Cloud Nine Cocoon Cardigan - Free Crochet Pattern for Women in Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend DK by Paintbox Yarns

Cloud Nine Cocoon Cardigan: Free Crochet Pattern Overview

The Cloud Nine Cocoon Cardigan is a free, intermediate-level crochet pattern for women, designed by Paintbox Yarns and worked in the brand's own Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend DK weight yarn. This cozy, relaxed-fit cocoon-style cardigan is a standout project for crocheters who are ready to move beyond beginner techniques and explore a combination of construction methods, stitch textures, and colorwork within a single wearable garment.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's cocoon cardigan — a generously draped, open-front layering piece known for its relaxed silhouette and enveloping fit. The cocoon shape is characterized by wide, oversized proportions through the body and sleeves, making it an ideal transitional garment for layering over everyday outfits. The finished cardigan features bold color blocking and stripes using four distinct shades of Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend DK, creating a vibrant, modern aesthetic.

Colorway and Materials

The pattern calls exclusively for Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend DK, available in 3½oz / 100g balls. Four colors are used across the design:

• Teal (Color A) — 1 ball across all sizes
• Loveheart (Color B) — 2 balls across all sizes
• Shocking Pink (Color C) — 4 to 8 balls depending on size
• Night Time (Color D) — 2 to 3 balls depending on size

The yarn quantities listed are approximate and based on average requirements. Paintbox Yarns Wool Blend DK is exclusively available at lovecrafts.com. Using any yarn other than the recommended yarn may affect the finished result, as the pattern is designed and gauged specifically for this fiber and weight.

Hooks and Notions

• US G/6 (4mm) crochet hook — primary hook used for the main fabric
• US E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook — used for finer detail sections
• 6 stitch markers — essential for tracking construction points throughout the pattern

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is important for a well-fitting cocoon cardigan. The pattern specifies 16 stitches and 12.5 rows over 4 inches / 10 cm of half double crochet (called half treble crochet in UK terminology), worked using the US G/6 (4mm) hook. Crocheting a gauge swatch before starting is strongly recommended, particularly given the oversized nature of the cocoon silhouette, where even small gauge variations can significantly alter the finished dimensions.

Techniques Used

The Cloud Nine Cocoon Cardigan incorporates a thoughtful combination of construction and decorative techniques that make it an excellent intermediate project:

• Seamless construction — portions of the cardigan are worked seamlessly, reducing the need for sewing and creating a cleaner, more polished finish
• Worked in the round — circular construction is used for certain sections, a technique that eliminates seams and is common in modern crochet garment design
• Worked flat — other sections are worked back and forth in rows, allowing for shaping and the creation of open edges such as the cardigan front bands
• Lace — lace detailing adds a decorative, airy element to the design, providing textural contrast against the denser half double crochet fabric
• Stripes and color blocking — the four-color palette is used to create intentional stripe sequences and color-blocked sections, which are a defining visual feature of this cardigan

Stitches Used

The pattern is written in US crochet terminology, with UK equivalents provided in italics throughout. The primary and supporting stitches include:

• Half double crochet / half treble crochet (hdc / htr)