Transform your little one into the most adorable dragon with this enchanting crochet baby cocoon swaddle! Featuring a beautiful scale stitch and a charming hooded design, this pattern is perfect for keeping newborns snug and warm. It’s also an incredible prop for unforgettable baby photos, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Craft a Mythical Snuggle for Your Little One
This unique dragon cocoon offers unparalleled warmth and comfort, enveloping your baby in a soft, cozy embrace. Beyond its practicality, it serves as a fantastic conversation starter and a truly memorable baby shower gift. Imagine the smiles and gasps when friends and family see your tiny dragon! It’s more than just a blanket; it’s a wearable fantasy.
Worsted Weight Yarn (approx 800-1000 yards) in Dark Teal/Forest Green (Color A)
Worsted Weight Yarn (small amount) in White (Color B)
Worsted Weight Yarn (small amount) in Black (Color C)
Crochet Hook size H/5.0mm
Yarn needle
Scissors
Stitch markers
Abbreviations
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
rep – repeat
Fsc – Foundation single crochet (optional, can ch and sc into chain)
Crocodile Stitch (Cro-st): 5 dc worked around the post of the first indicated dc, turn work slightly, 5 dc worked around the post of the second indicated dc
Instructions
This pattern is designed for a newborn/0-3 month size. Adjust hook size or starting chain for different sizes.
Cocoon Body (Make 1 in Color A)
Start by creating a base for your scales. The cocoon is worked flat and then seamed.
Row 1 (Foundation Row): Ch 74. Dc in 4th ch from hook (counts as 2 dc), dc in next ch. *Ch 1, sk 2 ch, dc in next 2 ch.* Rep from * across. You should have 24 groups of 2 dc separated by ch 1 spaces. (72 sts counting ch-1 spaces)
Row 2 (Crocodile Stitch Row): Ch 1, turn. *Work Cro-st around the first two dc posts of the current 2-dc group. Sl st into the next ch-1 space.* Rep from * across. You will have 24 scales.
Row 3 (Base Row for next scales): Ch 3 (counts as dc), turn. Dc in the ‘valley’ (the sl st) of the first scale. *Ch 1, dc in the center of the next scale (between the 5-dc clusters), Ch 1, dc in the ‘valley’ (sl st) of the next scale.* Rep from * across. End with Ch 1, dc in the center of the last scale, then dc in the final st of the row.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3: Continue alternating Row 2 and Row 3 until your piece measures approximately 20-22 inches (or desired length for the cocoon body). Ensure you end on a Row 2 (Crocodile Stitch Row).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Hood (Make 1 in Color A)
The hood is worked flat and then folded and seamed.
Row 1: Ch 52. Hdc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (51 hdc)
Rows 2-25: Ch 1, turn. Hdc in each st across. (51 hdc) Adjust number of rows for desired hood depth.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Dragon Spikes (Make 5-7 in Color A)
These are small triangles to be sewn onto the top of the hood.
Row 1: Ch 2. 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (2 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next st. (3 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (3 sc)
Row 5: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 2 sts. (4 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (4 sc)
Row 7: Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts. (5 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. Create several spikes of varying sizes if desired.
Eyes (Make 2 White, 2 Black)
White Base (Color B): Magic ring. Ch 2 (does not count as st), 10 dc into ring. Sl st to first dc. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Black Pupil (Color C): Magic ring. Ch 1, 6 sc into ring. Pull ring tight. Sl st to first sc. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Assembly
Cocoon Body: Fold the crocodile stitch body in half lengthwise. Sew the long side seam using the mattress stitch or preferred method. Leave the bottom open.
Hood: Fold the hood piece in half and seam the top edge.
Attach Hood: With the cocoon opening facing up, center the hood along one of the open edges. Using a yarn needle and the long tail, sew the hood to the cocoon opening.
Attach Spikes: Sew the dragon spikes along the top seam of the hood, spacing them evenly.
Attach Eyes: Sew the black pupils onto the center of the white bases. Then, sew the assembled eyes onto the front sides of the hood, above where the baby’s eyes would be.
Optional Tie: Ch about 80-100 sts in Color A. Weave this chain through the top crocodile stitch row of the cocoon opening, in front of the hood, to create a tie closure.
Weave in all remaining loose ends. Your adorable dragon cocoon is now ready for snuggles!
