Baby Cocoon Tutorial

www.junifoto.com

Lately, I have been benefiting from many fabulous crafty tutorials. I figured I'd give back and share my crochet baby cocoon tutorial. These cocoons/pea pods, whatever you call it are very popular photography props for new born photographers, and a great shower gift for funky moms who want a unique photo of their newborn. My talented friend Kristen captured this photo of her baby Junah in one of my cocoons.

Materials:
K Hook
Homespun - Earth

The cocoon is worked in one long oval, starting with a chain. The rounds are worked continuously, without joining. You increase (3dc in one st) one at each end as you work around the piece. You increase in the middle increase dc stitch of the previous row. You can mark the middle stitch or just look for it when you get to that point. You can also just do the increase at any point on the end. Homespun is very forgiving :)

• Ch 24 (Just over 10 inches)
• Dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each chain to end.
• Dc 3 additional dc in the last chain. (you may want to mark the middle stitch, this is where you will increase again)
• Continue down the other side of the chain, and dc in the opposite side of the chain in each stitch.
• When you reach the end, 3 dc in the space of the turning chain, (if you choose, mark this st) and continue down the opposite side again, dc in each dc.
• When you reach the 3 dc increase, 3 dc increase in the middle stitch of previous row, a
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  nd continue to dc down the side.
• Continue in this pattern until you have about three rows of increases, or until the piece measures almost 14 inches long. (without pulling) Now, continue to dc around, not increasing at the ends. Continue to dc around, for approximately 6 more rows or until piece measures 6.5 inches high.
• With a little tighter tension, sc one row around the top. Sc decrease 2 together, two times in this row. Make the decreases one on each side equally spaced from the ends. Join with sl st in top of sc. Knot to fasten off and weave in ends.

For you visual learners, here's a graph, with the increases indicated in red:

Following this size, it fit an average size newborn. You want the baby to be kinda tucked up inside and it's cute when little toes or fingers poke through. I'd be happy to answer any questions :)

If you like and use my free patterns please thank me by subscribing to my youtube channel and following my blog.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CarmenBeeCrochet?feature=mhee
http://carmenbeeblog.blogspot.com/

*Note: This item is meant only for a photography prop, babies are not meant to be left unattended in cocoon, nor is it to be used for any other purpose.

This pattern is intended for your personal use. This is my personal pattern, permission is not given to sell the pattern, or the items you make. Please credit my blog in re-posting this pattern. Thank you and enjoy!