Saturday 16 April 2016

BABY COCOON 2


BABY COCOON # 2

I’d just made my first baby cocoon for a baby photo shoot, and I was asked for another one.. so rather than do the same pattern, I thought I’d figure something a little different.  As cocoons go, there isn’t very much one can do if one wants a simple basket like one (i.e unlike a mermaid tail or shark fin which I just made recently I mean).  So yet again, thanks for coming along with me on my creative journey. 

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This cocoon was made for +Neha Jiwarajka  who does some absolutely stunning photography and is awesome with babies, just fyi.  Check her page at www.nehabrackstone.com and she's on facebook too at https://www.facebook.com/NehaBrackstonePhotography/

Materials used : Today I’ve used nearly 2 balls of the lovely Bernat baby Softee chunky yarn,  with a 6.5 mm crochet hook
For Indians : I’d suggest using 2 – 3 strands of our lovely Indian Vardhaman Millenium yarn held together to get this thickness

Abbreviations used :
ch : chain                         ch-sp : chain space
sp : space                         rep : Repeat
sk : skip.                           sl-st : Slip stitch
hk : hook                           yo : yarn over
hdc : Half Double crochet                                   
fsc : Foundation single crochet                                   
dc : Double crochet

Stitches used : Using US terminology
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw 

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

Magic circle : To refresh your skill, please view this easy video https://youtu.be/ISC39yOqWro

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M

Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ; 
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made.  
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8 

Double Crochet : dc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk);
[yo, draw through 2 lps] twice.  One dc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/xdnjB27zpYo

Chainless start for Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 / ch – 3 start, and this is what I do to start my row of dc.
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/wskv3iTjRx0

How to change colors seamlessly : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to change from the Main color to the Contrast or second color of yarn seamlessly.  View it at https://youtu.be/fRzSBja9jno 

How to carry your yarn when using two colors : Here’s an easy video tutorial to show you how to carry your yarn along when working with two colours.  

Whipstitch to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the whipstitch at https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the embroidery needle and whipstitch to get an invisible join at https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the single crochet at https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI


Instruction information
Please note that I start all my rounds with a ch 1 turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for a video tutorial on all the stitches needed to make this full project.

Baby blanket(+ other) sizing chart : https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279837764553/

We start our little circular cocoon at the cente bottom and work our way in rounds.  You could work in rounds, if you do not want the end (joint) line marring the effect of the baby photographs.  However, as it is difficult to gauge where the end is, there are two options
1.       Keep a marker at the end of each round, moving it up each round so that you know just which round you’re at
2.     Do a sl-st at the end of each round
Now for convenience, I am going to write it like we’re doing a sl-st at the end of each round.

Start : Round 1 : with a magic circle and 8 sc in that circle.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st sc. (8 sts)

Right off the bat, I’m offering you yet another option.  
Depending on the thickness of your yarn , you can use either an sc or a hdc in each stitch henceforth. 

I am going to be using only the back loops of the stitches from this row on.  I think this will look lovely.
Working in the back loops is a little difficult, so for beginners who can easily work this cocoon pattern, I’m going to write the instructions as if we’re working full stitches.

That said, using the full stitch, instead of just back loops, will not change the pattern in any way.. so your choice for your own creativity. 

Round 2 : 2 hdc in the 1st sc and in each sc till the end.  Join with a sl-st to the 1st sc.

Round 3 : hdc in the 1st hdc ; 
(ch 1, hdc in the next hdc) ; 
rep (to) till the end.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc.

Round 4 :  hdc in the 1st hdc ; hdc in the 1st ch-1 sp ; 
*ch 1, hdc in the next hdc ; hdc in the next ch-1 sp* ; 
rep *to* all around till the last hdc ; 
ch 1, join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. 

Round 5 : :  hdc in the 1st 2 hdc ; hdc in the 1st ch-1 sp ; 
*ch 1, hdc in the next 2 hdc ; hdc in the next ch-1 sp* ; 
rep *to* all around till the last hdc ; 
ch 1, join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. 

Round 6 : hdc in the 1st 3 hdc ; 
*hdc in the next ch-1 sp ; hdc in the next 3 hdc* ; 
rep *to* all around till the last hdc and ch-1 sp.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. 

Round 7 : hdc in the 1st hdc and in each hdc till end.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc.

Round 8 : hdc in the 1st 4 hdc ; 
*hdc in the next ch-1 sp ; hdc in the next 4 hdc* ; 
rep *to* all around till the last hdc and ch-1 sp.  
Join with a sl-st to the 1st hdc. 

Round 9 : Rep Round 7. 

I am sure you’ve figured out our pattern here. We’re slowly increasing every alternate round (with the ch-1 sps) and then working a hdc into those ch-1 sps in the following round.
So continue rep of Rounds 8 and 9 till the diameter of this base is the one that you want for your project.

Once you are happy with this base diameter, we will work the sides of our little cocoon.

Now assuming that you are happy with the size of your cocoon at Round 9, I am going to continue instructions for the following round.

Round 10 - 15 : Rep Round 7. 

In these five rounds, without increase, you will find that our little cocoon is now growing upwards, and you ‘magically’ have sides to your little project.  If you feel you want it higher, then continue rep Round 7 till you are happy with the size of the cocoon.

Fasten off and weave in ends.  I think we’ve made a cute, different little cocoon and your little baby is going to be warm and comfy in this creation. Kudos.


And that’s done.. yet another project brilliantly executed ! 

Enjoyed this ?? I sure did..come back right here for more freebie patterns

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I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

Here's my first simple baby cocoon 


Enjoyed this ?? I sure did.. come back right here for more freebie patterns

If you're visiting me here for the first time, and have liked the experience, do add me to your mailing list (for your convenience) , and all my future free patterns will come straight to your mail box.  

I’d appreciate if you could credit my blog (and link the original pattern link) when you make your own creation.  Thanks.

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Have a great day and see you soon. 

Here are some of my older blanket / granny square and motif creations.