Free Crochet Granny Square Cocoon Cardigan Pattern — Complete Guide
Marly's Granny Square Motif Cardigan is a free crochet cocoon cardigan pattern designed by Marly Bird, available in three sizes (S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X). Built from a gorgeous join-as-you-go granny square motif technique, this intermediate crochet project creates a beautifully oversized cocoon silhouette… perfect for every layering season.
⚡ Quick Answer:
The Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan is a free crochet cocoon cardigan pattern available here on the blog in three parts and at Yarnspirations. It uses worsted weight yarn and a US G-6 (4mm) hook, comes in three sizes (S/M, L/XL, 2X/3X), and uses a beautiful granny square motif joined as you go. Red Heart Unforgettable was the original yarn… Loops & Threads Facets from Michaels is the perfect modern substitute.
🧵 Crochet
🧶 Worsted Weight #4
🪡 US G-6 / 4mm Hook
📐 3 Sizes: S/M · L/XL · 2X/3X
Hey, bestie 💛… can we talk about the cardigan that started a whole community?
This is the one. The Granny Square Motif Cardigan has been part of Marly's pattern library since 2017, and it is still one of the most stunning crochet cocoon cardigans out there. Granny squares… joined as you go… in a beautifully oversized silhouette that looks way more complicated than it actually is.
Whether you're here because you love granny square designs, you've been searching for the perfect crochet motif cardigan, or you just want something cozy and gorgeous to wear all fall… you are in exactly the right place. 🧡
↓ Jump to the Pattern Sections ↓
Why You'll Love This Cocoon Cardigan 💖
A crochet cocoon cardigan you can actually finish… with granny square motifs that make it one of a kind.
🧡 It looks intricate but the technique is completely approachable. Each granny square is joined as you go, so there's no confusing seaming at the end. You build the cardigan motif by motif, and before you know it you have something that looks absolutely stunning.
🌈 The colorway does half the work. Because this pattern uses a self-striping gradient yarn, the color moves beautifully through the motifs all on its own. You don't have to be a color expert… the yarn handles it.
📐 Three sizes, beautifully inclusive. S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X… and because it's a cocoon silhouette, it's designed to be oversized and drapy. This cardigan looks great on every body and fits beautifully in all three sizes.
💛 Free, completely free. The full pattern lives right here on the blog in three parts, and it's also available at Yarnspirations. There is no catch and no schedule to follow… just make it at your own pace and enjoy every stitch.
This is your pattern if you love granny squares, if you want a statement garment in your wardrobe, or if you've been searching for a crochet cocoon cardigan that's a step above the basics. You'll come away knowing how to work granny squares join-as-you-go… a technique that opens up a whole world of motif garments. 🧵
What Is a Cocoon Cardigan?
A cocoon cardigan is one of the most flattering and wearable garments you can crochet… and this granny square version is the most beautiful take on it.
A cocoon cardigan is an oversized, open-front sweater with a wide, relaxed silhouette that wraps around you beautifully. Unlike a fitted cardigan, a cocoon is designed to be drapy and generous… worn for warmth, layering, and that effortless “I just threw this on” look that somehow still feels pulled together.
Most cocoon cardigans are rectangular in construction, which makes them surprisingly approachable even for newer garment makers. This one adds gorgeous granny square motifs to that simple structure… making it feel a lot more special than a basic rectangle.
Yarn & Materials 🧶
The original yarn has been discontinued… but the perfect substitute is easy to find at Michaels.
Yarn Options
🧶 Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable… The original yarn called for in the pattern. A worsted weight self-striping acrylic with smooth, gorgeous color transitions. If you happen to find it, grab it! The sample was made in colorway 3968 Regatta, but any colorway works beautifully.
✨ Loops & Threads Facets (Michaels)… Marly's top recommended substitute. Same worsted weight (#4), same gorgeous gradient cake construction, same beautiful drape. Available at Michaels stores and online. This is the yarn Marly recommends for making this cardigan today.
Everything You'll Need
- Loops & Threads Facets (recommended) or Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable: 6 (9, 11) balls for sizes S/M (L/XL, 2X/3X)
- Crochet Hook: 4mm [US G-6]
- Yarn needle
- Split lock stitch markers
Video Tutorial 🎬
Marly filmed a full introduction video for this cardigan… watch it before you cast on. It walks you through the whole concept and shows you the gorgeous finished piece:
▶️ Watch the Granny Square Motif Cardigan Introduction on YouTube
Each pattern section below also includes its own dedicated video tutorial, so you'll have step-by-step video guidance all the way through to the finished collar.
The Complete Pattern Sections 🧵
The free pattern is broken into three parts, each with written instructions and a video tutorial. Work through them at your own pace… there's no schedule, no deadline, and the pattern will always be right here.
Prefer everything in one place? Grab the full pattern at Yarnspirations as a free single download… printable and ready to go!
Join the Crochet Community 💛
Working on this cardigan? There's a Facebook community group full of crocheters who have made this cardigan… and who are making it right now. Share your progress photos, ask questions, and cheer each other on through the trickier parts. It's truly one of the warmest corners of the internet. 🧡
More Cocoon Cardigan Patterns You'll Love
Once you fall in love with the cocoon cardigan silhouette (and you will 😄), there's no going back. Here are more of Marly's cocoon and open cardigan designs to keep your hook and needles busy:
🧵 You Are Valued Crochet Cocoon Cardigan… A free crochet cocoon cardigan with a beautiful textured stitch body combining stacked double crochet and dc groups, plus ribbed cuffs and collar added join-as-you-go. Beginner-friendly and size-inclusive, with a full video tutorial.
🧵 Granny Lace Crochet Cardigan… The same granny square construction worked at a larger gauge, giving you a lacier, more open drape. Think of it as the airy sister to this cardigan… same skills, completely different feel. Also free at Yarnspirations.
🧶 Amanda Woods Knit Cocoon Cardigan… For the knitters in the house! An oversized, wrap-style knit cardigan perfect for layering season. Same effortless cocoon drape, different craft. Advanced beginner level.
🧶 Know Your Worth Knit Cocoon Cardigan… Knit flat as one simple rectangle and finished with a folded seam, ribbed cuffs, and a cozy button collar. One of the most satisfying makes… and very wearable.
🧵 51 Free Crochet Granny Square Clothing Patterns… Can't get enough of granny square wearables? This roundup has 51+ designs to inspire your next project… hats, scarves, cardigans, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this granny square cardigan pattern free?
Yes! The Marly Bird Granny Square Motif Cardigan is completely free. The full pattern is available right here on the blog in three parts… Part 1 (Construction), Part 2 (Edging), and Part 3 (Collar & Finishing)… and it's also free as a single download at Yarnspirations.
What skill level is this crochet cocoon cardigan?
This is an intermediate crochet project. You should be comfortable with basic stitches like chains and double crochets. The granny square motif and join-as-you-go technique are explained in detail in Part 1, and video tutorials are included for every section… so you're never left guessing.
What yarn do I need… and what can I use instead of Red Heart Unforgettable?
The original pattern calls for Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable, a worsted weight self-striping acrylic. Because Unforgettable has been discontinued, Marly recommends Loops & Threads Facets from Michaels as a one-for-one substitute… same weight (#4 worsted), same gorgeous gradient construction, same beautiful drape. You'll need 6 (9, 11) balls for sizes S/M (L/XL, 2X/3X).
What sizes does this pattern come in?
The cardigan comes in three sizes: S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X. It measures 48 (56, 64)” in width including cuffs, and 21½ (25, 28½)” in length not including the collar. Check the size selection guide to pick the right fit for you.
What is a cocoon cardigan?
A cocoon cardigan is an oversized, open-front sweater with a wide, relaxed silhouette designed to drape beautifully. Unlike a fitted cardigan, a cocoon is intentionally generous and cozy… perfect for layering. This granny square version uses a rectangular construction with beautiful join-as-you-go motifs that give it that extra-special character.
Do I have to follow a schedule to make this cardigan?
Absolutely not! The original pattern was released as a Crochet Along in 2017, but there's no schedule anymore. All three parts of the pattern are available right now… start whenever you like, work at whatever pace feels good, and take all the time you need. 💛
Is this a good first crochet sweater?
If you're comfortable with basic crochet stitches, yes! The cocoon silhouette is one of the most forgiving garment shapes you can make… it's designed to be oversized, so fit is very intuitive. The granny square motif technique is explained with full video support. Many crocheters have made this as their very first sweater and been thrilled with the results.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a crochet cocoon cardigan that's truly special… this is the one. The granny square motif construction gives it a handmade character that a plain basic cardigan just can't match.
I've seen hundreds of finished versions from this community… in every colorway imaginable, in every size, from every skill level… and they never get old. Every single one is absolutely stunning. 💛
If you cast it on, please please please share your progress! Tag me @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It), #MarlyBird, or #GrannySquareCardigan so I can see it. I genuinely love watching this one come to life over and over again. 🧡
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Make-Alongs
Been waiting for details of this project! Looks like loads of fun; your CALs and KALs are always awesome!!
The 20% code isn’t working for me on the Red Heart site. 🙁
Thank you for letting us know about this. We will reach out to Red Heart and make sure this gets corrected.
I just tried using the promo code and it is not working. 🙁
Looking forward to this CAL. My Gramma taught me to crochet when I was about 3, thought I was so gtown up sitting next to her while we listened to the radio. Fast-forward 50 yrs, I had a couple of “discussions” with a tablesaw (NEVER argue with power tools!) Now 10 yrs later I’m still trying to figure it out, maybe I’ll switch hands…
I clicked on the make your own stitchmarkers link, and it takes be to a RedHeart page selling the interlocking stitchmarkers.
Thank you for letting us know about that error. I have corrected the link in the post. Here is the link as well to get to the tutorial. https://marlybird.com/make-removable-stitch-markers/
Is it Redhearts face book or Marley’s for the contest. It does not specify
It is a special CAL Facebook group. The link is above in the blog post but here is the link as well. https://www.facebook.com/groups/634994479936279/
Just saw this and ordered my yarn. Won’t get it until the 8th but I know I would have never found 9 skeins at any store in town. Will anxiously be waiting for my package to arrive. I have a skein of a different color left over so I can work on my gauge etc while waiting.
That is a great idea to start the gauge with another color. Then you won’t be behind!!!
What is the gauge? Did I miss it.
Hello Marly Bird I fell in love with the up coming Cal I would love to make my sister this sweater she is size 3x how can I make this project fit?Yvonne
How do I measure width? (I’m sorry to say I’m confused about the width “including the cuff.”) If I normally wear size 2X, can I participate?
I want to make the pink version of the CAL. what color wave is that.
ready to start
I am waiting for my yarn to arrive. I sure hope it gets here by Wednesday. I can’t wait for this CAL!!