Cocoon sweaters are a fashionable item, popular for their comfort and versatility, and are considered a trend in contemporary knitwear. They are often seen in stylish looks due to their unique, loose, and rounded shape, which can be layered over other clothing items and worn in multiple ways.
Cocoon sweaters fit into broader knitwear trends that include other evolving cardigan styles and are embraced by various fashion demographics. But there’s a deep cultural story that lies behind the now trendy cocoon sweaters, made from crocheted blankets.
The culture surrounding women and crocheted blankets is deeply tied to community, creativity, and heritage. Historically, it was a way for women to express creativity and a means of producing useful and beautiful items, sometimes out of necessity. Today, crocheted blankets are celebrated for their connection to the past, serving as heirlooms, but also for fostering modern creation.
Now designers have given rise to upcycled designs like the crocheted cocoon sweaters. Seasoned Designers such as Nichole Moss, founder of Renewed by NM are preserving the culture by upcycling the intricately designed vintage crocheted blankets into elegant cocoon sweaters.
“Discover timeless warmth and love woven into every stitch with our cocoon sweaters collection. Each piece is crafted from one-of-a-kind vintage hand-crocheted blankets, lovingly knitted by moms and grandmas of generations past. Some call it upcycling, I call it Renew by NM,” this is how Nichole passionately describes her collection and brand.
A cocoon sweater is an oversized, loosely-fitting sweater that resembles a cocoon, with a circular or rounded shape. These sweaters are designed for a relaxed, “cuddly,” and comfortable feel and can be layered to create effortless and stylish looks.
“Our elegant cocoon sweater jackets breathe new life into cherished memories, preserving the tradition of handmade craftsmanship. Treat yourself to your new forever favourite that celebrates the bond of family and the beauty of handcrafted artistry. So you can always be wrapped in a mother’s love,” says Nichole.
The vintage crocheted blanket cocoon sweaters are generally sustainable because they extend the life of existing garments and divert them from landfills. They are a form of upcycling, which is more sustainable than buying new, as it avoids the resources and waste associated with new production.
The sustainability of the original material is also a key factor; natural fibers like wool or cotton are renewable and biodegradable, unlike synthetic yarns that can shed microplastics.
“Using vintage hand-crocheted blankets to make cocoon sweaters is a way to upcycle, create a unique garment, and achieve a cozy, retro style. This method is popular because it gives new life to old blankets, allowing for creativity with existing patterns, and results in a warm, one-of-a-kind garment with a unique, handcrafted feel. Nothing is old, nothing is new, it is just a matter of your point of view,” she says.
Drawing from her background in apparel production, Nichole designs ageless, sustainable, and gorgeous cocoon sweaters. Nichole recently collaborated with NSF, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand that offers relaxed, luxury womenswear with an LA-inspired, vintage aesthetic.
“Strolling through Erewhon Market in Los Angeles, I serendipitously met Nick, the CEO and Creative Director of the well-known brand NSF Clothing. Known for their artisanal denim, and luxury separates with California cool vibes. Nick spotted my cocoon sweater, and upon learning about my admiration for NSF, he suggested a collaboration for a capsule collection, resulting in the first drop. The collection was a huge success, selling out in just 24 hours. I am eternally thankful to Nick and Kimberly for wholeheartedly believing in and supporting the vision. Stay tuned for the second capsule drop,” she says.
