DIY cocoon cardigan

I've been seeing cocoon coats and cardigans a lot over the past few years, and I've always been a huge fan. I've seen a few DIY tutorials floating around, but I think I've found a way to bang one out in the easiest, most straightforward possible way, and I'm pleased with the result! Once you gather the materials, this will literally take you just 20 minutes and only requires two stitched lines (my kind of project.).

Things you'll need:
1.  scissors
2.  pins
3.  sewing machine (or needle and thread if you're patient)
4.  a square piece of fabric, roughly 50" x 50"

• In order to make this as simple as possible, I used fleece (fleece doesn't have to be tacky!), because it doesn't unravel, thus requiring no hem. Another good, more lightweight option that wouldn't need a hem would be a jersey knit. However, you can use any fabric you like if you don't mind the extra step of hemming. 
• The fabric should be cut roughly square. To give you an estimate of how big you should cut it, I'm 5'4", and my square measured approximately 50" x 50" (though I mistakenly cut mine a little short so that it was 48" x 50", but as long as it's roughly square, the drapiness of the garment will render approximations irrelevant).  *Update- Natasha of thirtyfoursteps made this cardigan, and she suggests a square measuring 45" x 45" would be a better fit for more petite ladies (Natasha is 5'2"), or if you just prefer a less oversized look.

This is the glorious part-- there are only three steps!

Step 1.  Fold your fabric in half.   My fleece was the same on both sides, so it didn't matter which side was on the outside, but if your fabric has a clear "right" and "wrong" side, make sure the wrong side is showing.

Step 2.  Pin the edges, leaving room for arm holes.     Starting from the long open edge (the edge opposite the folded edge), pin a straight line down that measures about 42" on either short edge (I left a seam allowance of about 1/2 an inch). Stop about 6"-8" from the folded edge to leave room for arm holes. 

Step 3.  Sew.    Stitch a straight line down either short edge, where your pins are, again leaving about 6"-8" toward the folded edge for arm holes.
And you're done! Turn right-side out, and you've got a lovely drapey cocoon cardigan.

Sorry there are no photos here of me front on in this cardigan--I was wearing a bodysuit with a low back (meaning no bra), and it was chilly, so uhhh...the photos weren't quite blog appropriate. But I'm sure I'll wear this in an outfit post soon!

So yeah! This was a really simple project I enjoyed doing. I'm thinking this is a good base for perhaps more talented and skillful sewers to add nice things like trims and maybe closures or whatever else.