Stola BOLA

Stola BOLA Crochet Shawl by Pan-Design

What is Being Made

The Stola BOLA is a crocheted shawl or stola designed by Anette Pan. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a versatile wrap garment that can be customized in length and width according to the crocheter's preferences. The example project shown measures approximately 50 cm in width, with adjustable length options.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several fundamental and decorative techniques. The pattern uses chain spaces to create openwork sections that add visual interest and drape to the shawl. Cluster stitches (referred to as "Büschelmaschen" or bunched stitches) are incorporated, where multiple treble stitches are crocheted together to form textured elements. The pattern also utilizes staggered stitch placement and strategic skipping of chains to build the lacy, dimensional structure characteristic of modern shawl design.

Stitches Used

The Stola BOLA pattern is constructed primarily from these crochet stitches:

• Chain stitches (Luftmasche) – Used as foundation chains and to create openwork spaces throughout the pattern
• Treble stitches (Stäbchen) – The main structural stitch that forms the body of the shawl
• Turning chains (Stg-Luftmasche) – Replacement chains that function as the first treble stitch of each row
• Cluster or bunched stitches (Büschelmaschen) – Three treble stitches crocheted together, creating textured focal points in the pattern

The stitch pattern follows a repeating sequence that is divisible by a specific mathematical formula (1+8+(11+5)×5+11+8+1), ensuring the pattern repeats evenly across the width of the shawl.

Materials

The pattern is designed to work with 3-ply and 4-ply yarn weights, offering flexibility for different yarn choices and resulting fabric densities. The designer's example uses a Bobbel (variegated cake) of "Zuckerwatte" yarn from GeWolltes, totaling 1000 meters of yardage. A 3.5 mm crochet hook is recommended for the example project, though hook size may be adjusted based on individual yarn choice and desired fabric drape. The yardage requirement varies depending on the desired final dimensions of the shawl.

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with casting on a foundation chain of stitches (109 stitches in the example), with the stitch count requiring divisibility by the specified formula to maintain pattern integrity. Row 1 establishes the foundational pattern with treble stitches, chain spaces, and cluster formations. Row 2 and subsequent rows build upon this base, incorporating the bunched stitch decreases and chain spaces to create the openwork lace effect. The pattern is worked in rows, with each row turned to continue building the rectangular shawl shape.