Safdie Shawl Wrap Knitting Pattern

Safdie Shawl in Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky Natural

What is Being Made

The Safdie is an intermediate-level knitted cowl designed by Alison Green. This wrap-style accessory features a distinctive trapezoid silhouette with a top edge measuring approximately 21 inches around and a bottom edge measuring approximately 30 inches around, with a vertical length of approximately 13 inches. The design creates a comfortable, layered neckwear piece suitable for everyday wear.

Construction Technique

The Safdie cowl is constructed using a mitered square method, a geometric knitting technique that creates structured, interlocking square units. The cowl is worked in vertical columns of progressively smaller mitered squares, with each square becoming smaller toward the top of the garment. After completing the first column, subsequent columns are built by picking up stitches from the previous column, creating a seamless integration between sections. Once all columns are complete, the first and last columns are sewn together to form the finished cowl shape. This construction method allows for precise shaping and creates the characteristic tapered silhouette.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter Stitch: The primary stitch used throughout the cowl, created by knitting every row on both right-side and wrong-side rows, producing a textured, reversible fabric
• Mitered Squares: Geometric units created through strategic decreasing, with each 18-stitch mitered square measuring approximately 5 inches square
• SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit): A left-leaning decrease stitch used to shape the mitered squares
• K2tog (Knit Two Together): A right-leaning decrease stitch used in tandem with SSK to create the mitered effect
• Stitch Marker Placement: Used to mark the center point of each mitered square, guiding decreases on either side
• Pick-Up Stitches: Technique used to attach subsequent columns to the previous column without casting on new stitches
• Seaming: Final assembly technique joining the first and last columns to complete the cowl

Yarn and Materials

The Safdie is designed to be knitted with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky Natural, a premium yarn blend. The pattern requires three coordinating colorways from this yarn line: one hank (100 grams) each of #72422 Chia Seeds (C1), #72526 Lampong (C2), and #72523 Malabar (C3). The yarn's chunky weight and natural alpaca fiber create a soft, luxurious fabric with excellent drape and warmth.

Needles and Notions

Knitting needles in size 10 (6 mm) are required, or a size adjusted to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include a stitch marker for tracking the center decrease line of each mitered square and a tapestry needle for seaming the finished columns together.

Gauge and Finishing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. The pattern specifies a gauge of 14½ stitches and 30 rows equaling 4 inches in Garter Stitch, with each 18-stitch mitered square measuring approximately 5 inches square. Gauge is measured after blocking, and the pattern notes that knitters may use the first mitered square as a gauge swatch to save time. The cowl is blocked to achieve accurate dimensions before seaming.