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.
Snuggle Cuddle Cocoon by Mamma That Makes
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."
Coo-Coo Cocoon by Kara Cardella via Crochetvolution
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.
Lion Cocoon by Littlest Yarn Shop
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.
Baby Pod by Cre8tion Crochet
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.
Tulip Hat and Cocoon by Tiny Pushes
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.
Caterpillar Cocoon by Betty's Banter
The crochet mermaid tail blanket became popular almost as soon as it was designed and inspired many other designs, one of the cutest of which is this crochet mermaid cocoon. This one is especially cute for summer.
Crochet baby cocoons are popular choices for making costumes and photo props for babies. Very young babies often sleep through their earliest photos but parents still want those cute images to share with others on the holidays; baby cocoons add that element of sweetness even when the baby is asleep. This crochet pattern is for a cocoon in chevron stitch made using springtime colors and a matching baby chick crochet hat pattern. Make the cocoon in other colors without the hat to use this pattern all year round.