Newborn Photo Cocoon
A dc circle that becomes a snug tube with a ribbed top. Popular for newborn photos.
- Yarn
- Worsted (4) soft baby yarn.
- Hook
- H-8 (5 mm)
- Sizes
- Newborn: 20 in (51 cm) around, 15 in (38 cm) long
- Example gauge
- 12 sts and 7 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in dc
- Yarn needed
- About 340 yd (310 m) worsted.
US terms. The UK name follows in brackets the first time each stitch appears. Turning chains don’t count as stitches unless a step says so. See US vs UK crochet terms and crochet abbreviations.
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stitches | circumference × sts per in, to a multiple of 12 | 20 × 3 = 60 | Cast-On Calculator |
| Total rounds | length × rnds per in | 15 × 1.75 ≈ 26 rnds | By hand |
Materials
- Worsted (4) yarn (see yarn needed)
- H-8 (5 mm)
- Stitch marker
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Work the first 4 rounds; they should be about 5 in across.
Instructions
Base
Join every round with a sl st (UK ss) to the first st; the ch at the start of each round does not count as a stitch.
Rnd 1: Magic ring, ch 2, 12 dc (UK tr). Rnd 2: 2 dc in each (24). Rnd 3: *Dc, 2 dc in next* (36). Rnd 4: *Dc 2, 2 dc in next* (48). Rnd 5: *Dc 3, 2 dc in next* (60).
Tube
Ch 2, dc in each st around. Repeat until 3 rounds short of the total.
Rib
Last 3 rnds: Ch 2, *FPdc (UK FPtr) around next st, BPdc (UK BPtr) around next st; rep from *. Fasten off.
Finishing
- Weave in ends securely.
- Pair with the Top-Down Half Double Beanie in newborn size.
Designer’s notes
- Photo props are for supervised use only, not for sleep.
- For a stretchier cocoon, work the tube in hdc (UK htr) back loop only.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rounds.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.