Beginner Crochet Cocoon Cardigan Pattern Free: Striped V-Stitch Shrug (XS to 5XL)

If you have always wanted to crochet a wearable sweater but felt intimidated by neckline shaping, set-in sleeves, or complex grading, the Beginner Striped V-Stitch Crochet Cocoon Cardigan is the ultimate first garment project. You crochet a single flat square in 3-row stripes of Blue Teal and White Noise using a fast, rhythmic double crochet V-stitch (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) on a 9.0 mm hook, fold the square in half, sew two short side seams leaving 8-inch armhole openings, and finish the front opening and cuffs with two crisp rounds of white single crochet.

Why V-Stitch + Brushed Fleece Yarn Is Pure Magic

Super bulky yarns can sometimes feel heavy in solid stitches, but working (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) into the chain-1 space of each V-stitch below creates a light, lofty lattice that drapes effortlessly around the shoulders. Plus, because your hook goes directly into the big chain-1 space on every row after Row 1, you don’t even have to hunt for individual stitch loops in the brushed fleece texture!

Materials & Size-Inclusive Measurements Table (XS to 5XL)

• Yarn: Bernat® Forever Fleece™ (9.9 oz / 280 g; 194 yds / 177 m per ball) in Contrast A Blue Teal (61026) and Contrast B White Noise (61004) — see exact ball and yardage counts by size below.
• Hook: Size U.S. M/13 (9.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Locking stitch markers, blunt yarn needle, and tape measure.

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)

• Approx = Approximately
• Beg = Beginning
• Ch = Chain(s) (Note: Ch 3 at beg of row counts as dc)
• Cont = Continue(ity)
• Dc = Double crochet
• Pat = Pattern
• PM = Place marker
• Rem = Remaining
• Rep = Repeat
• Rnd(s) = Round(s)
• RS / WS = Right side / Wrong side
• Sc = Single crochet
• Sl st = Slip stitch
• Sp = Space
• St(s) = Stitch(es)
• Tog = Together
• Yoh = Yarn over hook

Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions

Instructions are written for size XS/S/M with changes for (L/XL/2XL – 3/4/5XL) in parentheses.

Stripe Pattern (6-Row Repeat):
With Contrast A (Blue Teal), work 3 rows.
With Contrast B (White Noise), work 3 rows.
These 6 rows form the Stripe Pattern. To change colors cleanly, work to the last 2 loops on hook of the final stitch in the old color, then yarn over with the new color and draw through.

Part 1: Crocheting the Flat Cardigan Square

1. Foundation Chain: With Contrast A (Blue Teal), ch 99 (108 – 114) [multiple of 3 ch + 6].
2. Row 1: Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) all in 6th ch from hook (skipped 5 ch counts as 1 dc and 2 ch). *Skip next 2 ch. Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) all in next ch. Repeat from * to last 3 ch. Skip next 2 ch. Work 1 dc in last ch. Turn.
3. Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc). *Work (1 dc, ch 1, 1 dc) in next ch-1 sp. Repeat from * to end of row. Work 1 dc in last dc (top of turning ch). Turn.
4. Repeat for Square: Repeat Row 2 for pattern, keeping continuity of the 6-row Stripe Pattern (3 rows A, 3 rows B), until piece measures approximately 39 (42 – 45)” [99 (106.5 – 114.5) cm] long, ending on either 3 rows of A or 3 rows of B. Fasten off.

Part 2: Folding & Side Seam Assembly

1. Fold the square in half with Wrong Sides (WS) together so the first and last rows are aligned at the bottom and the fold sits at the top.
2. Measure 8″ [20.5 cm] down from the top fold along both left and right side edges and place a stitch marker (PM) on each side to mark the armholes.
3. With Contrast A, sew the side seams from each marker down to the bottom corners using a flat seam. Leave the markers in place for the armhole edging.

Part 3: Front Body Edging & Armhole Edging

1. Body Edging — Rnd 1: With Right Side (RS) facing, join Contrast B (White Noise) with a sl st to the Front Opening at one side seam. Ch 1. Work 1 sc in same sp as join. Work 1 sc in each ch and dc evenly around the entire front opening. Join with sl st to first sc. Do not turn. (192 [210 – 222] sc total)
2. Body Edging — Rnd 2: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
3. Armhole Edging — Rnd 1 (Both Sleeves): With RS facing, join Contrast B (White Noise) with a sl st to the Armhole Opening at the stitch marker. Ch 1. Working 2 sc around the post of each end dc row, work sc evenly around the armhole. Join with sl st to first sc.
4. Armhole Edging — Rnd 2: Ch 1. Work 1 sc in each sc around. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Beginner Tips for a Flawless Cocoon Fit

• Don’t Miss the Final Double Crochet: At the end of every V-stitch row, remember to place 1 dc into the top of the turning chain-3 from the row below so your square edges stay straight and perpendicular.