10 Cozy Shrug and Cocoon Knitting Patterns

In this post, I’ve rounded up 10 very cozy knitting projects to take you into fall and winter. I’m talking about shrugs and cocoons and how these items differ from regular sweaters.

What is a shrug sweater?

Shrugs and cocoons are both sweaters and, in fact, they are both cardigans because they open in the front.

Shrugs are usually fit close to the body any may have a rounded bolero shape. Shrugs may have sleeves or can be sleeveless.

I like to think of cocoons as larger cuddlier version of shrugs. They tend to be oversized and may or may not have sleeves. Cocoons are like large cuddly shrugs you want to wrap up in. They tend to have a very relaxed fit. I like to think of them as a big hug.

Whether you are in the mood for shrugs or cocoons, I think you’ll find a project you’ll love to knit.

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10 Cocoon and Shrug Patterns to Knit

Santa Fe Shrug Knitting Pattern

#1. Santa Fe Shrug Knitting Pattern

Santa Fe is worked seamlessly from the top down. First the right half of the lace patterned collar/front/upper back piece is worked from the center of the back. These stitches are placed on hold to work the left half of the lace patterned collar/front/upper back piece from the initial cast on to the same length. Then stitches are picked up from the long edge of the collar/front/upper back to work the lower part of the back in Stockinette stitch to armhole depth.

Both collar/front pieces and the lower back are then joined to work the lower body part in one piece. A deep 1x1 Rib finishes the body. If desired stitches for sleeve cuffs are then picked up around the armholes to work the cuffs in 1x1 Rib top down.

Uses sport weight yarn

Designed by Isabell Kraemer

Loops Shrug Knitting Pattern

#2. Loops Shrug Knitting Pattern

Loops is the one accessory you have been waiting for: Simple to knit, interesting to look at due to the use of your two favorite colors, and endless possibilities to wear! Fold it lengthwise and pull one end through one of the loops, and you will have a scarf that doesn’t come off. Put the loops on top of each other with a twist, and you will have a cozy pretty cowl.

Put your arms through the loops, and you can wear it as a vest. Place the loops on top of each other and pull it over your head to wear it as an attractive capelet. “Loops” is made out of two skeins of a lovely alpaca yarn that will keep you warm and cozy. The knitting itself is simple and in one piece (no seaming), and instructional videos guide you through the provisional cast-on and joining parts.

The very idea of this design is that it can be worn in multiple ways, as a scarf, as a vest/shrug and as a capelet or cowl, so more than one category applies.

Uses DK weight yarn

Designed by Martina Behm

Chateau Cocoon Knitting Pattern with Cable Detail

#3. Chateau Cocoon Knitting Pattern

Bulky yarn is knit on large needles, to make this cocoon warm and still elegant. Large, statement cables and sleeves with cable accents add to the drama of this piece.

Once the garment is finished, there is no real “top”, or “bottom”, so how you wear your cables is up to you!

Uses bulky weight yarn

Designed by Melissa Schaschwary

Maeve Cardigan Shrug Knitting Pattern

#4. Maeve Cardigan Shrug Knitting Pattern

This seamless shrug is knitted from side to side for the sleeves and back. Then stitches are picked up and the remainder of the project is knitted in the round.

Uses worsted weight yarn

Designed by Carrie Bostick Hoge

Bumhugger Oversized Bolero Cocoon Knitting Pattern

#5. The Bumhugger Bolero Knitting Pattern

Chunky, oversided, slouchy… bumhugging bolero is perfect for the tight lover and pant hater in us all. Perfect to slip on when it gets nippy, or to lounge in during the your next epic netflix, knit and chill night.

SKILLS: This is beginner pattern. Meaning if you can cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, bind off and seam - this pattern is for you!

Uses super bulky weight yarn

Designed by Knitatude / Chantal Miyagishima

Rowchoish Shrug Knitting Pattern

#6. Rowchoish Shrug Kntting Pattern

This slouchy yet structured wrap-igan is formed by fitting a long rectangle comfortably around the body. A long panelled piece is knitted following a rhythmic cable and bobble pattern, from which stitches are then picked up and knitted downward to form the lower back. When back and fronts are joined together with 2x2 rib, a pair of armscyes are formed, which complete the wrap. Worn open or closed with a statement pin, this is a simple yet effortlessly stylish piece.

Uses bulky weight yarn

Created by Kate Davies Designs

Elle Cocoon Knitting Pattern

#7. Elle Cocoon Knitting Pattern

Elle is a shrug shaped with ribs and ripples. It can be worn with either a large collar and waist length or a small collar and hip length.

Uses sport weight yarn

Designed by Claudia Eisenkolb

Flicorian Two-way wear shrug knitting pattern

#8. Flicorian Shrug Knitting Pattern

FLICORIAN is an oversized, seamless, top-down, open front cardigan with a little twist. Dropped shoulder construction as the textural pattern used in the garment, big amount of positive ease and A – silhouette achieved by effortless body shaping offer not only the pleasurable knitting time, but also the variety of wearing possibilities. All you need to do is to wear the cardigan bottom up and the long jacket transforms into cropped shrug / bolero with overlapping fronts. Lace transition between the tuck stitch ribbing and stockinette stitch, featured in the bottom body, adds a bit of romantic look and creates an elegant collar lines when worn upside down.

Cardigan is worked from top down. Upper shoulders are worked separately and flat. Once the upper back is completed, stitches for fronts are picked up and worked separately, one by one, till the bottom of the armhole. Then all pieces are joined together and the rest of the body is worked as one piece with subtle body shaping, finished with stockinette hem. Simple and narrow stockinette stitch sleeves are worked as last and in the round.

Uses fingering weight yarn

Designed by Asja Janeczek

Super Simple Shrug FREE Knitting Pattern

#9. Super Simple Shrug Free Knitting Pattern

You can choose to do 3/4 length sleeves as I did or longer. It’s an easy pattern to make fit your body.

Uses aran weight yarn

Designed by Marni Reecer

Nouveau Shrug Knitting Pattern

#10. Nouveau Shrug Knitting Pattern

This is an adorable shrug with a pretty lace pattern. This shrug is a simple shape created with an easy Lace stitch pattern for the body, and an interesting stockinette stitch collar and edging which is created simply by using two different needle sizes. The effect is an elegant piece that would dress up any outfit for an evening on the town and yet work well in an office.

Uses DK weight yarn

Designed by Yumiko Alexander

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10 Elegant Cocoon Shrug Knitting Patterns
sweater patterns, knitting patterns, knitting ideasNancy Queen1 Comment