Cascade Yarns Hourglass Stole Cowl Crochet Pattern

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® Hourglass Stole

What is Being Made

The Hourglass Stole is a crocheted triangular wrap designed by Kristen Stoltzfus. This intermediate-level project creates an elegant accessory measuring 18½ inches wide by 59 inches long, making it a versatile piece suitable for draping over shoulders or wearing as a decorative cowl. The finished stole features a sophisticated hourglass-inspired construction with textured patterning throughout.

Techniques Used

This crochet pattern employs several advanced techniques that elevate it beyond beginner level. The design incorporates post stitches, specifically front post treble crochet stitches worked around the posts of previous stitches rather than into the tops, creating dimensional texture. Decrease stitches in the form of dc3tog (double crochet three together) are used strategically to shape the stole and create the hourglass silhouette. Puff stitches add visual interest and volume to specific sections of the pattern. The construction begins with a foundation chain and progresses through rows that combine these techniques in coordinated sequences to build the overall structure.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – forms the foundation and creates openwork spaces throughout the pattern
• Half double crochet (hdc) – used in the initial foundation row to establish a dense base
• Double crochet (dc) – the primary stitch used throughout most rows
• Treble crochet (tr) – referenced in abbreviations for post stitch variations
• Front post treble crochet (fptr) – worked around the center stitches of decrease clusters to create raised texture
• Back post treble crochet (bptr) – available for textural variation
• Single crochet (sc) – referenced in the stitch abbreviation list
• Slip stitch (sl st) – used for joining and finishing
• Puff stitch – a special stitch created by drawing up loops and pulling yarn through multiple loops simultaneously, creating a puffy textured element
• Dc3tog (double crochet three together) – a decrease stitch that combines three double crochets into one, reducing stitch count and shaping the garment
• Fan stitch – a decorative stitch pattern consisting of multiple double crochets separated by chain spaces worked into a single stitch

Materials

The Hourglass Stole is designed to be worked with Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a 100% superwash wool yarn. The pattern requires 6 skeins of yarn in color #914A (Tahitian Rose), with each skein providing 220 yards (200 meters) and weighing 3.5 ounces (100 grams). A size H (5 mm) crochet hook is used to work the pattern, and a yarn needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing. The gauge is established at 16 stitches by 8 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when blocked, which is important for achieving the correct finished dimensions.