more cocoons

I wasn't going to do another cocoon post as I'm sure you're tired of them, but I decided to give all the details in one spot.

These were made using the same preemie pattern. It has a flap so it can be opened and the nurses can get to the baby while still keeping him or her mostly covered. 

I have not had occasion to try these on an actual baby but the feedback has been positive. If you're a nurse or someone who handles preemies, feel free to holler out with opinions.

For these, I used Bernat Baby Sport (#3) with a G hook. The skeins are 8.5 oz (240g), 892 yards (816m). 100% acrylic. I was able to get 6 cocoons out of each skein with a smallish ball leftover. The colorways are Tiny Tulips (pink) and Funny Prints (blue). 

The methodology of creating the flap is fairly simple. You go into the front loop only on a few stitches, then when you get back to that spot you stitch into the back loop only for those few stitches. From there on, you turn your work each round.

Here is the pattern:

Preemie Cocoon with flap  
©July 2017 Sandra Petit, http://www.crochetcabana.com
Materials: G hook, DK or sport weight yarn (Bernat Baby Sport is used in the sample)
Note: If you prefer, you can start each round with a ch-3. It won’t change the pattern.

Size: Working to 25 rounds, with a G hook and sport yarn, gave me a cocoon about 10 1/2" tall. If you need a taller cocoon, work more rounds. The bottom is 4-5" diameter.
Special stitch: 
standing dc (join with a dc) for this pattern only: place slip stitch on hook, hold yarn tail firmly in right hand, with working yarn, yarn over twice, insert hook in specified stitch and complete a dc as normal. (Some choose not to put the slip stitch on hook, but that’s how I do it)

Instructions:
Make a magic circle (or ch 4 and join with a sl st to make a ring)

Round 1: ch 1 (ch-1 does not count as a stitch here and throughout), work 12 dc in the center ring, join with a slip stitch to first dc (not the chain). You can pull your ring a bit tighter now if you're using the adjustable ring. That will almost close your hole. (12 dc)

Round 2: ch 1, work 2 dc in same stitch, then work 2 dc in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch to first dc (24 dc)

Round 3: ch 1, dc in same stitch, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next st) around, join with a sl st to first dc (36 dc) 

Round 4: ch 1, dc in same stitch, dc in each of next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch  *dc in each of next 5 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, repeat from * around, join with a slip stitch to first dc (6 increases - 42 dc)

Round 5: ch 1, dc in same stitch, dc in each of next 5 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch *dc in each of next 6 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, repeat from * around, join with a slip stitch to first dc. (48 dc)

Round 6 - 10: ch 1, dc in same stitch and in each stitch around. On last dc, pull yarn through and use the invisible finish off to close round. Place a stitch marker around post of this stitch. This is front side. (Alternately you can join with a slip stitch to first dc and finish off.) (48 dc)

Note: If you want a shorter flap, just work to 15 rounds and then continue with Round 11. This pattern stops at Round 25, but if you want a longer cocoon just make more rounds.

Count 21 stitches from where you ended Round 10 (or your Round 15 if you’re making a short flap)
Do not count the stitch where you joined the round.  
Place a stitch marker in stitch 21 to mark the spot.

Round 11:  In stitch 22 make a standing dc in front loop only.  Dc in each of the next 4 stitches in front loop only, dc in each remaining stitch around going through both loops. 

When you get to the beginning where you worked the front loop stitches, do not join. 

Working behind the next stitches, in the free loops (BACK loops only), make one dc in each of the next 5 stitches. This will put those stitches behind the stitches made in the front loop. This will be one side of your flap. From here on out, you will be turning each round. 

Round 12: ch 3, turn, DC in each stitch around. Make sure you don't catch the stitches below as this will close it up. Also don’t miss the standing stitch. (53 dc)

Round 13 - 25: ch 3, turn, dc in each dc around.  Finish off. (53 dc)

Edging:  With right side facing, starting at lower edge of the left flap, join yarn with a sc. SC in each row along the side. Then sc around the top, then down the inner right flap. Finish off.

Sew all tails in.

Pattern can also be found in my Ravelry shop for free if you want to put it in your library.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie