Sunset Gradient Egg Cozy: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Sunset Gradient Egg Cozy is a cheerful little project that brings a splash of tropical color to your Easter table. It's perfect for beginners who have just learned single crochet and are ready to try their first color changes and a simple shell edging. Worked as a straight tube in bold stripes of orange, magenta, and deep purple, it looks like a tiny sunset wrapped around an egg. The dense cotton fabric feels smooth and sturdy in your hand, and the scalloped top edge gives it a sweet, finished look that takes only minutes to make.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: (4) Medium weight (worsted) yarn, 100% cotton: 10 yd orange (A), 8 yd magenta (B), 8 yd deep purple (C)
• Hook: 5 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, stitch marker (optional, for marking the start of each round)
• Finished size: Approx. 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, fits a standard large egg

Abbreviations

• sc – single crochet: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• inc – increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to begin working in the round.
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• rnd(s) – round(s)

Gauge

16 sts and 16 rnds = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. To check, crochet a small swatch in sc and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if your stitches are much larger or smaller than this.

Tips Before You Start

• Work in continuous rounds without joining, so use a stitch marker to keep track of where each round begins.
• Change colors on the last stitch of the previous round by pulling the new color through the final two loops, so the color change sits neatly at the round boundary.
• Keep your tension even and slightly firm so the cozy holds its shape around the egg.
• Cotton yarn shows stitch definition beautifully, so smooth each round flat as you go for a tidy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tube

Rnd 1 (A): Make a magic ring, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).

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

Rnd 3 (A): [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).

Rnds 4-6 (A): sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnds 7-9 (B): Change to magenta (B). sc in each st around (18 sts).

Rnds 10-12 (C): Change to deep purple (C). sc in each st around (18 sts). Do not fasten off.

Scalloped Edging

Rnd 13 (C): [skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st] repeat around (6 scallops). Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all yarn ends on the inside of the tube using your tapestry needle, being careful not to pull too tightly so the fabric stays smooth. Gently shape the scalloped edge with your fingers so each shell sits flat and evenly spaced. Lightly steam or mist block the cozy over a small cup or egg-shaped form and let it dry completely; this helps the tube hold its round shape and makes the scallops crisp.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the sunset palette for pastel stripes or a single solid color for a different seasonal look.
• Add a small hanging loop of chain stitches at the top edge to turn the cozy into a decoration.
• Try a contrasting color for the scalloped edging to make the shell detail pop.