Meet the Cassandra Cowl
Some patterns begin with a yarn or a silhouette. The Cassandra Cowl began with a class.
I designed Cassandra for Tunisian Crochet Weekend at Warm and Wooly in Minnesota. During my Advanced Stitches class, we’re exploring Tunisian Post Stitches, Arrowhead Stitch, and Smock Stitch, and I wanted to create a project that gave everyone a chance to use those techniques in an actual finished piece.
Because practicing a new stitch on a swatch is useful.
But seeing what that stitch can actually do in a project is much more fun.
The Cassandra Cowl combines all three techniques into one wonderfully textured fall accessory.
The Cassandra Cowl pattern is available now on Ravelry and Payhip.
Three Tunisian crochet techniques, one cowl
Each section of Cassandra has a different personality.
The Tunisian Post Stitches create the ribbed-looking sections of the cowl and add a dimensional texture that you might not immediately expect from Tunisian crochet.
The Arrowhead Stitch creates a more open, lace-like geometric texture, while the Smock Stitch produces a beautifully raised, textured fabric.
And because these stitches don’t naturally create fabric at exactly the same height, the pattern incorporates short rows to help the different sections line up.
That was actually an important part of designing Cassandra. I didn’t want to simply place three stitch patterns next to one another. I wanted them to work together as one cohesive fabric.
Designed as a skill-builder
Cassandra is worked from the top down and flat, which lets you concentrate on the stitch techniques without also having to manage Tunisian crochet in the round.
After the main body is complete, ribbing is added along the sides and the cowl is seamed only partway down. That partial seam creates the cozy neck portion while allowing the lower section to open and sit comfortably over the shoulders.
If you’ve mastered the basics of Tunisian crochet and have been looking for a project that will help you move into more advanced techniques, Cassandra was designed for exactly that.
The pattern includes:
- Tunisian Post Stitches
- Arrowhead Stitch
- Smock Stitch
- Tunisian knit, purl, reverse, and simple stitches
- Short-row shaping
- Side ribbing
- Links to video tutorials for all three featured advanced stitches
Yarn and materials
Cassandra uses approximately 315 yards of DK weight yarn and a 7 mm Tunisian crochet hook with a 16-inch cable, or the hook size needed to meet gauge.
My sample was made with Sunshine Queen Fiber Arts Cruella DK in the colorway Blue Hydrangea, a beautiful blend of 60% Fine Non-Superwash Merino and 40% Silk.
And don’t skip the blocking. Blocking really opens up the stitch patterns and lets all of that texture shine.
From the classroom to your hooks
I love that Cassandra will always be connected to Tunisian Crochet Weekend and the group of crocheters who first worked through these stitches with me at Warm and Wooly.
But you definitely don’t have to be in Minnesota to make one.
I’ve included video tutorials for the Arrowhead Stitch, Smock Stitch, and the adapted Post Stitch used in the pattern, so you can work through the techniques right along with me.
If you’ve been ready to move beyond the foundational Tunisian crochet stitches and add a few new techniques to your repertoire, I hope Cassandra gives you the perfect excuse.
The Cassandra Cowl pattern is available now on Ravelry and Payhip.
And if you make one, please tag me at @thecraftycrochetier. I would absolutely love to see your Cassandra. Also, check out the tester versions here:
Hope you enjoy this make!
Happy crocheting
xoxo Serena
