works up quickly and is available in two sizes.
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As a crochet designer, I love creating baby patterns that are both functional and photogenic. My child is grown, so I often use my reborn doll, Avalynn, to test sizing and photograph my baby designs. Avalynn is the size of an average newborn, making her a helpful model for showcasing how finished projects fit and look.
One of my favorite photos from this design session features Avalynn snuggled inside the finished yellow cocoon. If you’ve followed my crochet journey for a while, you’ve probably seen her modeling some of my other baby crochet designs.
After seeing how beautifully this crochet baby cocoon turned out in photos, I decided to write down the pattern and share it here on the blog. To complete the set, I also designed a matching newborn hat, which you can find on the blog for free or as part of the cocoon PDF in my Etsy shop.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Baby Cocoon
- Includes two sizes, perfect for baby gifts – one for 0-1 month and another for bigger babies, up to 3 months. Choose the size that best fits your needs for newborn photography, gifting, or baby showers.
- Soft and cozy for little ones – The cocoon-style design helps create a snug, wrapped feeling that’s perfect for newborn photos and nap time.
- Matching hat pattern included – Complete the look with the coordinating newborn hat linked in this post.
- Great for newborn photography – The wrap-style design creates beautiful photo shoot opportunities, either for your own baby or for your crochet business.
Crochet Baby Cocoon Pattern
Let’s start with the yarn! I used Skinny Chenille by Loops & Threads for its soft, plush texture, perfect for a cozy newborn cocoon. You can substitute any worsted-weight (4) yarn as long as you match the pattern gauge. More yarn options are listed below.
The cocoon is worked from the bottom up using half double crochet stitches and is constructed in three main sections. You’ll begin with the pouch portion, then crochet the tummy flap separately before finishing with the wrap band that secures around the baby.
For the finishing touch, I added a contrasting slip-stitch edging and a Velcro closure to keep the wrap neatly in place, as a good baby swaddle should.
Gather your crochet hook, yarn, and notions, and let’s make this cozy baby cocoon together!
What You’ll Need:
- Worsted weight (4) baby safe yarn – you’ll need approximately 380 yards (348 m) for the smaller size and 500 yards (457 m) for the larger size.
- A small amount of a contrasting yarn color for the edges – about 5 to 8 yards.
- I used a 3.75 mm (US F) hook for the chenille yarn, but you can use any hook size that meets gauge.
- A patch of Velcro for the wrap closure – approximately 2 ¼ inches (5.5 cm) long, or longer if you like, plus sewing needle and matching sewing thread.
- Stitch markers, scissors, and a large-eyed tapestry needle to weave in the ends.
Yarn Specifics:
My samples were crocheted with Skinny Chenille Yarn by Loops & Threads, but you can use any other baby-safe medium-weight yarns. Here are other medium-weight chenille yarns I recommend as substitutes:
- Nap Time Yarn by Lion Brand
- Bernat Baby Velvet yarn by Yarnspirations
- Petite Purl Yarn by Loops & Threads
- Just Chenille by Premier Yarns – a Bulky (5) weight yarn, so a smaller hook may be needed to achieve gauge.
Pattern Abbreviations and Terms:
Do you like free PDFs? You can get a Free Guide to Abbreviations & Terms (PDF download right here on the blog.
- ch(s): chain(s)
- FO: Fasten off or Finish off
- hdc: half double crochet
- hdc inc: half double crochet increase or two half double crochet stitches in the same stitch.
- hdc2tog: half double crochet two together or half double crochet decrease.
- mc: magic circle
- MC: main color
- rem: remain (ing)
- rep: repeat
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sp: space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- ( ): Repeat instructions within parentheses as many times as directed.
Project Size
- 0–1-month size measures approximately 17 inches (43 cm) long and 22 inches (56 cm) around.
- 1-3 months size measures approximately 20 inches (51 cm) long and 26 inches (66 cm around).
Stitch Tension
The first 5 rounds of this crochet baby cocoon should measure about 3 ¾ inches (9.5 cm) in diameter. Switch your hook size as needed to achieve gauge if your swatch is too big or too small compared with this measurement.
Pattern Notes:
- This crochet baby cocoon pattern uses US crochet terminology.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- The sizes in the pattern are written in this order: 0-1 month (1-3 months). For example, “R26-36 (32-44): hdc2tog, hdc until 2 sts remain, hdc2tog” means R26-36 is for the 0–1-month size, and 32-44 is for the 1–3-month size. If/When only one number is given, it applies to both sizes.
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Crochet Baby Cocoon Instructions
Bottom pouch Size 0-1 Month (MC)
We’ll start by crocheting the bottom of the pouch, then work upward to create the wrap band that fits around the baby’s chest.
Round #1:
Create a magic circle, then ch 1 (won’t count as st here and throughout the pattern), hdc 11. Start every round with 1 ch and join each of them with a sl st.
Round #2:
Hdc inc 11x. [22]
Round #3:
(hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [33]
Round #4:
(2 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [44]
Round #5:
(3 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [55]
Round #6:
(4 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [66]
Round #7:
(5 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [77]
Round #8:
(6 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [88]
Round #9-24:
Hdc around. Do not cut the yarn yet. Stop here and skip to the tummy flap instructions. [88]
Maggie’s Pro Tip: If you’d like a longer pouch, simply add a few extra rows in this section for this size and the larger size below.
Bottom pouch Size 1-3 Months (MC)
Round #1-8:
Use instructions from size 0-1 month above.
Round #9:
(7 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [99]
Round #10:
(8 hdc, hdc inc) 11x. [110]
Round #11-30:
hdc around. Do not cut the yarn yet. [110]
Tummy flap (MC)
Next, we’ll crochet the front flap in turning rows. With the pouch right side facing out, begin each row with a ch-1 and turn your work at the end of every row.
Row #25 (31):
Hdc in blo of the first 6 sts, hdc in next 38 (49) sts, hdc in blo of next 6 sts. [50, 61]
R26-36 (32-44):
Hdc2tog, hdc until 2 sts rem, hdc2tog.
Maggie’s Pro Tip: For a taller front flap, continue working additional decrease rows until you reach your desired height. Then cut the yarn and fasten off.
Wrap & band (MC)
Next, we’ll crochet the wrap band that fastens around the baby’s chest. This section has its own row count. Before you begin, chain 18 (22) and keep your hook in the loop of the last chain.
Row #1:
With the flap folded down, yo and insert your hook in the flo of the first st of row 25 (31)—the first of the 6 blo hdc sts you made in the previous step. Working from right to left (or left to right if you’re left-handed), hdc in that st and in each of the next 5 fl sts. Then hdc in each of the next 38 (49) sts, followed by hdc in the fl of each of the 6 blo sts from the second set on row 25 (31). Ch 20 (24).
Row #2:
Hdc in back bump of 3rd ch from hook and in back bump of each of next 17 (21) chs, hdc in each of next 50 (61) hdc sts, hdc in back bump of next 18 (22) chs, ch 1, turn. [86, 105]
Row #3-10 (3-12):
Hdc inc, hdc across until 1 st rem, hdc inc, ch 1, turn.
Row #11-20 (13-22):
Hdc across, ch 1, turn. [79]
Row #21-25 (23-27):
Dc2tog, hdc across until 2 sts rem, hdc inc, ch 1, turn. Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Crochet Baby Cocoon Edge
Attach the MC and work sc evenly around all edges. Begin with the tummy flap, then cut the yarn and fasten off. Reattach the MC to the edge of the wrap and work sc around the entire edge. Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Next, join a contrasting color and work a round of sl sts into the sc edging. Cut the yarn and fasten off. Finally, rejoin the MC and work sl sts into the blo of the previous sl st round. Cut the yarn and fasten off.
Finishing the crochet baby cocoon
Cut a patch 2 ¼ inches (5.5 cm) long, or longer if you like, and attach both patches to the wrap’s band. Use the photo below as a reference for placement. Finally, weave in all the ends and make the cute hat to go with it (linked earlier in this post).
Crochet Baby Cocoon Pattern – FAQs
Can I use a different yarn than the one recommended?
Yes. While I used Skinny Chenille by Loops & Threads for my crochet baby cocoon sample, you can substitute another worsted-weight (4) yarn. Just be sure to crochet a swatch to match the pattern’s gauge and achieve the correct size.
Can I customize the size of this crochet baby cocoon?
Yes, with a few simple adjustments. To make the cocoon taller, add extra plain rounds to the pouch and additional rows to the tummy flap and wrap band. Adjusting the circumference is a bit more advanced, but you can increase the size by working extra increase rounds at the beginning of the pouch section. Just be sure to maintain a proportional fit as you modify the pattern.
Is the cocoon worked in one piece?
No. The cocoon is crocheted in three sections: the bottom pouch, the tummy flap, and the wrap band. These sections are then finished with a decorative slip-stitch edging.
Can I make this crochet baby cocoon without the contrasting trim?
Absolutely! The contrasting trim is optional. You can use the same color throughout for a minimal, seamless look.
Can I sell the cocoons that I make with this pattern?
Yes! You are welcome to sell finished cocoons made using this pattern on a small scale. However, please use your own photos when marketing or listing your items for sale. Mass production and the use of my pattern photos are not permitted.
Your crochet baby cocoon is now complete and ready to keep a little one warm and cozy. I’d love to see your finished cocoon, so be sure to check below how to share your photos and tag me on social media.
Happy Crocheting! 🧶
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