Eyelet Coastal Cocoon Shrug: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Eyelet Coastal Cocoon Shrug is the perfect first garment for any crocheter who has mastered the basics and is ready for something wearable. It is made from one simple rectangle of half double crochet, folded and seamed at the sides, so there is no complicated shaping to worry about. Two large overlay evil-eye circles in chocolate and caramel give it a bold, tropical-inspired look, while the caramel shell-stitch border adds a soft, scalloped finish. Worked in bulky wool, it feels cozy and warm, drapes loosely over the shoulders, and layers easily over almost anything in your wardrobe.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Bulky weight (category 5) wool or wool-blend yarn, approximately 600 yards total: 500 yards chocolate brown (A) and 100 yards caramel (B). Sample used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% acrylic, 20% wool, 106 yards/170g) in Chocolate (A) and Caramel (B).
• Hook: 8 mm (US L-11) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, tape measure.
• Finished size: One size fits most adults. Width seam to seam: 28 inches (71 cm). Length shoulder to hem: 24 inches (61 cm). Sleeve opening circumference: 14 inches (36 cm).

Abbreviations

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• hdc – half double crochet
• dc – double crochet
• inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sl st – slip stitch
• MR – magic ring (adjustable loop)
• Rnd – round

Gauge

10 stitches and 10 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in half double crochet after blocking. Work a small swatch in hdc, block it lightly, and measure a 4-inch section to confirm your stitch count before starting the body.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your stitches at the end of every few rows of the body. The rectangle must stay at 69 hdc so the shrug hangs evenly.
• Keep your hdc tension relaxed. A tight fabric will make the cocoon stiff and reduce the drape.
• When you seam the sides, try the shrug on first (or pin it) to check the armhole and neck openings feel comfortable.
• Place both evil-eye motifs before sewing so you can adjust their position and keep them level with each other.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (A)

Row 1: Ch 71, hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across (69 hdc).

Row 2: Ch 2, turn, hdc in each st across (69 hdc).

Rows 3-60: Repeat Row 2 (69 hdc). Fasten off.

Evil Eye Motif (make 2)

Center (B): MR, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).

Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts). Fasten off B.

Iris (A): Join A to any st of Rnd 3.

Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).

Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts). Fasten off A.

Pupil (B): Join B to any st of Rnd 5.

Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts). Fasten off B.

Outer ring (A): Join A to any st of Rnd 6.

Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts). Fasten off A, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Fold the body in half widthwise with right sides together. Seam each side from the bottom edge up to 7 inches (18 cm) from the top, leaving the top 7 inches open for the armholes and the top center open for the neck. Use A and whipstitch or a sc seam. Turn right side out.

Position one evil-eye motif on each front panel, centered about 4 inches (10 cm) above the bottom edge and 3 inches (8 cm) from the side seam. Sew in place using the long tail and A.

Border (B)

Rnd 1: Join B at the bottom right corner. Sc evenly around the entire outer edge (neck, front edges, and bottom), working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around, adjusting to end with sc. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Sleeve Edging (B)

Rnd 1: Join B at the underarm seam. Sc evenly around the armhole (approx 30 sc). Join with sl st.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around. Join with sl st. Fasten off. Repeat for the other sleeve.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side, especially around the motifs and borders. Block lightly to the finished measurements: mist with water, pin to 28 inches wide and 24 inches long, and let dry completely. This opens up the hdc fabric and helps the shell border lie flat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the caramel for a bright turquoise or coral to make the evil-eye motifs pop against the chocolate body.
• Add a third evil-eye motif centered on the back panel for a bolder statement.
• For a lighter spring version, work the body in a cotton blend and shorten it by 6 rows for a cropped cocoon.