Many crochet baby cocoon patterns use very simple stitches, which is fine, but it's also fun to play with more complex stitch patterns, which you'll have the opportunity to do here with raspberry stitch. Some people complain that openwork crochet baby cocoon patterns let baby's toes slip through, which won't happen with this design.

As you might have noticed, many (although not all) baby cocoon patterns include the sleep sack portion as well as a matching hat. The idea is to keep baby warm from head to toe. However, there are ways of doing that without creating a separate hat. This simple free crochet sleep sack pattern is designed so that the top can be pulled up like a hood around the baby.

This precious baby cocoon crochet pattern is designed for newborns, but the original size was created for stillborn premature babies so that they could be buried in something special. This is another use of the baby cocoon that many people don't think of, but that can be helpful to the hearts of grieving parents. The unique construction of this pattern shows a buttoned alternative to many of the slip-on cocoon sacks.

Baby cocoon patterns are perfect for swaddling baby. Crochet designer Kara Cardella explains: "This baby cocoon has an attached, hinged rectangle that can be cinched tight to swaddle your wee one. The rectangle can be folded down for the smallest of newborns and the chunky yarn has nylon that gives it a nice stretch as your baby grows."

We'd be lyin' if we said we didn't love this truly adorable baby cocoon pattern. This cocoon is for photography purposes only, so stitch up this cocoon for baby's first Halloween or baby's first photoshoot. You can purchase this pattern on Etsy.

Another way to add the floral touch is to simply attach a beautiful crochet flower to a more basic crochet cocoon design. This option allows you to leave the cocoon simpler to make it more gender-neutral or to really lavish it with decorative flowers. This free pattern is a simple one that is great for attaching your own crochet flower designs.

Animals of all kinds are popular design inspiration for baby cocoons. After all, what baby doesn't look even more precious dressed up like a cute, cuddly animal? This giraffe cocoon is one of the more unique animal options. The pattern is a free download through Ravelry. 

In addition to animals, flowers are a frequent source of inspiration for baby cocoon patterns. Anne Geddes photography has surely been a large reason for this. Here is a tulip crochet baby cocoon pattern that combines a fairly simple bottom with a detailed floral hat. This one is a great choice for photographing babies in spring and summer, although if you adjust the colors, it's a design that could be used year-round.

The Caterpillar story is a popular one with kids and the character itself is immediately recognizable. Dress baby up for Halloween, spring-or just for fun-in this free baby cocoon crochet pattern.