The Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan Free Pattern – A Crocheted Ode to Cozy Autumn Evenings
The Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan: Your New Favorite Autumn Project
There's something magical about the first crisp day of autumn—the kind that calls for a warm drink, a good book, and something cozy wrapped around your shoulders. The Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan captures that feeling perfectly. This oversized, textured cardigan features a rich gradient of burnt sienna, deep amber, and smoky charcoal, creating a piece that looks like it was woven from autumn leaves and woodsmoke themselves.
With its chunky ribbed collar, draped silhouette, and dense crossed double crochet stitch, this cardigan is both a statement piece and a comfort garment. The best part? It's worked in one piece from the bottom up, making it surprisingly approachable for a beginner who's ready to tackle their first sweater project. Let's dive into everything you need to create your own Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather these supplies to ensure a smooth crochet session:
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in three colors:
- Color A: Burnt Sienna (approximately 400-500 yards)
- Color B: Deep Amber (approximately 400-500 yards)
- Color C: Smoky Charcoal (approximately 400-500 yards)
- Crochet Hook: US Size J/10 (6.0 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and seaming
- Scissors
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful)
- Measuring Tape
Gauge
14 double crochet stitches x 8 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in standard double crochet, after blocking. Always make a gauge swatch first—it's the difference between a perfect fit and a frustrating redo!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes and Measurements
This pattern is written for three sizes: S/M (M/L, L/XL). Finished chest circumference: 40 (46, 52) inches. The cardigan is designed to be oversized, so don't worry if your measurements fall between sizes—choose based on how roomy you want the fit.
Stitch Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sk = skip
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
Special Stitch: The Ember Stitch (multiple of 2 + 1)
This gorgeous crossed double crochet stitch creates a woven, almost braided texture that gives the cardigan its distinctive look. Here's how to work it:
Row 1 (RS): 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, *sk 1 ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 dc in skipped ch (crossed dc)*, repeat from * to * across, turn.
Row 2 (WS): ch 3 (counts as dc), 1 dc in each st across, turn.
Repeat Rows 1-2 for the pattern.
Pro tip: The crossed double crochet creates that beautiful braided effect. Take your time on Row 1—it's the foundation of the texture.
Body (Worked Flat, Bottom-Up)
Foundation Chain: With Color A, ch 142 (162, 182) loosely. The loose foundation chain is crucial here—if it's too tight, your bottom edge will pucker.
Row 1 (RS): Work the Ember Stitch pattern across, ending with 1 dc in the last ch. You should have 141 (161, 181) stitches.
Color Sequence: Continue in the Ember Stitch pattern, working 2 rows of Color A, then switch to Color B for 2 rows, then Color C for 2 rows. Repeat this A, B, C color sequence throughout the entire cardigan.
Work until the piece measures 12 (13, 14) inches from the beginning, ending with a WS row. This forms the main body of the cardigan.
Divide for Armholes
Now we'll split the work into three sections: right front, back, and left front. This is where the cardigan starts to take shape.
Right Front:
Next row (RS): Work across the first 34 (39, 44) sts, ch 3, turn. Work in pattern on these stitches for the right front. Decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge every row for 3 rows. You'll now have 31 (36, 41) stitches. Continue straight until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches. Place these stitches on a holder.
Back:
Skip the next 12 (14, 16) stitches for the underarm. Work across the next 49 (55, 61) stitches for the back. Ch 3, turn. Decrease 1 stitch at each armhole edge every row for 3 rows. You'll now have 43 (49, 55) stitches. Continue straight until the armhole measures the same as the front. Place these stitches on a holder.
Left Front:
Skip the next 12 (14, 16) stitches for the underarm. Work across the last 34 (39, 44) stitches for the left front. Ch 3, turn. Decrease 1 stitch at the armhole edge every row for 3 rows. You'll now have 31 (36, 41) stitches. Continue straight until the armhole measures the same as the back. Place these stitches on a holder.
Sleeves (Worked Flat, Sewn In)
Foundation Chain: With Color A, ch 52 (58, 64) loosely.
Work the Ember Stitch pattern in the same color sequence as the body (2 rows A, 2 rows B, 2 rows C).
Shaping: Increase 1 stitch at each end every 6th row until you have 64 (70, 76) stitches. This gradual increase creates the gentle flare of the sleeve.
Continue straight until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the beginning. Bind off loosely. Make a second sleeve identically.
Finishing Touches
Seaming: Sew the shoulder seams using your yarn needle and a whip stitch or mattress stitch. Sew the sleeve seams, then set the sleeves into the armholes, easing to fit. The eased fit is what gives the cardigan its beautiful dropped-shoulder look.
Collar: With the RS facing, join Color A at the bottom right front edge. Work single crochet evenly up the right front, across the back neck, and down the left front. Ch 1, turn.
Work 2 rows of sc in Color A, then 2 rows of sc in Color B, then 2 rows of sc in Color C. Bind off. This creates that deep, ribbed shawl collar that frames the neckline so beautifully.
Weave in all ends with your yarn needle. Take your time here—neat ends make for a professional finish.
Blocking: Block to the specified measurements. This step is essential for the Ember Stitch to open up and show its full texture. Lay the cardigan flat, pin it to the measurements, and mist with water. Allow to dry completely before wearing.
Your Cozy Companion Awaits
The Emberwood Cocoon Cardigan is more than just a sweater—it's a wearable hug for those chilly autumn evenings. The gradient color sequence creates a stunning visual effect that shifts with every stripe, while the dense Ember Stitch provides warmth without bulk.
Whether you're curled up by the fire, heading to a pumpkin patch, or simply enjoying a quiet morning with coffee, this cardigan will become your go-to layer. The oversized silhouette means it's forgiving to fit, and the one-piece construction makes it an achievable project for confident beginners ready to tackle their first garment.
Take your time, enjoy the rhythm of the stitches, and soon you'll have a handmade treasure that captures the essence of autumn. Happy crocheting!
