This deceptively simple cocoon cardigan is inspired by Japanese origami. Constructed from two simple rectangles, the relaxed and cozy fitting sweater can be worn right side up or upside down. It’s the ultimate ‘comfort’ sweater and is equally appropriate at home over your pajamas, or out with a pair of slim jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. With only three seams (and one graft), this is a quick knit with a great end result!

Construction

• Cocoon is constructed of two plain rectangles, with the first being two separate pieces (A & B) that are grafted together. Both Pieces A & B begin with a Slip-Stitch Garter Ribbed Hem. When Hem reaches sufficient Length, front band stitches are put on a holder and Stockinette portion of Piece is worked by itself. Upon completion of Stockinette section, you will return to the held band stitches and knit them separately (this is necessary due to these stitch patterns’ significantly different row gauges). When ribbed band measures the same length as for Stockinette section, band is seamed to Stockinette portion. The top edge is then grafted to the corresponding A/B piece at center back.
• Collar Edges of Pieces A & B are trimmed with a built-in I-cord.
• Stitches are picked up around each armhole and trimmed with 1x1 ribbing.

Yardage

Approximately 935 (1005, 1050, 1155, 1225, 1300) yards of worsted-weight wool yarn

Yarn

7 (8, 8, 9, 9, 10) skeins of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% US Targhee-Columbia Wool; 140 yards/50g)
Photographed in Woodsmoke

Gauge

Stockinette Gauge:
18 stitches & 28 rows = 4” in flat Stockinette Stitch with Gauge Needle; measured over relaxed fabric after blocking
Slip-Stitch Ribbing Gauge:
Working Gauge: 23½ stitches & 42 rows = 4” in Slip-Stitch Garter Ribbing Pattern; measured over unblocked fabric
Finished Gauge: 21½ stitches & 42 rows = 4” in Slip-Stitch Garter
Ribbing Pattern; measured over relaxed fabric after blocking

Needles

One 32” circular in size needed to obtain Stockinette Gauge listed above (suggested: US 8/5mm)
One 32” circular in size needed ot obtain Slip-Stitch Ribbing Gauge listed above (suggested US 7/4½ mm)
One 16” circular needle three sizes smaller than Stockinette Gauge Needle (suggested: US 5/3¾ mm)
Note: Your Gauge Needle for both stitch patterns may differ. It is recommended that you swatch both patterns to determine correct needle sizes.

Finished Dimensions

27 (28, 28½, 30, 30¾, 31½)“ length at center back (from nape to hem), 30¼ (31¾, 33, 34½, 36, 37½)” across, from armhole-to-armhole Garment measures 60½ (63½, 66, 69, 72, 75)“ in circumference after assembly.
Intended to fit an individual with a center back neck (CBN)-to-wrist measurement of approximately 28 (29, 30, 31, 32, 33)”
Sample is shown in first size on model with 28” CBN-to-wrist length

Need help picking a size? See our resource page on Selecting a Sweater Size

Skill Level
3 out of 5