The Sugarplum Fairy Cocoon: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom Baby Wrap
The Sugarplum Fairy Cocoon: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom Baby Wrap
Wrap your little one in the magic of a handmade heirloom with this exquisitely textured crochet cocoon. Featuring a delicate shell stitch and a soft, modern color palette, this pattern creates a cozy, dreamy nest perfect for newborn photos and snuggly naps. The Sugarplum Fairy Cocoon is designed to be both a stunning photography prop and a cherished keepsake, worked from the bottom up in one seamless piece with a gentle drawstring top for a perfect fit.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Lion Brand Feels Like Butta (or any DK weight, super soft cotton blend): 2 skeins in 'Powder Puff' (MC), 1 skein in 'Blush' (CC)
- Hook: Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Gauge: 14 dc x 8 rows = 4 inches in shell stitch pattern (blocked)
- Notions: Yarn needle, scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes & Measurements
Newborn (0-3 months). Finished cocoon measures approximately 18 inches long and 14 inches wide at the widest point.
Stitches & Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- sk: skip
- st(s): stitch(es)
- shell: (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in same st
- beg: beginning
Pattern Notes
- Worked from the bottom up in one piece.
- The shell stitch creates a beautiful, textured fabric that is both stretchy and structured.
- The drawstring at the top allows for a snug fit around baby's neck.
- Chain 3 at the beginning of rows counts as the first double crochet unless otherwise stated.
Cocoon Body (Make 1)
Foundation Chain: With MC, ch 50.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as first dc), dc in next 4 ch, *sk 2 ch, shell in next ch, sk 2 ch, dc in next 5 ch*; repeat from * to * across to last 3 ch, sk 2 ch, dc in last ch. Turn. (You will have 5 shells and 6 groups of 5 dc, plus the turning chain and last dc)
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next 4 dc, *shell in ch-1 space of next shell, dc in next 5 dc*; repeat from * to * across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Turn.
Rows 3-20: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures approximately 14 inches from beginning, ending with a wrong-side row. (You will have 18 rows of shell stitch total)
Top Edging & Drawstring Casing
Row 21 (RS): Ch 1, sc in each st across, working 1 sc in each dc and 1 sc in each ch-1 space of shells. Turn. (50 sc)
Row 22: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Turn.
Row 23 (Eyelet Row): Ch 1, sc in first sc, *ch 2, sk 2 sc, sc in next sc*; repeat from * to * across to last 2 sc, ch 2, sk 1 sc, sc in last sc. Turn. (This creates the eyelet row for the drawstring)
Row 24: Ch 1, sc in each sc and 2 sc in each ch-2 space across. Fasten off.
Drawstring (Make 1)
With CC, make a chain approximately 30 inches long. Fasten off. Weave the drawstring through the eyelet row, starting and ending at the front center. Use a yarn needle to thread the chain through each ch-2 space, being careful not to twist the chain.
Finishing
Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Block the cocoon gently to open up the shell stitches—lightly mist with water and lay flat to dry, gently shaping the scalloped edges. Tie the drawstring in a soft bow at the front. Your Sugarplum Fairy Cocoon is ready to wrap your little one in cozy, heirloom beauty.
