cocoons

I've been cranking out cocoons lately. My goal is to make all the cocoons I can make with these two skeins or until I get tired of making cocoons LOL. So far, I've made the ones pictured here plus one more pink which was already sent out. The pink is Bernat Baby Sport Tiny Tulips and the blue is Bernat Baby Sport Funny Prints.

These are going to two places - Heartstrings of Houma and God's Tiny Angels. 

Although I am using my own pattern, I wanted to mention that Heartstrings has a pattern for a preemie cocoon/sacque which uses a formula I thought was interesting. At first I was like ugh math so I went my own way, creating my own pattern. But then I went back to it and once I actually did the math, it wasn't difficult at all. Kaci has kindly allowed me to share the details here.

Basically you use the length of the baby. If you don't have a specific baby in mind, no worries. Babies come in all sizes. Your cocoon will fit someone. The figures come from that starting point. (See chart below)

The formula is Length divided by 3.14 to get the diameter of your cocoon bottom. You round up to a whole number so using the "if it's less than half go down, if it's more than half go up" you will essentially be using 3 diameters - 4, 5 and 6".

Here is the chart to refer to. Click to make it larger so you can actually read it.

I'll save you the trouble of doing the figuring, however.
For babies 11.8" to 13.8" diameter is 4". That is 23 to 27 weeks gestation.
For babies 14.4 to 16.7" diameter is 5", That is 28 to 32 weeks gestation.
For 17.2" it was 5.5"so I was flummoxed whether to go up or down. LOL
For 17.7 to 20.2" diameter is 6". That is 34 to 41 weeks gestation.

To determine length of cocoon (which determines how many rounds to do) you just subtract 2 from the listed length. In other words If the length is 15", you might make your cocoon 13"'.

Here it is in chart form:

These are just guidelines, of course. For the length, I would probably just get an approximate measure. I'm not going to try and get to 9.8 but if it's around 9 1/2" to 10" I'd call it good. My thought is that if it is too long, you can fold it over. If it's too short, the baby won't be fully covered.

Note that the cocoon at Heartstrings uses velcro. I don't put velcro on mine. My past experience with velcro and yarn has been less than successful, especially in the wash. That said, if you are interested in adding it, you might like to make a sample and give it a try.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

Recent Projects

On and off my hooks recently...

Cradle sets are for Bridget's Cradles and follow the patterns available to the volunteers. Yarn is I Love This Yarn Light Peach. I used a G hook.

Cradle sets - cradle, blanket and square

The cocoons are made with patterns I am designing. They are sized for a preemie and open so caregivers can get to the baby without removing them from the cocoon - at least that is the intent behind them. I'll find out soon if it will work as I am hoping.

I think the pink preemie cocoon was made with Bernat Baby yarn. I used a G hook. This one is going to God's Tiny Angels. 

Pink preemie cocoon with flap

Blue preemie cocoons are made with Loops and Thread Snuggly Wuggly Pale Blue. These are going to Heartstrings of Houma.

Blue preemie cocoon with flap closed

Blue preemie cocoon with flap open

I think the preemie hats were made with Knit Picks Brava Sport. The label was missing. I used a G hook.

Preemie hats in peach

The grey adult hats were made with Lion Brand Hometown USA Dallas Grey.
It's a super bulky (#6) yarn. I used a Susan Bates N hook. These are going to Bridge and Beyond.

adult size hat with super bulky yarn

I plan more of the same items plus squares as I get a chance and I'm hoping to make some shawls as well.

Right now I'm working on perfecting the write up of the cocoon pattern.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

cocoon

The squares are off as well as a couple of cradle sets which I forgot to take a picture of. oops.

Here's my latest work. It's a preemie cocoon and hat.

The pattern can be found here. I did change the edging to (ch 2, sl st, sk 1) to make a bit of a decorative edge. It's not fancy but just a bit of something extra.  I used a G hook.

My plan now is to make a few hats. A few years ago I made many little preemie hats. I'm going to look back at those patterns and see what I did then. I have much of this pink yarn - I think it may have been Bernat baby yarn.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie