Hourglass Stole in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® - W608 - Downloadable PDF

Hourglass Stole in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® – Crochet Pattern Summary (W608)

The Hourglass Stole (W608) is a beautifully shaped crochet accessory designed by Kristen Stoltzfus and published by Cascade Yarns. Despite being listed under the cowls category, this pattern produces a generous, elongated stole measuring 18½ inches wide by 59 inches long (blocked), making it a versatile wrap that can be worn draped over the shoulders, looped as a cowl-style accessory, or styled in multiple ways. The hourglass silhouette referenced in the name is achieved through thoughtful stitch construction that creates subtle shaping and visual texture along the length of the piece.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a rectangular stole with an hourglass-inspired textural design. The finished dimensions — nearly five feet long and over eighteen inches wide — make it a substantial, cozy accessory suitable for cooler seasons. The piece is worked in a single colorway, allowing the stitch patterns to take center stage and create visual interest without the need for color changes.

Materials Used

• Yarn: Cascade Yarns® 220 Superwash® — 100% Superwash Wool, 100 g (3.5 oz) per skein, 220 yards (200 m) per skein
• Amount: 6 skeins in color #914A (Tahitian Rose)
• Crochet Hook: Size H (5 mm)
• Additional Tools: Yarn needle for finishing

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash® is a beloved workhorse yarn in the knit and crochet community. The superwash wool treatment means the finished stole is machine washable, adding practical everyday appeal to its elegant appearance. The yarn's smooth, consistent texture makes it ideal for showcasing defined stitch patterns such as post stitches and textured clusters.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated Intermediate, making it an excellent next step for crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and ready to explore more structured, technique-rich designs. The use of post stitches and special cluster stitches requires attention to detail but is well within reach for a motivated crocheter with some experience.

Techniques and Stitches Used

The Hourglass Stole draws on a rich vocabulary of crochet stitches and techniques to build its distinctive textured fabric. The combination of post stitches worked from both the front and back creates a raised, dimensional quality reminiscent of cables in knitting.

• Front Post Treble Crochet (fptr): Worked around the post of a stitch from the front of the fabric, creating raised ridges that stand out from the surface.
• Back Post Treble Crochet (bptr): Worked around the post of a stitch from the back, pushing texture to the opposite side and creating the contrasting depth that defines the hourglass motif.
• Puff Pattern Stitch: A special stitch unique to this pattern — yarn is wrapped and loops are drawn up multiple times (three times, drawing up each loop to the height of the previous double crochet), then all seven loops are drawn through together. This creates a rounded, puffy cluster with a soft, dimensional appearance.
• Dc3tog Pattern Stitch: A decrease-style cluster where double crochets are worked into the next three stitches with the last loop of each retained on the hook, then all loops are drawn through together. This creates a gathered, tapered effect that contributes to the hourglass shaping.
• Double Crochet (dc): The foundational stitch of the fabric, providing structure and height.
• Treble Crochet (tr): Used for added height and in conjunction with post stitch techniques.
• Half Double Crochet (hdc): Offers a transitional stitch height between single and double crochet.
• Single Crochet (sc): Used for edging or transitional rows to stabilize the fabric.
• Chain Stitch (ch) and Chain Spaces (ch