Simple Baby Cocoon - Photo Prop
Please do not use my images to sell product in your shop. The images in your shop should reflect your own work and not the work of others! I also ask that if you do sell these in your shop that you link back to this page out of courtesy for using a free pattern.
If you are interested in purchasing a completed cocoon let me know. For $30 I will create one in the color of your choice.
I updated how the pattern was written on April 4th, 2011 to hopefully make it easier. If you have any questions be sure to either email me or let me know how to contact you in the comments section.
This pattern is worked continuously, without a seam.
Finished size - 12 inch opening, about 9 inches deep. The baby in the picture weighed about 8 lbs and was 18.5 long.
Hook - 10 mm/P
Yarn - Bulky/12 ply (one skein of Lions Brand Wool-Ease Chunky)
Stitch marker
Hopefully this goes without saying, but please don't leave baby in the cocoon unattended.
Chain 6 and join with slip stitch (6)
2 HDC in each stitch (12)
1 HDC in first stitch, 2 HDC in next stitch - repeat around (18)
1 HDC in next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch - repeat around (24)
1 HDC in next 3 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch - repeat around (30)
1 HDC in next 4 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch - repeat around (36)
1 HDC in next 5 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch - repeat around (42)
2 rounds if HDC (42)
In the pictures I then switched to single crochet for 2 rounds which makes it possible to thread a ribbon and change the look easily.
2 rounds of HDC OR 2 rounds of SC. (42)
If you don't have a newborn handy you might want to leave a long tail and add more if you want more coverage around the baby. I did that and I was able to add the last two rounds in about a minute.
Bind off and weave in ends.
COMING SOON! - I am planning on creating the same cocoon using fingerling or lace weight for an airier version.
If you are interested in selling these beauties consider making a donation. Half the donations from this pattern will go to St. Jude's Research Hospital.
Baby Cocoon by Sarah Boccolucci is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at totsandbottoms.blogspot.com.
How lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love it! I just finished one. I cannot wait to take a photo with a wonderful baby in it. Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeletePattern updated 4-4-2011. Please email me or leave a way to contact you in the comments if you have questions.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Could you please post the gauge and/or finished measurements for this project? Thanks.
ReplyDelete@BrittanyFinished size - 12 inch opening, about 9 inches deep. The baby in the picture weighed about 8 lbs and was 18.5 long.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that my girlfriend just had her baby yesterday and I was waiting to find out how small/big she was going to be to make something for her. I was searching like crazy and this is amazingly beautiful! The only question that I have for you is what does HDC mean? I would love to use this pattern but not sure what that means...
ReplyDeleteHalf double crochet
Delete@BreanneIt means half double crochet. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely! I'm not sure what the numbers in parenthesis at the end of a rnd stand for. Are they the number of stitches in all in the round or the total times you do this? For example; do I do 3hdc and 2hdc for a total of (30) stitches and go to the next rnd or do I do this 30 times? Thanks for any input you can give.
ReplyDeleteDagmar
@Dagmar
ReplyDeleteWhen you finish the round that is how many stitches you should have.
Confused?...Do I chain 2 at the beginning of each row?
ReplyDeleteThanks
@Dagmar No, when you finish the round you are working on you start the next round. This is a continuous round with no seam.
ReplyDeleteOkay I felt really silly after posting that. lol. I did figure that part out. I did attempt to make this pattern but it didn't turn out big enough I basically just have a circle...? Not really sure what I am doing wrong. I am using the correct size hook and yarn as well as following your pattern to a 'T'...???
ReplyDelete@Breanne
ReplyDeleteBeen there! It does look like a big old circle until you start the rows without the increases at the very end. If you wanted it a little snugger at the opening you could always add a couple of SCtog evenly around.
Okay so now it looks like it's 'morphed' into an oval. But it just doesn't look big enough for a baby! This fit the newborn in your photo beautifully. I know that you said you had to add on 2 more rows as well... Easy enough to make though! Only took 45 minutes to do!
ReplyDeleteI used a size 5 yarn with a size Q hook and it turned out amazing using your pattern! It is gorgeous and airy!
ReplyDelete@Breanne
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a picture of it!
@ Sarah I would be more than happy to post one for you, I just don't know how to do it on your page...
ReplyDeleteJust realized you can go to my Etsy page and look. It's Breannes Boutique. I know not too original...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful pattern, Sarah!! I only hope my niece is 'with child' soon so that I can make this for her. On another note, I don't think it's right or ethical for someone to post your photo of the cocoon that YOU made on their etsy shop, which makes shoppers think that it was her [not you] who had crocheted the cocoon ... that is, unless you gave her written permission to do so. :/
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome cacoon! I am having a little bit of trouble and hope you can help... I have tried to do this pattern now 3 times and I keep ending up with a small, tight circle. Yours seems to have large open stiches. I am following the pattern by using half-double crochet stitches and following the stitch count () exactly.. Am I using the correct stitch?
ReplyDelete@lynnette74
ReplyDeleteIf it is coming out too small my next suggestion would be to use a larger hook. My gauge was 1 stitch for each inch. You are using the correct stitch. You could also continue to make the rounds larger using the increase pattern. I made a couple larger ones by adding:
1 HDC in next 6 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch
1 HDC in next 7 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch
1 HDC in next 8 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch
and so on.
Hope that helps!
I have a quick question... when you say that you added 2 more HDC rows... Is that written in the original pattern, was that added afterwards. (An additional 2 HDC on top of the already written HDC)
ReplyDelete@HAWAIIAN SIMPSON FAMILY
ReplyDeleteThat is in the original pattern.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cocoon! I am due with #3 on 8/20/11 and my sister is due with her #2 on 8/21/11, so I am going to make one for both of us right now :) I will post photos on Ravelry when I am done (my username is osuraccoon).
ReplyDeleteAlso...did you happen to notice that you put 3 C's in your last name on the very first photo of this page? :)
@Sarah
ReplyDeleteHaha! What can I say, it is a long name and sometimes I get carried away ;) Thanks for letting me know and congratulations on your growing family.
How much yarn does this project take? I am going to buy yarn and wanna make sure I buy enough in the same dye lot. Thanks! Sorry if this is a repeat question. :)
ReplyDelete@Courtney
ReplyDeleteone skein!
Just crocheted one up and its gorgeous!!! Great pattern. I used a size Q hook as my N is M.I.A. so i'm hoping it isn't too big. Thanks for making it available for free. If I happen to sell one of these I will gladly be making a donation. =)
ReplyDeleteI also took the advice to add the two sc rows and took it further by just sc up the rest of the skein. I like the change after doing that. =)
Thanks again!
I have tried numerous times to make this cocoon. I don't quite understand the pattern. Email me at gngrkb@yahoo.com to HELP me...PLEASE. I need one made by November! Thanks for your help and time.
ReplyDeleteI have tried numerous times to make this cocoon. I don't quite understand the pattern. Email me at gngrkb@yahoo.com to HELP me...PLEASE. I need one made by November! Thanks for your help and time.
ReplyDeleteI used the Q hook. I was just not happy with the middle so used the magic ring technique and did the 12 hdc's in that. Nice and neat.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely cocoon and a very easy pattern to follow. A friend is having a baby and I wanted something unique to give her at her shower. This pattern is perfect. It worked up in 20 minutes flat and looks absolutely stunning. I'm going to add a ribbon and maybe a flower as well to make it extra girlie. Thank you for posting this pattern! You are the best!
ReplyDeleteI just made this for a friend. She loved it and take baby photography. I done have a baby to test it out so I made it with the two extra sc rounds. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteThis is the exact pattern I was looking for! A friend of mine does photography so we're trading her skills for mine! THanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for making this available free....and as a recipient of a St. Jude mechanical heart valve three years ago, this Etsy crafter will certainly be making a donation when I complete this....I'm sure I owe them much more...thank you!
ReplyDeleteHI - I need a little help. I'm almost finished and it looks like a floppy hat! It measures across at about 15 inches but i can lay it flat almost like a doily. Any ideas what I could have done wrong?
ReplyDelete@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteIt should look like a floppy hat. You can always add a couple decreases in the last rows if you want it to get tighter around the opening.
When folded in half like a beanie what should the measurements be virtically & horizontally?
Delete@Sarah One other questions for you..how much yarn did you end up using? It seems I hardly used any of my skein? I'm a real newbie to this so when you said 12ply was I supposed to somehow triple my yarn from the 4ply Wool-ese chunky to make it 12ply?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great pattern, I've been looking for a free cocoon pattern for a while. My niece is a newborn photographer and she would love one of these :)
ReplyDeleteWell I'm trying to make this one and I realized I really need to get the right hook.. thought M would be big enough but no.. will redo and try again!
ReplyDeletei am so confused .. i am at the end of the pattern and nothing is coming out right... and i am fallowing it to a T. should i end up were i started in the rows or not. i am totally confused. cause when i do the 42 it just doesnt add up.
ReplyDeleteI am almost finished with this project but I don't understand "bind off" in crocheting. Can anyone explain that or tell me where I can find the instructions.
ReplyDeleteThank you and my sister and I love this pattern.
Terry Welch
tlwelch60.comcast.net
Hi! So sorry I left the wrong email address in my earlier message; it should be tlwelch60@comcast.net.
ReplyDeleteThanks - hope someone can help me.
Terry Welch
Hello! I really love your pattern and am attempting to make your baby cocoon; however, things don't seem to be turning out quite right for me. I don't see your email on your page, but I was hoping to email you with a couple questions to clarify...
ReplyDeleteYou can email me at educatingevelyn {@} gmail {.} com
@Sarah
ReplyDeleteI had a difficult time to until I realized that each row was a repeat, for exapmple: 1 HDC in next 2 stitches, 2 HDC in next stitch; repeat. Usually this is written in patterns with a * on each end to show what's to be repeated. If that makes sense. I originally read the above as being 1 HDC in the first stitch and 2 HDC in the REMAINING stitches. I felt stupid after doing this and ripping it out 3 times! I hope that helps!
Worked up so easy!!
ReplyDeleteloved it!
Absolutely gorgeous! I featured a link to your page on my blog this morning: http://www.mooglyblog.com/10-free-baby-crochet-photo-prop-patterns/
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your pattern!
Just found this pattern and love it. I have tried it and it is not turning out right. 1st I am using a different yarn (only bulky yarn that was available at store) 2nd it keeps coming out more like a hat than anything else. What can I do? should I just keep increasing or try another way.
ReplyDeleteHello there!
ReplyDeleteI love this sweet pattern! I would love to feature this pattern on The Firefly Hook's Free Pattern Friday. Would you let me know if that's okay? And also let me know if I can use a photo of the cocoon from this post - when your pattern is featured the photo will link back to your blog and our readers will view the pattern here on your blog.
Warmly,
Abbey (for The Firefly Hook)
Do you have any suggestions about how I can start this pattern with a magic ring?
ReplyDeleteI made this using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Cilantro. I added one more increase round (I think I tend to crochet a little more tightly). I added one round of SC using Lion Brand Fun Fur in white. The pattern directions are fine and this is an easy pattern even for a beginner. It took me about 2 hours start to finish. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteDo 12 HDC in the magic circle. That's how I did it. Then just follow the pattern.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pattern, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI do have 2 questions please.
I have lion brand thick & quick yarn also & was wondering what hook sz I should use? I think it's super bulky 6.
Secondly, is the ring marker moved up during each round?
I'm not familiar w/ working in round.
Much appreciated & many thanks!
I just made one of these and it would have worked up in about 45 minutes had I not had to modify the pattern.
ReplyDeleteI was not happy with such a wide opening so I dc every 5 stitches with a hdc2t for 2 rounds. That satisfied.
Finished off with 2 rds of single cs and I'm really happy with the results (used Lion Brand HomeSpun
Thick and Quick in Ivory.) Really sumptuous. Now I'd like to use a ribbon but what I have on hand is 3/8". (9 mm)
What width or mm of ribbon would you suggest for this?
That's the same yarn I picked up the other day :) Could you yell me which size hook you used?
Delete@Evangeline
ReplyDeleteSorry. I meant to say
I dc every 5 stitches with 2 hdc2t in a row all the way around for 2 rds.
This cocoon is just adorable! I posted your pattern on my blog! :) http://whenlifegivesyouhandsmakehandmade.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI love this pattern, but I do not crochet. Would you happen to have it written out for knitters?
ReplyDeleteReba D.
@Sarah
ReplyDeleteSent you an email re: the pattern :-). Thanks!
If you go the decrease route to close the cocoon up a bit (1 DC in every 5 then the 2 HDC2T), does this replace any of the rds in the pattern or are they additional before you'd finish off with the 2 rds of SC?
ReplyDeleteDid you ever made up the pattern for the lacy yarn? I have a grandbaby coming that lives in new orleans so a tight weave one may be a bit too much! LOVE the cocoon!!! Kate
ReplyDeleteBoth of my married daughters just told me they are expecting! I really want to make a cocoon for each of them.
ReplyDeleteI think I need a little help... my experimental version just looks like a shallow round dish. Would it be because I just experimented with standard yarn and a "G" hook?
Help...
UPDATE: Do not experiment with smaller yarn & hook. I am nearly finished with the real thing and it's shaping up perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I'm so excited... I don't know how I will wait until the Fall!
@Sarah
ReplyDeleteThank you for the pattern Sarah, it's lovely. I just wonder, I see the stitches grow from six to 42 and then two more rows of 42. But in the picture it seems to close a bit before the 'hole'. Don't you need to reduce the stitches the last rows?
Nice blog and your all presenting information are very great and it's really good well done.
ReplyDeletenewborn photo props
Thank you for the pattern, but I did it twice with two different types of bulky yarn, and it was so small, a doll would not probably fit in it. I finally did it with a less bulky yarn and I still had to add at least 9 more rows on it to actually fit to your measurements. I have never had so much trouble to crochet a pattern before.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this beautiful and simple pattern! I have no baby to try it out yet but can't wait!
ReplyDeleteHi, I just found this beautiful pattern, but I can't find the yarn you recommended. Are there a few other brands that can replace the Lions Brand? There is a LB wool ease thick & quick.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie S.
This may be a dumb question, but do you stitch in the front loop, back loop or both loops?
ReplyDeleteI love the pattern! However, the size as instructed is only big enough to fit a preemie baby ( 2- maybe 4 1\2 lbs ). I added an additional 7 rows of the half double crochet + 2 rows of single crochet. Now it looks good for a 5-8 lb baby. I tested it out on a build a bear bear for sizing.
ReplyDeleteBackdrops are an essential element in photography, and there are various types of backdrops to choose from. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the right backdrop can make a significant difference in the final product. Photography Backdrops are another popular option for photographers. These backdrops are made from a series of tiles that can be arranged in a variety of patterns. This allows for a lot of creativity and flexibility when it comes to the final product.
ReplyDelete