Creatively constructed from a simple rectangle, this flattering chunky crochet cocoon cardigan comes together easily with zero shaping, increasing or decreasing. Get the free pattern and video tutorial below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart here.
This free chunky crochet cocoon sweater pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarns. This post contains affiliate links.
Cozy Crochet Blanket Sweater
This year, I’ve challenged myself to move out of my comfort zone of crochet shoes, afghans and scarves to design more sweaters and other garments.
There’s something particularly satisfying about making my own clothes and I often wear the sweater I’ve just created as I’m writing up the pattern, sort of like it’s my trophy at the end of a hard-fought battle.
The Construction of This Cocoon Cardigan
After experimenting with a few different variations of a basic folded-rectangle shrug, I knew I wanted to create a chunky crochet sweater that used the same simple-to-master concepts (ie. no increasing or decreasing!) that would be worthy of wearing all fall and winter long. I think the Dwell Sweater is it!
The Impressive (Yet Easy!) Stitch
This speedy, chunky crochet sweater pattern uses the Zeros and Crosses stitch, which I’ve had my eye on for a while now. It’s worked a little differently than other stitches because you cross two double crochet stitches to make and “X,” but I felt really proud of mastering a new little crochet technique. I cover how to work this stitch in detail in the Dwell Sweater video tutorial.
New to making cardigans? Don’t miss How to Crochet a Sweater for our best beginner tips
My Favorite Chunky Yarn
Wanna know how to crochet a sweater fast and love the finished result? Grab any color of Lion Brand Hue + Me yarn and get to work! This category 5 yarn is just chunky enough to ensure RAPID sweater progress, but the open stitch work keeps your sweater from being too hot or bulky. And Hue + Me is available in the most gorgeous, contemporary colors. Two of Wands and Lion Brand collaborated on this yarn and it’s one of my all time favorites!
Related: 27+ Free Crochet Beanie Patterns
Get an All-In-One Crochet Kit
If you don’t live near amazing yarn stores or if you just like to get fun packages in the mail, the all-in-one crochet kit is a perfect way to make your Dwell Sweater. This bundle from Lion Brand includes all the Hue + Me yarn you’ll need, plus a free printable PDF of the pattern (delivered digitally).
I especially love this option for the Dwell Sweater because Hue + Me is available in the BEST colors and they’re all available at LionBrand.com.
Deliver it! Click to purchase the an all-in-one crochet kit ⇨
Pin it! Click to pin this pattern for later ⇨
How to Crochet a Cocoon Sweater Video Tutorial
If you’ve had a bit of experience reading patterns and want to challenge yourself to make your first garment, this chunky crochet sweater is a great one to try. Even better, I’ve put together a video tutorial that walks you through how to crochet this cocoon cardigan pattern start to finish.
How Do I Print This Cocoon Crochet Pattern?
We know many people like to work from a paper copy of their crochet pattern. This is why we love offering our patterns in large-type, ad-free PDFs that are formatted for easy printing.
We are so grateful to those of you who support our small business by upgrading to the premium printable versions of our patterns, so we add extra bonuses to our PDFs whenever we have something helpful to share. In the case of the Dwell cocoon cardigan PDF, the we created a bonus stitch chart exclusively for the printable pattern.
Offering paid PDF patterns helps us continue to keep designing and we hope they give you comfortable way to crochet!
The printable PDF includes the complete pattern, all the photo tutorials and the helpful stitch chart.
Print it! Purchase the ad-free PDF ⇨
More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns
Crochet sweater patterns don’t need to be difficult. In fact, most of ours are made with very simple shapes. Dive into the wonderful world of crochet garments with cardigans, pullovers, ponchos, shrugs and more!
See more free crochet sweater patterns →
The Dwell Chunky Sweater
• Free Crochet Cocoon Cardigan Pattern •
Find the step-by-step video tutorial here.
Explanation: If you love the concepts of slow fashion, slow weekends at home and fast crochet projects, this chunky cardigan is just the project for you! Creatively constructed from a simple rectangle, this flattering sweater comes together easily with zero shaping, increasing or decreasing. Once you have the basic repeat memorized, you’ll whiz through this pattern and have fun watching your new sweater take form right before your eyes.
Skills needed include double crochet and post stitches, although if you haven’t tried post stitches before, this is a “safe” project to give them a go as their use within is quite basic.
Supplies:
Purchase an all-in-one kit from Lion Brand here.
• Lion Brand Wool-Ease Tonal (Weight: 5/ bulky – 124 yds, 4 oz)
–Smoke (149) – 7 (9, 10) skeins
• Tapestry needle
• Size N (10 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers or safety pins
Sizes:
The oversized nature of this sweater will accommodate many body types. The sample pictured is a S/M on a model with a 36” bust.
Bust Size // Length of Sweater from collar to bottom edge
S/M: 34-38.5” // 30.5”
L/XL: 39-44.5” // 33”
2XL/3XL: 45-50” // 35.5”
Gauge:
10 stitches = 5”
2 repeats in the stitch pattern (6 total rows) = 5”
Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
ch – chain
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
tch – turning chain
st – stitch
sp – space
sk – skip
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
rep – repeat
ch1sp – the space created by one chain
fpdc – front post double crochet: work 1 dc around stem of st 2 rounds below, inserting hook around stem from right to left to draw up loops. (Left to right for left-handed crocheters)
Overall Pattern Notes:
• Pattern is written in size S/M with L/XL and 2XL/3XL written in parenthesis. S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL). Sample shown is a size S/M. Because of the oversized style of the sweater, choosing a size is less about exact chest size and more about how loose you want your sweater to fit.
• A detailed video tutorial on how to crochet the Dwell Sweater can be found here. (Be sure to have any ad-blockers disabled in order to view the video player.)
!! Gauge Check !!
Please don’t skip this step or you will risk your sweater not fitting as expected. Once gauge is correctly met, you may repurpose gauge swatch as one of your pockets. Win win!
Foundation Row: Ch 18.
Row 1 (RS): 1 sc into second ch, 1 sc into next and each ch to end; turn. (17)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and a ch1sp), sk 2 sts, 1 dc into next st, *1 ch, sk 1 st, 1 dc into next st; rep from * ending last rep in last sc; turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, sk next ch1sp work 2 crossed stitches as follows: 1 dc forward into next ch1sp, 1 dc back into just skipped ch1sp going behind forward dc so as not to catch it, *1 dc forward into next unoccupied ch1sp, 1 dc into back into previous ch1sp; rep from * to end when last forward dc occupies first tch, 1 dc into second tch; turn.
Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working last sc into top of tch; turn.
Rep Rows 2-4 once more.
Row 5 (WS): Rep Row 2.
Row 6 (RS-final pocket row): Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working sc into top of tch; do not turn; continue around corner working 2 additional sc in same tch, continue evenly spacing sc along top edge of pocket, stop when corner is reached. (Chain tail should be at the same corner.)
Fasten off, leaving a 24” tail.
Pocket swatch should measure 8” wide x 7” tall. (Note: Measure width across row and height from foundation row to last row even though pocket will be rotated before attaching to sweater.)
- If swatch is too narrow horizontally, increase your hook size and re-swatch.
- If swatch is too wide horizontally, decrease your hook size and re-swatch.
- If swatch is measuring too small vertically, make a deliberate effort to pull loops up a bit higher before completing each stitch.
- If swatch is measuring too large vertically, make an effort to work the loops of each stitch a little tighter.
- This video is incredibly helpful if you’re having trouble achieving the correct vertical gauge.
Body of Sweater
Notes:
• If you’re a visual learner, consider purchasing the printable PDF of this pattern which contains a stitch chart.
• The end of Row 4 might seem off to you, but know that the tch from the previous row is considered a stitch in this case, so the last dc of the row will be worked into that tch.
• To adjust the width of the sweater, chain a multiple of 2 sts + 4.
• Finished dimensions of rectangle should be approx.: 27 (30, 33)” tall by 44 (49.5, 54)” wide
Foundation Row: Ch 98 (110, 122).
Row 1: 1 dc in the sixth ch from the hook (counts as 1 dc and 1 ch1sp), *ch 1, sk 1 ch, 1 dc in next ch; rep from * to end; turn. 95 (107, 119)
Row 2: Ch 3, sk next ch1sp work 2 crossed stitches as follows: 1 dc forward into next ch1sp, 1 dc back into just skipped ch1sp going behind forward dc so as not to catch it, *1 dc forward into next unoccupied ch1sp, 1 dc into back into previous ch1sp; rep from * to end when last forward dc occupies first tch, 1 dc into second tch; turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working last sc into top of tch; turn.
Row 4: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and a ch1sp), sk 2 sts, 1 dc into next st, *1 ch, sk 1 st, 1 dc into next st; rep from * ending last rep in tch; turn. (See note above.)
Repeat Rows 2-4 ten (eleven, twelve) more times. At this point, you should have 12 (13, 14) rows of little ch1sp “windows” (Rows 1 and 4).
Seaming Rectangle
Notes:
• There is no right side (RS) or wrong side of this fabric, so just choose the one you like best to face out.
Fold rectangle in half with RS facing in so that the foundation row and the final row of the rectangle are touching. (Stripes should be running horizontally as in photo below.) Pin in place along side seams using stitch markers or safety pins. Take care to line up stripes.
Place a stitch marker 5 (5, 6) inches from the folded side on either side of the rectangle. Using a tapestry needle and a doubled over strand of MC yarn, begin seaming the rectangle, working from the open side to the folded side. Stop at the stitch marker. Repeat for second seam.
Turn your new shrug-lette right side out and lay it flat as pictured in photo below. Place a stitch marker in the double crochet stitch that falls at the intersection of the bottom of the shrug and the perpendicular collar edge. Repeat on second side.
More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns From Make & Do Crew:
Adding Collar
Notes:
• Collar is worked along the edge of the shrug back and forth in rows starting at the bottom-most front edge of the sweater, working around the back of the neck and returning to the bottom-most front edge on the other side. (See photo below.)
• The marked double crochet stitches will become where you work the first and last stitches of Row 1. All subsequent rows will be worked between these stitch markers.
Right-Handed Crocheters: Attach yarn in left stitch marker, as seen when looking at the sweater laying flat.
Left-Handed Crocheters: Attach yarn in right stitch marker, as seen when looking at the sweater laying flat.
Row 1: Ch 3, sk next ch1sp work 2 crossed stitches as follows: 1 dc forward into next ch1sp, 1 dc back into just skipped ch1sp going behind forward dc so as not to catch it, *1 dc forward into next unoccupied ch1sp, 1 dc into back into previous ch1sp; rep from * to end when last forward dc occupies the ch1sp before the marked stitch, 1 dc into marked dc; turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working last sc into top of tch; turn.
Row 3: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and a ch1sp), sk 2 sts, 1 dc into next st, *1 ch, sk 1 st, 1 dc into next st; rep from * ending last rep in tch; turn.
Repeat Rows 1-3 two more times.
Row 4: Repeat Row 1.
Round 5: Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working 2 sc into top of tch; do not turn; continue around bottom edge of sweater evenly spacing sc sts all the way to bottom corner where round began; sl st to first sc of round to join.
Fasten off.
Adding Sleeves
Notes:
• Sleeve ribbing is achieved using post stitches. Please reference glossary of the pattern, the video tutorial or photo below for additional help.
• The sleeves are worked in the round. Do not turn work at the end of each round.
Attach yarn in armhole at seam created from sewing the rectangle together. Be sure to work with the RS (outside) of the sweater facing you at all times.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 22 (22, 26) sc sts around armhole edge, sl st to first sc of round to join.
Round 2: Ch 1, 1 sc in each sc, sl st to first sc of round to join.
Round 3: Ch 1, *1 sc in next sc, 1 fpdc around next sc two rows below; rep from * to end of round, sl st to first sc of round to join.
Round 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in each sc, sl st to first sc of round to join.
Round 5: Ch 1, *1 sc in next sc, 1 fpdc around stem of next fpdc two rows below; rep from * to end of round, sl st to first sc of round to join.
Repeat Rounds 4 and 5 seven times. Add additional repeats if longer sleeves are desired. Fasten off.
Adding Pockets
Make 2. (Remember, you can use your gauge swatch as a pocket if you’d like.)
Foundation Row: Ch 18.
Row 1 (RS): 1 sc into second ch, 1 sc into next and each ch to end; turn. (17)
Row 2 (WS): Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc and a ch1sp), sk 2 sts, 1 dc into next st, *1 ch, sk 1 st, 1 dc into next st; rep from * ending last rep in last sc; turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, sk next ch1sp work 2 crossed stitches as follows: 1 dc forward into next ch1sp, 1 dc back into just skipped ch1sp going behind forward dc so as not to catch it, *1 dc forward into next unoccupied ch1sp, 1 dc into back into previous ch1sp; rep from * to end when last forward dc occupies first tch, 1 dc into second tch; turn.
Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working last sc into top of tch; turn.
Rep Rows 2-4 once more.
Row 5 (WS): Rep Row 2.
Row 6 (RS): Ch 1, 1 sc into first st, 1 sc into next and each st to end, working sc into top of tch; do not turn; continue around corner working 2 additional sc in same tch, continue evenly spacing sc along top edge of pocket, stop when corner is reached (chain tail should be at the same corner).
Fasten off, leaving a 24” tail.
Pin pockets to front of sweater using stitch markers or safety pins. See photo above for exact placement or to customize to your liking. Take care to line up rows on pockets and sweater so that the pockets visually recede into the sweater.
Use leftover tail and a tapestry needle to sew pockets onto sweater using a whip stitch.
Weave in any remaining ends.
Wrap yourself in your new chunky Dwell Sweater, brew a cup of tea and embrace your inner home-dwelling homebody!
We love to see your finished projects! Use #MakeAndDoCrew and tag us on Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show off your stitches and have a chance to be featured.
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
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Lara says
Hello! I love this sweater and am so excited to make it. I’ve started the pattern and just did a check of my stitch count. Unfortunately I’m into the 7th repeat of rows 2-4. I’m making the L/XL. I counted my stitched on the SC row and I now have 96 stitches but started with 107. Any ideas of where I started to decrease?? I’m so sad to pull this all out but I’m determined because I know my best friend would LOVE this sweater and her birthday is coming up next month.
Thanks in advance for the assistance!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Lara,
It’s kinda tough for me to know without having the piece in front of me, but I’d suggest counting as you complete each row and seeing if you can decode where the issue is happening. Also, it may be helpful to take a look at the stitch chart in the ad-free PDF as it could help you figure out if you’re working one edge incorrectly and therefore losing a stitch somewhere.
I hope that helps! I completely understand your frustration with frogging. 🙁
Jess
Connie says
I’m sure I read this already, but I need tp be sure..if I want a size S/M but longer (I’m tall), I need to do the instructions for S/M foundation but do the repeat rows 2-4 a few more times to achieve the length I desire ???. and secondly, I would continue the collar amd sleeve cuffs as instructed ??
thanks so much !!!!..I’m loving this pattern !!!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
yes! You are correct on all aspects. 🙂 Chain a S/M, but work the length of a M/L or until you have the length you desire. Then you’ll do the collar and sleeves as instructed. 🙂
Jess
Teniece says
I just had a question about how warm this turns out? I love it but is it more of a spring/early fall sweater?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I think it transitions between fall, winter and spring pretty well. The holes in it make it wearable in slightly warmer weather, but with a long-sleeved shirt underneath, the chunky yarn can keep you pretty warm. Hope that helps!
Jess
Shannon says
I just wanted to say that I have never crocheted before, the Dwell sweater is my first attempt and it has been a success so far :)!! I have pretty much finished the rectangle. I am using a 6 weight (that is all that is carried locally without ordering) I couldn’t quite get the same stitch size according to gauge but I just went with it. I am going for the 13 window size and am on my 8th skien at about the 11th row of windows. It is quite heavy but with its “airyness” and no buttons I think it’s gonna be great. I’m excited to finish in time for the holidays to have a lil something new to wear nd to boast that I made it 🙂 thanks so much for the video tutorial, without it I would not have been able to crochet it.
Ps. I love your grey hoody/ poncho with the pocket in front. I think it’s short sleeved. Please make a video so I can make it. 🙂 thanks so much Jess
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Yay!! I’m so happy to read this, Shannon. I love that you’re learning a new skill and making your own clothes! It feels great doesn’t it?!
If there’s enough interest, I’ll happily make a poncho video. Until then though, it’s quite an easy pattern once you build your crochet skills a little. 🙂
Can’t wait to hear about your next crochet adventure!
Jess
Kerri says
Can’t wait to start this for my daughter!! Could you please tell me what size sweater was made that the lady in the beginning of the video is wearing? Thank you.
Kerri
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Sure! That’s the S/M size. That’s me wearing it and I’m 5’8″. 🙂
Sue says
Has anyone tried this with Cat 6 yarn? I want to make one for my daughter who is short and really tiny…was thinking with the larger yarn, to start my beginning chain at 86. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Sue,
I have seen some people on Instagram post photos with Wool Ease Thick & Quick. My suggestion would be to make a gauge swatch and then adjust your ch to fit the initial rectangle length I mention in the pattern. Hope that makes sense. 🙂
Feel free to come back here and comment with what worked for you so others can know too!
Jess
Amanda says
Hey! Omg I love this pattern so much and I can’t wait until it’s finished! I read through most of the comments but not all so I’m SO sorry if this is a repeat question! But, if I wanted to add like a hood, like a hoodie to it, could I? And if so how? :)))
Angela M Payton says
I have been working on not crocheting very loosely. My gauge swatch came out perfectly, but I didn’t measure my chain so my width ended up short. I seem to be crocheting too tightly… overcompensating.
I will be adding more rows for heigth for that reason. My question is: If I crochet more rows 1-3 for the collar will that help with width?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Angela,
It kinda depends what you’re trying to affect. Is the whole shrug feeling too tight around your body? If so, adding a bit more collar could allow you to let the shrug part of the sweater hang off you a bit more while the collar compensates. That said, adding the collar won’t actually affect the true width of the sweater, unfortunately.
Jess
Susan Allen says
Just had to comment on your pattern. I love the results , almost done. Just need to do the sleeve’s. I read that Madelyn had trouble loosing stitches. As I did on my first attempt. My problem was not crocheting in the tch . Thought I had the pattern down pat. Had to redo about 12 ” Lesson learned check my work more closely.. Beautiful Xmas present for my daughter-in-law. Thanks for sharing your pattern.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Susan,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I’m sure it’ll help someone else here.
What a lucky daughter-in-law!!
Jess
Morgan Myers says
Loving this pattern! I think this would make a great gift for my sister-in-law this Christmas. I love the casual-ness but that this could easily become work attire with the right outfit! I am wondering if anyone has submitted photos of their finished product in other shades of the tonal yarn? I’d love to get some other color ideas! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Morgan,
Great question. There have been lots of people who have shared their finished sweaters on Instagram. You might want to check out the photos @makeanddocrew is tagged in and see if you find any inspiration. 🙂
Jess
Evangeline says
I love your patterns and appreciate so much your effort and generosity!!! I did want to mention the three links you have are not working properly (2. Sunday Slippers 3. Stonewash Shrug 4. Campfire Cardigan). Not a big deal to me but just thought you’d like to know.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh, thanks so much for letting me know, Evangeline!
Debbie says
Hello,
I haven’t been able to find the tonal in my area. Can I use a 5 bulk that is 100% acrylic?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Debbie,
Yes I think that will work fine. Just look for a yarn that has a similar number of stitches/inch with a similar hook size. YarnSub.com might be helpful too!
Jess