The Top Stitch Toque and Cowl

The Top Stitch Toque and Cowl by Colleen Webster

Overview

The Top Stitch Toque and Cowl is a versatile crochet pattern collection designed by Colleen Webster that includes two coordinating projects: a fitted toque hat and a matching cowl. Both pieces feature the distinctive top stitch technique and are worked in worsted weight yarn using an intermediate skill level. This pattern offers multiple sizing options to accommodate newborns through adults, making it an ideal project for creating custom-fitted accessories for the entire family.

The Toque Hat

The toque is a classic fitted hat design available in six different sizes: Newborn, Baby 1, Baby 2, Child 1, Child 2, and Adult. The hat is constructed to provide comfortable, close-fitting coverage with the following dimensions:

• Newborn: 14-15" actual head circumference, 11" hat circumference, 6" height, requiring 75 yards of yarn
• Baby 1: 16-17" actual head circumference, 13" hat circumference, 6.5" height, requiring 90 yards of yarn
• Baby 2: 17-18" actual head circumference, 14" hat circumference, 7" height, requiring 110 yards of yarn
• Child 1: 18-19" actual head circumference, 16" hat circumference, 7.5" height, requiring 120 yards of yarn
• Child 2: 20-21" actual head circumference, 18" hat circumference, 8.5" height, requiring 140 yards of yarn
• Adult: 21-23" actual head circumference, 19" hat circumference, 9" height, requiring 160 yards of yarn

The Cowl

The cowl is a coordinating neckwear piece available in two sizes: Child and Adult. The cowl provides generous coverage and can be worn in multiple ways:

• Child: 26" circumference (13" laid flat), 12.5" height, requiring 340 yards of yarn
• Adult: 31" circumference (15.5" laid flat), 14.5" height, requiring 460 yards of yarn

Construction Techniques

Both the toque and cowl are worked in the round, a fundamental crochet technique that creates seamless, tubular pieces. The pattern specifies that crafters should turn after each round to maintain a straight seam, which is essential for achieving a polished, professional appearance. This turning method prevents the spiral effect that can occur in continuous rounds and ensures clean vertical lines throughout the finished pieces.

Stitch Work and Top Stitch Detail

The pattern features the top stitch technique, which is the signature element of this design. The top stitch creates a distinctive textured appearance and adds visual interest to the hat and cowl. Stitch counts are provided at the end of each row and round, allowing crafters to verify their progress and maintain proper shaping throughout the project. The ribbing construction at the base of both pieces provides stretch and ensures a comfortable, secure fit.

Materials and Tools

This intermediate-level crochet project requires the following materials:

• Hook: H hook (5mm), or whichever size hook is needed to obtain proper gauge
• Yarn: 3-4 balls of Lion Brand Jeans or similar worsted weight (category 4) yarn, depending on which sizes are being made
• Additional Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends

Pattern Organization

The pattern is clearly organized with size-specific instructions presented in a streamlined format. Hat sizes are written as: Newborn (Baby 1, Baby 2, Child 1, Child 2, Adult), while cowl sizes are written as: Child (Adult). The pattern notes suggest highlighting or circling the instructions for the specific size being made, which helps prevent mistakes when working through multiple size options. The inclusion of stitch counts at the end of each row and round provides an additional quality-control measure for intermediate crocheters.