Velvet Dusk Cocoon Cardigan Free Pattern – Knit a Flowing Plus Size Wrap
Introducing the Velvet Dusk Cocoon Cardigan
Wrap yourself in the plush embrace of the Velvet Dusk Cocoon, a generously sized cardigan designed to drape beautifully over curves. This free knitting pattern uses a simple combination of garter and lace stitches to create a flowing, elegant silhouette that feels like a warm hug. Whether you're curling up with a book or heading out for a cozy evening, this plus-size wrap cardigan is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication.
This pattern is beginner friendly and works up quickly with bulky yarn, making it an ideal weekend project. The seamless top-down construction means no seaming at the end—just pure knitting pleasure. The deep aubergine color suggested here adds a touch of luxury, but feel free to choose any shade that speaks to your soul.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Bulky weight yarn (Category 5) – approximately 900-1100 yards. A great choice is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Grape' or 'Aubergine' for that rich, velvety look.
- Needle: US 11 (8.0 mm) circular knitting needle, 32 inches or longer (the long cord is essential to accommodate the large number of stitches).
- Stitch holders (or scrap yarn) for holding sleeve stitches.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful).
Gauge: 12 stitches and 16 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch (knit every row). Be sure to check your gauge to ensure the perfect fit.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sizes and Abbreviations
Sizes: To fit bust 44-54 inches (will wrap generously).
Abbreviations:
- CO: cast on
- K: knit
- P: purl
- K2tog: knit two together
- YO: yarn over
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
Pattern Notes:
- The cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the top down, creating a seamless cocoon shape.
- The lace pattern is simple and repeats every 4 rows.
- Use a long circular needle to accommodate the large number of stitches.
Cast On and Neckline
CO 80 stitches.
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Row 3: K1, *YO, K2tog, K1* repeat from * to * until last stitch, K1. (This creates a row of eyelets for the neckline.)
Row 4: Knit all stitches.
Body Expansion
Now you will begin increasing to create the cocoon shape. This is where the magic happens—the fabric will gradually widen to create that beautiful, flowing silhouette.
Row 5 (RS): K1, *K1, YO, K2tog* repeat from * to * until last stitch, K1. (This is the lace pattern.)
Row 6 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Row 7: K1, *K2tog, YO, K1* repeat from * to * until last stitch, K1.
Row 8: Knit all stitches.
Repeat Rows 5-8, but on every 4th repeat (i.e., after 4 repeats of the lace pattern), add an extra increase row:
Increase Row (RS): K1, *K1, YO, K2tog, K1* repeat from * to * until last stitch, K1. (This adds 1 stitch per repeat, increasing the width.)
Continue in this manner until the piece measures 20 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.
Sleeve Openings
Next, you will create the sleeve openings. This step separates the body from the sleeves so you can knit them separately.
Next Row (RS): K across the first 30 stitches, then place the next 40 stitches on a stitch holder (these will be the first sleeve), then K across the remaining stitches (the rest of the body).
Next Row (WS): K across the body stitches, then CO 10 new stitches over the held sleeve stitches, then K across the remaining body stitches. (You have now joined the body back together.)
Body
Continue working in the lace pattern (Rows 5-8) across all body stitches until the piece measures 30 inches from the cast-on edge, or your desired length. The cocoon shape will naturally drape and flow as you work.
Bottom Edging
Finish the body with a delicate edging that mirrors the neckline:
Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Row 3: K1, *YO, K2tog, K1* repeat from * to * until last stitch, K1.
Row 4: Knit all stitches.
Row 5: Knit all stitches.
Bind off loosely in knit.
Sleeves
Now it's time to create the cozy, relaxed sleeves:
Pick up the 40 held sleeve stitches onto your needle. Also pick up and knit 10 stitches from the newly cast-on underarm stitches.
Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 12 inches, or your desired sleeve length. The garter stitch creates a lovely, squishy texture that complements the lace body beautifully.
Sleeve Cuff
Shape the cuffs with a gentle taper:
Row 1: K1, *K2tog* repeat from * to * until last stitch, K1. (Decrease to shape the cuff.)
Next Row: Knit all stitches.
Bind off loosely.
Repeat for the second sleeve.
Finishing
Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle. Block the cardigan lightly to open up the lace pattern and even out the stitches. Lay flat to dry. Once dry, your Velvet Dusk Cocoon Cardigan is ready to wrap you in its plush, elegant embrace.
This pattern is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to feel both cozy and chic. The flowing silhouette flatters every body type, and the simple stitch patterns make it a joy to knit. Happy crafting!
