Spud & Chloe by Blue Sky Fibers Stalactite Cowl Crochet

Spud & Chloe by Blue Sky Fibers Stalactite Cowl

What is Being Made

The Stalactite Cowl is a crocheted circular cowl designed by Jillian Cautrell. This project creates a finished cowl with a circumference of 53 inches and a width of 7 inches, making it a substantial neck accessory suitable for layering and warmth. The cowl is worked in multiple color sections that are later joined together to form the circular shape.

Construction Method

This cowl is constructed using an interesting technique that combines flat rows with circular finishing. The piece begins by crocheting in rows rather than working directly in the round. Four distinct color sections are worked separately in rows, then the sides of each color section are sewn together using the long tails left from fastening off. This creates the circular form. Once the circle is complete, a border is added by working in the round to finish the edges.

Crochet Stitches and Techniques

The primary stitch used throughout this project is single crochet (sc), which creates a tight, dense fabric ideal for a structured cowl. The signature design element is the sp-2 stitch (space 2 stitches), which creates the distinctive stalactite pattern that gives the cowl its name. The sp-2 stitches are staggered between color sections to create visual interest and the characteristic hanging appearance.

Key technique notes for the sp-2 stitches: they should be worked with the right side facing to ensure consistency, as these stitches appear noticeably different on the right side versus the wrong side. The stitches must be kept loose enough to avoid tugging the fabric, yet tight enough to lay flat against the surface. This balance is essential for achieving the intended aesthetic.

The cowl features striped colorwork, with four color sections alternating between the main color and two contrasting colors. Each color section contains a different arrangement of the sp-2 stitches:

• Color Section 1: Solid single crochet in main color (MC)
• Color Section 2: Alternating sp-2 and single crochet pattern
• Color Section 3: Offset pattern with single crochet, sp-2, and single crochet arrangement
• Color Section 4: Returns to the sp-2 alternating pattern from Section 2

The finishing border is worked in the round using reverse single crochet (rev sc), also called crab stitch, which creates a decorative, textured edge.

Materials and Tools

This project uses Spud & Chloë Sweater yarn (100g/160 yards per hank). The yardage requirements are: 2 hanks of main color (MC), 1 hank of contrasting color 1 (CC1), and 1 hank of contrasting color 2 (CC2). The photo example shown uses Splash #7510 for the main color, Chocolate Milk #7524 for the first contrast color, and Igloo #7517 for the second contrast color.

A Size K (6.5mm) crochet hook is used, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge. Additional tools include a stitch marker for tracking rounds and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming the color sections together.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 18 rows in single crochet equals 4 inches. This is important to achieve the finished measurements of 53 inches circumference and 7 inches width. The project is available in one size.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated for Advanced Beginner crocheters. While single crochet is a fundamental stitch, the combination of working in rows, managing multiple color changes, maintaining consistent sp-2 stitches, and seaming sections together requires some experience and attention to detail.