Button Up Waves Hooded Cocoon

Button Up Waves Hooded Cocoon by Sweet Potato 3

What Is Being Made

The Button Up Waves Hooded Cocoon is a crocheted hooded blanket or throw designed as a wearable wrap. This intermediate-level crochet project creates a cozy cocoon-style garment featuring a hood and button closures along the front. The design is available in three size options: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months, making it suitable for babies and infants. The cocoon construction provides a snug, wrapped fit while the hood adds extra warmth and comfort.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several foundational and textured crochet techniques to create visual interest and structure. The wave stitch pattern forms the primary design element, creating undulating texture throughout the piece. The pattern utilizes post stitches (front post and back post techniques) to add dimensional detail and create the characteristic wave effect. The hood is constructed separately and then whip stitched to the top of the cocoon for a finished seam. Button bands are incorporated into the front edges, allowing for adjustable closure. The use of back loop only stitching in specific areas helps define stitch rows and create clean edges.

Stitches Used

• Foundation Single Crochet (Foundation Sc): Used to create the starting edge; can be substituted with a traditional chain and single crochet row
• Single Crochet (Sc): A basic short stitch used throughout for structure and shaping
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc): A medium-height stitch providing balance between drape and structure
• Double Crochet (Dc): A taller stitch used to create openness and flow in the fabric
• Chain (Ch): Used for spacing, turning chains, and creating the foundation of rows
• Slip Stitch (Slst): Used to join rounds or connect sections without adding height
• Front Post Double Crochet (FP Dc): Worked around the front post of stitches to create dimensional texture
• Back Post Double Crochet (BP Dc): Worked around the back post of stitches for the wave pattern effect
• Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch): Used for edging to create a finished, decorative border
• Whip Stitch: A seaming technique used to join the hood to the body with an invisible seam
• Back Loop Only (BL) Stitching: Selective stitching through only the back loop to define rows and create clean lines

Materials and Tools

This project is worked with worsted weight yarn (#4), a medium-weight yarn that provides good stitch definition and drape. The sample shown was made using Sprightly yarn in Teal, requiring 400 yards for the 0-3 month size, 560 yards for the 3-6 month size, and 800 yards for the 6-12 month size. Alternative yarn options suitable for this pattern include Red Heart Super Saver, Hobby Lobby I Love this Yarn, Loops and Thread Impeccable, and Lion Brand Vanna Choice.

The pattern requires a size J (6 mm) crochet hook, appropriately sized for worsted weight yarn. Additional materials needed include 1-inch buttons (10 buttons for the 0-3 and 3-6 month sizes, and 12 buttons for the 6-12 month size) to create the button closure system along the front of the cocoon. A yarn needle is essential for weaving in ends and executing the whip stitch seaming. Standard crafting tools including scissors and a measuring tape (or method to measure in inches) are needed for finishing and ensuring proper sizing.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it uses fundamental crochet stitches, the combination of post stitches, the wave stitch pattern, and the construction method (including seaming the hood and attaching buttons) require some prior crochet experience and comfort with reading pattern instructions. Crafters should be familiar with basic stitches and comfortable working in rows or rounds before attempting this project.