Daisy Chain Cocoon Cardigan: A Boho Meadow Wrap You'll Love to Knit

Imagine wrapping yourself in a cloud of meadow charm—that's exactly what you'll experience with the Daisy Chain Cocoon Cardigan. This open-front, oversized wrap features delicate daisy intarsia blooms scattered across a soft ivory backdrop, creating a piece that's equal parts cozy and artistic. Whether you're sipping tea on a spring evening or taking an autumn stroll, this cardigan is the ultimate layering companion. With its relaxed silhouette, drop sleeves, and airy lace details, this free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters ready to try their hand at intarsia—or adventurous beginners looking for a rewarding challenge.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to create this stunning boho wrap, from gathering materials to the final blocking. Let's dive in!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

This isn't just any cardigan—it's a statement piece. The daisy motif adds a handcrafted, meadow-inspired touch that store-bought knits simply can't replicate. The cocoon shape is universally flattering and forgiving, making it a joy to wear. Plus, the combination of lace and stockinette stitches keeps the knitting interesting without being overwhelming. You'll end up with a textured, drapey garment that feels like a warm hug every time you put it on.

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather these supplies. Having everything ready will make your knitting session smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton-wool blend in Ivory—approx. 1200 (1350, 1500) yards
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Buttercup Yellow—approx. 200 (225, 250) yards
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Sage Green—approx. 200 (225, 250) yards

Pro tip: The cotton-wool blend gives the cardigan a soft, slightly fuzzy halo that enhances the boho aesthetic. If you substitute yarn, choose something with similar drape and stitch definition.

Needles & Notions

• US 8 (5 mm) circular needles, 32-inch or longer (for the body)
• Stitch markers (at least 6)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Always knit a gauge swatch first—it's the secret to a perfectly sized cardigan!

Sizes & Measurements

This pattern includes three sizes to fit most body types. Here's what you'll be working toward:

• S/M: Finished bust 50 inches, length 24 inches
• L/XL: Finished bust 56 inches, length 26 inches
• 2XL/3XL: Finished bust 62 inches, length 28 inches

The oversized cocoon silhouette means you'll have plenty of room to layer underneath—perfect for those chilly mornings.

Abbreviations You'll Need

Familiarize yourself with these standard knitting abbreviations before you start:

• k: knit
• p: purl
• k2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• yo: yarn over (increase)
• pm: place marker
• sm: slip marker
• MC: main color (Ivory)
• CC1: contrast color 1 (Buttercup Yellow)
• CC2: contrast color 2 (Sage Green)

Pattern Notes Before You Begin

This cardigan is worked flat in one piece from the bottom up, then seamed at the shoulders and sides. The daisy motifs use intarsia, which means you'll work with separate balls of yarn for each color block. Here are a few key tips:

• Twist yarns at color changes to avoid holes in your work.
• The body features a simple lace stitch at the hem for airy texture, transitioning to smooth stockinette for the main body.
• Take your time with the intarsia—it's easier than it looks, and the results are stunning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let's get knitting! Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful cardigan in no time.

Body (Worked Flat)

Cast on: With MC, cast on 180 (200, 220) stitches.

Lace Hem Pattern:

• Row 1 (RS): k2, *yo, k2tog, repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2.
• Row 2 (WS): p all stitches.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This creates a delicate, airy hem that adds to the boho vibe.

Transition to Stockinette: Switch to stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) and work even for 2 inches.

Placing the Daisy Motifs

Now it's time to add the star of the show—the daisies! Use stitch markers to divide your work into sections:

• Left Front: 45 (50, 55) stitches
• Back: 90 (100, 110) stitches
• Right Front: 45 (50, 55) stitches

Place one daisy motif on each front panel, centered between the armhole and center front edge. Work the motifs as you continue in stockinette, keeping the rest of the stitches in MC.

Daisy Motif Chart (worked over 20 stitches and 24 rows)

Here's the intarsia chart for each daisy. Remember to twist yarns at color changes to prevent gaps.

• Rows 1-4: Work in MC.
• Row 5: With CC1, k5, then with MC k10, with CC1 k5.
• Row 6: With CC1, p5, with MC p10, with CC1 p5.
• Row 7: With CC1, k5, with MC k2, with CC2 k6 (for leaf), with MC k2, with CC1 k5.
• Row 8: With CC1, p5, with MC p2, with CC2 p6, with MC p2, with CC1 p5.
• Row 9: With CC1, k5, with MC k2, with CC2 k2, with CC1 k6 (for center), with CC2 k2, with MC k2, with CC1 k5.
• Row 10: With CC1, p5, with MC p2, with CC2 p2, with CC1 p6, with CC2 p2, with MC p2, with CC1 p5.
• Row 11: With CC1, k5, with MC k2, with CC2 k2, with CC1 k6, with CC2 k2, with MC k2, with CC1 k5.
• Row 12: With CC1, p5, with MC p2, with CC2 p2, with CC1 p6, with CC2 p2, with MC p2, with CC1 p5.
• Row 13: With CC1, k5, with MC k2, with CC2 k6, with MC k2, with CC1 k5.
• Row 14: With CC1, p5, with MC p2, with CC2 p6, with MC p2, with CC1 p5.
• Row 15: With CC1, k5, with MC k10, with CC1 k5.
• Rows 16-24: Work in MC.

Tip: Use separate small balls or bobbins for each color section to keep your yarn untangled. It's a game-changer for intarsia!

After completing the motifs, continue in stockinette stitch until the piece measures 16 (17, 18) inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row.

Shaping the Armholes

Now we'll separate the work for the armholes and fronts.

Next row (RS): Work 40 (45, 50) sts for Left Front, bind off 10 sts for armhole, work 80 (90, 100) sts for Back, bind off 10 sts for armhole, work 40 (45, 50) sts for Right Front.

You'll now work each section separately. Keep the other stitches on holders or spare needles.

Left Front

• Continue in stockinette, decreasing 1 st at the armhole edge every RS row 3 times: you'll have 37 (42, 47) sts.
• Work even until the armhole measures 8 (9, 10) inches, ending at the armhole edge.
• Shape neck: At the neck edge (center front), bind off 10 (12, 14) sts, then decrease 1 st at the neck edge every RS row 4 times: 23 (26, 29) sts remain.
• Work even until the armhole measures 9 (10, 11) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Back

• Continue in stockinette, decreasing 1 st at each armhole edge every RS row 3 times: 74 (84, 94) sts.
• Work even until the armhole measures 9 (10, 11) inches. Bind off all stitches.

Right Front

• Work as for Left Front, reversing the shaping (mirror image).

Sleeves (Make 2)

These wide, relaxed sleeves are the perfect finishing touch.

• Cast on: 40 (44, 48) sts with MC.
• Work in the lace pattern (as the body hem) for 2 inches, ending with a WS row.
• Switch to stockinette stitch. Increase 1 st at each edge every 6th row until you have 60 (66, 72) sts.
• Work even until the sleeve measures 18 (19, 20) inches from the cast-on. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now it's time to assemble your masterpiece.

Seaming

• Sew the shoulder seams.
• Set in the sleeves, easing them to fit the armholes. The drop-shoulder style makes this forgiving.
• Sew the side and sleeve seams.
• Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.

Edging

This clean garter stitch border frames the cardigan beautifully.

• With RS facing, pick up and knit stitches evenly along the entire front opening and neckline.
• Work 4 rows of garter stitch (knit every row).
• Bind off loosely to maintain stretch.

Blocking

Don't skip this step—it makes all the difference!

• Pin the cardigan to the specified measurements on a blocking mat.
• Steam lightly to open up the lace pattern and even out the intarsia.
• Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You've just created a stunning Daisy Chain Cocoon Cardigan that's sure to become a wardrobe favorite. The combination of delicate lace, cheerful daisies, and the cozy cocoon shape makes this a truly special piece. Whether you keep it for yourself or gift it to a loved one, this cardigan is a testament to the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.

I'd love to see your finished cardigan! Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #DaisyChainCardigan and tag me so I can admire your work. Happy knitting, and may your days be filled with meadow charm and cozy stitches!