The Enchanted Forest Burrow: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Hooded Baby Cocoon

Wrap Your Little One in Woodland Magic: The Enchanted Forest Burrow Baby Cocoon

There is nothing quite as heartwarming as creating a handmade haven for a new arrival. Our Enchanted Forest Burrow is a free crochet pattern designed to wrap your baby in the cozy, textured magic of the forest. This hooded cocoon combines the subtle, nubby grid of the moss stitch with the delicate, scalloped beauty of the shell stitch. The result is a beautifully dimensional, snuggly, and utterly unique piece that makes a perfect handmade baby gift. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner, this pattern will guide you through creating a soft, organic, woodland-inspired haven for your little one.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample uses worsted weight yarn in a forest green and cream colorway, but feel free to choose your own enchanted palette.

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Forest Green: Approximately 250 yards (Sample uses Lion Brand Heartland in 'Olympic').
  • Contrast Color (CC) - Cream: Approximately 100 yards (Sample uses Lion Brand Heartland in 'Yosemite').
• Crochet Hook: Size J-10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing, scissors, stitch markers (optional).

Gauge: 14 stitches and 10 rows in moss stitch = 4 inches (10 cm). Always check your gauge for the best fit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Size: Newborn to 3 months (approx. 20 inches long, 12 inches wide at base).

Abbreviations:

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color
• CC: Contrast Color

Pattern Notes:

• The cocoon is worked from the bottom up in one piece.
• The hood is worked separately and sewn on.
• Moss Stitch Pattern: (sc, ch 1, skip 1 st) across, ending with sc in last st. On the next row, work sc in ch-1 spaces and ch 1 over sc stitches.

Part 1: Cocoon Body (with MC)

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 36.
2. Row 1 (Setup Row): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (35 sc)
3. Row 2 (Moss Stitch Start): Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 1, skip next st, sc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (18 sc, 17 ch-1 spaces)
4. Row 3 (Moss Stitch Repeat): Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sc in next ch-1 space; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last sc. Turn.
5. Continue Body: Repeat Row 3 for pattern until piece measures 16 inches from the beginning, ending with a right-side row.
6. Final Body Row (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st and ch-1 space across. (35 sc) Fasten off MC.

Part 2: Cocoon Top Edging (with CC)

1. Join Yarn: Join CC with a sl st to any stitch on the top edge of the cocoon body.
2. Round 1 (Sc Base): Ch 1, sc evenly around the top opening (approx. 35 sc). Join with sl st to first sc. Do not turn.
3. Round 2 (Shell Stitch Border): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same st, *skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Fasten off CC.

Part 3: Hood (with MC)

1. Foundation Chain: Ch 31.
2. Row 1 (Setup Row): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (30 sc)
3. Row 2 (Moss Stitch Start): Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 1, skip next st, sc in next st; repeat from * across. Turn. (15 sc, 14 ch-1 spaces)
4. Row 3 (Moss Stitch Repeat): Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 1, sc in next ch-1 space; repeat from * across, ending with sc in last sc. Turn.
5. Continue Hood: Repeat Row 3 until piece measures 8 inches from the beginning, ending with a right-side row.
6. Shaping the Hood Top: Fold hood in half with right sides together. Sl st or sew the top edge closed to form the back of the hood. Turn right side out.

Part 4: Hood Edging (with CC)

1. Join Yarn: Join CC with a sl st to the bottom edge of the hood.
2. Round 1 (Sc Base): Ch 1, sc evenly around the bottom edge. Join with sl st to first sc. Do not turn.
3. Round 2 (Shell Stitch Border): Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, *skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Fasten off CC.

Part 5: Assembly

1. Position Hood: With right sides facing, pin the bottom edge of the hood to the top back edge of the cocoon body (the side opposite the shell stitch edging).
2. Sew Hood: Using MC and a yarn needle, sew the hood securely to the cocoon body using a whip stitch or mattress stitch.
3. Finish: Weave in all ends securely.
4. Optional Embellishment: Add a decorative button or a small crocheted flower to the front of the hood for an extra touch of enchantment.

Your Enchanted Forest Burrow is now complete! This cozy, textured cocoon is sure to become a cherished keepsake. Happy crocheting!