Being a baby is all fun and giggles. You don’t have to pay bills, someone else takes care of you, and you get to wear a sleeping bag as clothes! These free baby cocoon knitting patterns are popular choices for baby sleepwear and playwear as well as for adorable baby photoshoots.
You might know these baby cocoons by one of their other many names. Sometimes they are called sleep sacks, sleepers, buntings, or sleeping bags. The fact that they are called so many different things actually makes it more difficult to search for them. I’m happy to help with this struggle by providing a curated list of 25 of the cutest free baby cocoon knitting patterns that I could find!
So how do you knit a baby cocoon anyway? Well, there are two main types of pattern construction. You will find that many patterns are knit as a tube with a circular needle and then shaped at the bottom to close the tube off. Think of it like a hat knitting pattern with a few dozen extra rounds! The other common type of free baby cocoon knitting patterns starts out as a rectangle and then is folded and seamed or buttoned to form the classic cocoon shape.
If that sounds really easy, that’s because it is! I know that they can look intimidating, but even beginner knitters should have no problem tackling most of the free baby cocoon knitting patterns on this list. Just steer clear of the ones with complicated cablework and fancy lacework. And if you are super new to knitting, consider selecting a pattern that calls for a nice thick yarn like bulky or super bulky weight. This makes it so much easier to see your stitches and it makes the project go by more quickly as well.
Many of these patterns also include an adorable matching baby hat! So if you love making hats, these patterns are right up your alley.
Ok, enough chit chat for now. Let’s get down to business! Scroll down to see all of the beautiful baby cocoon knitting patterns that I found for you today.
Before we begin… let’s get Social!
I would love for you to come follow me on
Instagram (get sneak peeks of what’s coming up!)
My Facebook Page (come join the fun!)
Follow me on Pinterest (I pin tons of free patterns to my boards!)
Join my Facebook group (lots of awesome crochet talk there)
Also, you can find me on Ravelry or join my subscribers on YouTube.
25 Adorable and Free Baby Cocoon Knitting Patterns
1. Cottontail Bunny Cocoon and Hat
Let’s start the round-up off with a basic design that’s got a festive seasonal twist. This knitted baby cocoon pattern is knit in the round from the top down in stockinette stitch, and the matching hat is made very similarly. The real fun happens when you attach the fluffy cotton pom pom tail and the adorable bunny ears. What a cute idea for an Easter photo prop!
Designer: Julie Farmer for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Anne Geddes Baby Solids (Sport Weight #3)
_____________________
2. Strawberry Cocoon
Turn your little sweetie into a strawberry that’s as sweet as they are with this delightful Strawberry Cocoon. It’s knit flat using the seed stitch. The black seeds in the green parts of the cocoon are embroidered using french knots. The free knitting pattern includes instructions on how to do the french knots, so no worries if you’ve never done them before.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Colors (DK Weight #3)
_____________________
3. Stripey Sleepy Sack
Do you recognize the popular children’s book pictured here? You can dress the baby up as their favorite storybook character with this stunning Stripey Sleepy Sack. The pattern is knit in the round in alternating sections of stockinette and garter stitch using a self-striping yarn in shades of green.
Designer: Kailee Erlandsen
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
_____________________
4. Striped Baby Cocoon
If you prefer to have more control over your color changes and the width of your stripes, then the Striped Baby Cocoon is the free baby cocoon knitting pattern for you. It’s knit in the round in 3 colors (shamrock green, honeydew green, and icecream white – yum!) using a combination of stockinette and garter stitchwork.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Baby Cakes (Worsted Weight #4)
_____________________
5. Snuggly Bunny
Here’s the first one of our free baby cocoon knitting patterns that is worked flat. The design features a hood and sleeves for extra coziness. With seed stitch and gorgeous cable work you can create this stunning baby sleep sack. The best part is the button closure on the bottom which allows for quick access in case of nocturnal nappy changes.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine (DK Weight #3)
_____________________
6. Owlie Sleep Sack
The Owlie Sleep Sack presents a slightly less daunting pattern that only uses cablework for an accent round of owls around the top of the cocoon. The pattern is knit in the round with stockinette stitch. As you can see, there’s also a matching hat pattern. I love a good matching set for a cute photo opportunity.
Designer: Theresa Cole
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
_____________________
7. Snuggle Sack
A decorative band of fair isle colorwork along the bottom of this snuggle sack is the star of the show. The rest of the cocoon is knit in stockinette stitch along with seed stitch for the casing around the zipper. I think that the zipper really helps the design look more polished and finished, plus it makes it easier to dress the baby.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Alchemy: Yarns of Transformation Temple (Sport Weight #3)
_____________________
8. Cable Snooze
Can’t decide between cable work and lacework? You get both with the Cable Snooze snuggle sack along with a dash of textured double moss stitch. This is the perfect project for experienced knitters who are looking for free baby cocoon knitting patterns that are more challenging and engaging.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Merino Extra Fine (DK Weight #3)
_____________________
9. Swaddle Sack and Acorn Cap
How cute would this acorn themed cocoon and cap be for a woodland themed photo shoot? As far as themed baby cocoon knitting patterns go, this one has got to be one of the easiest. You can knit it using stockinette stitch in the round from the top down. That means no purl stitches for you – yay!
Designer: Bright Family Farm
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Eco (Bulky Weight #5)
_____________________
10. Dreamy Bluebell
Beginner knitters this one’s for you! If you haven’t quite mastered working in the round and the thought of knitting a bunch of purl stitches makes you break out in hives, then you are going to love the Dreamy Bluebell cocoon design. The pattern is knit using garter stitch in rows. There’s no purl stitches and no shaping.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Alpaca (Sport Weight #3)
_____________________
11. Zodiac
A plain baby cocoon is just begging for some personalization – like the zodiac symbol on this adorable baby sleeper. The A-line design is close fitting at the top and looser at the bottom to leave plenty of room for toe wiggles. There’s also a very convenient zipper at the bottom of the sack that gives handy access for diaper changes.
Designer: Jacquelyn Jefferies for Knitty
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton (Worsted) (Aran Weight #4)
_____________________
12. Buttonless Baby Sleeper
Make your life a little easier with the Buttonless Baby Sleeper. It has an attached pacifier holder and “buttons” at the bottom for convenient diaper change access. The best part is that the pattern uses bobble stitches instead of actual buttons, so you don’t have to worry about potential choking hazards. The pattern calls for stockinette stitch with some seed stitch accents.
Designer: Helen Rose
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater Worsted (Worsted Weight #4)
_____________________
13. Joy Newborn Set
The Joy Newborn Set is knit flat using 3 different kinds of cables – hugs and kisses, hearts, and upside down hearts. The varied textures really help bring this monochrome design to life, don’t you think? The pattern also features holes for carseat straps and harnesses so the baby can wear this sleeper sack in the car seat.
Designer: Warmlinx
Yarn: Caron One Pound (Aran Weight #4)
_____________________
14. Sleep Sack
Soft and thick plush yarn makes this cute sleep sack a super quick knit. The pattern calls for garter, stockinette, and 1×1 rib stitch patterns. Everything is worked flat in back and forth rows and then seamed. I love the accent color on the wrists and hood and I really love the attractive wooden buttons.
Designer: Premier Yarns Design Team
Yarn: Premier Yarns Hush (Bulky Weight #5)
_____________________
15. Baby Snuggle Wrap
Here’s a baby cocoon knitting pattern that is worked flat in rows that you don’t have to seam. This Baby Snuggle Wrap is designed to be swaddled around the baby and there’s two different ways to fold it. This makes it a little easier to bundle up the baby and it also allows the wrap to grow with the baby. The pattern is knit in stockinette with moss stitch edging.
Designer: Stitch Me Softly
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Chunky (Super Bulky Yarn #6)
_____________________
16. Petite Angeline
If your little angel just couldn’t wait to meet you, then you are probably in the market for a free baby knitting pattern in preemie size. You’re in luck with the Petite Angeline pattern! It is knit flat with knit and purl stitches. Of course, the literal star of the show is the star tassel on the top of the hood!
Designer: Alba Nature
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
_____________________
17. Garden Cocoon
Basic stitches and straightforward construction make this pattern very beginner friendly. It also helps that the pattern calls for a nice and thick super bulky weight yarn, because it really makes your stitches easy to see. The pea pod style is knit in stockinette stitch in the round. You know what that means – no purl stitches!
Designer: Melody’s Makings
Yarn: Loops & Threads Cozy Wool (Super Bulky Yarn #6)
_____________________
18. Candy Corn Cocoon and Cap
This Candy Corn Cocoon is an absolute must for a new October baby. What better way could there be to celebrate their birth and the Halloween holiday all in one go? The easy knitting pattern is worked flat in stockinette stitch and then seamed at the end to form the classic cocoon shape.
Designer: Cathy Payson
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Solids (Worsted Weight Yarn #4)
_____________________
19. Petite Pep Squad Cocoon
Even the smallest of fans can get in on the sports team fun with the Petite Pep Squad Cocoon. The pattern uses a self striping yarn that’s available in an array of color combinations designed after popular sports team colors. You’ll be knitting in the round for this one and using a 4×2 rib stitch pattern.
Designer: Kim Kotary
Yarn: Red Heart Team Spirit (Aran Weight #4)
_____________________
20. Baby Sleep Sack
The cozy cables on this Baby Sleep Sack really catch the eye. Look at it a little longer and you’re also sure to notice the heart shaped drawstring ties and the wide folded brim. It’s little details like this that are sure to make this baby cocoon an instant classic. The pattern is worked flat in stockinette, cable, and rib stitch patterns. Scroll down for the English translation.
Designer: Schachenmayr
Yarn: Schachenmayr Baby Wool (Fingering Weight #1)
_____________________
21. Knit Baby Bunting Bag
Lightly fuzzy flannel yarn makes this Knit Baby Bunting Bag extra soft and snuggly. Beginner knitters are sure to appreciate the bulky weight yarn and the straightforward pattern construction. The pattern is knit flat from the hood down to the toes using just knit and purl stitches.
Designer: Bernat Design Studio
Yarn: Bernat Baby Marly (Bulky Weight #5)
_____________________
22. Fisherman’s Baby Envelope
Let’s get a little fancy with fisherman’s rib stitch in the Fisherman’s Baby Envelope. This design features decorative button up sides as well as colorful buttons on the hood. The construction is quite basic as it begins as a simple rectangle. That leaves you free to focus on the stitchwork, which is a bit more advanced.
Designer: Purple Needle
Yarn: (Worsted Weight #4)
_____________________
23. Cabled Baby Bunting
The baby is sure to be as snug as a bug in a rug with this beautiful Cabled Baby Bunting shown here in soft baby blue. The design features a ribbed hood complete with tassel and decorative cable work along the front. It’s clear to see that this baby couldn’t be cozier! What a cute and classic addition to our list of free baby cocoon knitting patterns.
Designer: Nancy J. Thomas for Red Heart
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Essentials Baby (Worsted Weight #4)
_____________________
24. Hazelnut Bunting Bag
Brown is anything but boring in the lovely Hazelnut Bunting Bag. The pattern is worked flat from the bottom up and it keeps things interesting with sections of seed stitch and garter stitch. The pattern includes instructions for an optional seat belt hole to make it easy to bundle up the baby and buckle him into his carseat.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Snow (Super Bulky Weight #6)
_____________________
25. Clownfish Baby Slumber Sack
This Clownfish Baby Slumber Sack reminds me of a certain popular kids movie that takes place in the ocean. You know the one I’m talking about! The unique design and bright color scheme are sure to impress. Featuring a ¾ zipper, this pattern is knit all in one piece using easy peasy stockinette stitch.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
_____________________
It would be way too hard to pick just one of these fabulous and free baby cocoon knitting patterns to make, so I really hope that one of my friends has some exciting news in the near future! Which of these patterns caught your eye? Or maybe you found a great baby bunting pattern that isn’t on this list? Either way you better tell me all about it in the comments below!
Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting pattern round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns.
I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
