Gentle Newborn Cocoon Swaddle Sack

A soft, quick-to-make envelope-style cocoon perfect for NICU donations and newborn comfort.

🤍
Difficulty
🟢 Beginner
Time
⏱️ 3-5 hours
Hook
🪡 D / 3.25mm
Yardage
🧶 approximately 350 yards
Finished Size
📏 18 inches wide x 24 inches long (cocoon opening approximately 12 inches wide)
⚠️
Always make a gauge swatch before starting!
Gauge: 20 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
Adjust hook size as needed to match gauge.
📋

At a Glance

The Gentle Newborn Cocoon Swaddle Sack is a free Beginner-level charity pattern with a D / 3.25mm hook . Estimated time: 3-5 hours. Finished size: 18 inches wide x 24 inches long (cocoon opening approximately 12 inches wide). You'll need approximately approximately 350 yards of yarn.

11 steps across 3 sections  ·  Free under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — you can sell finished items

🛒 Materials

DK Weight Yarn
350 yards total in soft, machine-washable fiber (acrylic blend or superwash merino recommended). Suggest neutral colors: white, cream, pale yellow, or soft pastels
Find on Amazon
Crochet Hook
Size D (3.25mm)
Find on Amazon
Yarn Needle
Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Find on Amazon
Stitch Markers
2-3 removable stitch markers (optional but helpful)
Find on Amazon

📖 Abbreviations

ch — chain
sc — single crochet
sl st — slip stitch
st(s) — stitch(es)
rnd — round
row — row
inc — increase

📌 Before You Begin

💡

This pattern is designed for NICU donation. Use only soft, gentle, machine-washable yarn in neutral colors.

💡

The cocoon is worked flat in rows. It creates an envelope shape where the sides are folded up and the top edge is gathered slightly for a snug fit.

💡

Stitch counts are provided in parentheses after each row. Check your count frequently to maintain accurate sizing.

💡

This pattern uses only single crochet stitches for maximum softness and durability through frequent washing.

💡

All yarn ends should be woven in securely and trimmed close to prevent loose threads that could catch on newborn skin.

🧶 Pattern Instructions

💡 Tip: Count your chains carefully before beginning. A foundation chain of 91 gives you 90 working stitches when you skip the first chain.
  1. Row 1
    Ch 91. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (90 sts)
Row counter:
💡 Tip: Your piece should measure approximately 18 inches wide and 24 inches tall at this point. Check measurements frequently as you work to ensure proper sizing for a newborn.
  1. Row 2
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (90 sts)
  2. Row 3
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (90 sts)
  3. Row 4
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (90 sts)
  4. Row 5
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (90 sts)
  5. Row 6
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (90 sts)
  6. Rows 7-48
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (90 sts) Repeat Row 2 pattern for 42 additional rows until piece measures approximately 24 inches in length. You should have 48 rows total from foundation chain.
Row counter:
💡 Tip: The decreases in Row 49 create the gathering at the top of the cocoon. This causes the opening to be narrower than the body, allowing for a gentle swaddling fit.
  1. Row 49
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st. Skip next st. *Sc in next 2 sts, skip next st.* Repeat from * to * across until 4 sts remain. Sc in last 3 sts. (68 sts)
  2. Row 50
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (68 sts)
  3. Row 51
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (68 sts)
  4. Row 52 (Final Edge)
    Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (68 sts) Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in.
Row counter:

✂️ Finishing

Weave in all yarn ends securely using the yarn needle. Trim any loose threads close to the fabric. Block the finished piece lightly by laying it flat on a blocking mat or clean towel and allowing it to dry naturally, or use a warm iron on low heat with a pressing cloth if needed. To create the cocoon shape for presentation or use: fold the rectangle in half lengthwise (so the 18-inch width becomes the new top), then fold the bottom corners up diagonally to create a nest-like cocoon shape. The narrower top edge (68 sts) naturally gathers to create a snug fit. For a more finished look, you may optionally fold the raw edges to the inside before gifting, though this is not necessary for NICU use.

🧺 Care Instructions

Machine wash in warm water on gentle cycle with mild baby detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. This cocoon is designed to withstand frequent hospital laundering. Check for any loose threads or damage before each use and reinforce or replace if necessary. All yarn ends must remain securely woven in for safety.

🤖 This pattern was generated by AI and may contain errors. Always test your gauge before starting.

What's wrong with this pattern?

✓ Thanks for your feedback — we'll review it shortly.

Questions About This Pattern

Absolutely — just match the weight (Dk). You'll need about approximately 350 yards, so make sure your substitute has enough meterage. Acrylic is budget-friendly and machine-washable; wool gives better stitch definition and drape.
Yes! This is one of the friendlier patterns to start with. You only need to know: ch, sc, sl st, st(s). Work slowly, count your stitches at the end of each row, and don't be afraid to frog (rip back) and redo a section — that's how everyone learns. Budget about 3-5 hours; beginners often take a bit longer, and that's totally fine.
Usually it's the joining or finishing — where individual sections meet and need to align. Read through the entire pattern once before you start so there are no surprises. Use stitch markers generously to track your place, especially in rounds. If a section looks wrong, count your stitches before proceeding — catching an error early saves a lot of frogging later.
For this pattern, gauge is "20 sc x 20 rows = 4 inches in single crochet". For decorative or non-fitted items it's less critical, but matching gauge ensures you use the right amount of yarn and get the proportions the pattern intends. If your swatch is too small (too many stitches/inch), go up a hook size. Too large — go down.
Machine wash in warm water on gentle cycle with mild baby detergent. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. This cocoon is designed to withstand frequent hospital laundering. Check for any loose threads or damage before each use and reinforce or replace if necessary. All yarn ends must remain securely woven in for safety. A general rule: when unsure about the yarn, hand wash in cool water with a drop of gentle detergent, squeeze (don't wring), and block flat to dry. This is safe for almost every fiber.
Each section builds on the last, so yes — follow them in order. That said, some finishing sections (like embellishments or optional edging) can be skipped if you prefer a simpler look. Read through all sections before starting so you understand how the pieces fit together and can plan your yarn usage across sections.