Saffi Top Knitting Pattern

Saffi Top by Quail Studio

What is Being Made

The Saffi Top is a knitted garment designed by Quail Studio for MODE at Rowan. This is a fitted pullover top available in nine sizes ranging from 71-76cm (28-30 inches) to 152-157cm (60-62 inches) chest circumference. The finished garment features actual chest measurements from 85cm (33½ inches) to 165cm (65 inches), offering a tailored fit across a wide range of body sizes.

Techniques and Construction

The Saffi Top is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The garment begins with a ribbed cuff worked flat on straight needles, which provides elasticity and structure at the lower edge. The main body is worked in a repeating stitch pattern that creates textural interest, followed by armhole shaping to create a fitted silhouette. Shoulder shaping and back neck shaping are incorporated to ensure proper fit and garment drape. The neckband is worked using a circular needle in the round, a common technique for finishing necklines with a professional appearance.

Stitches Used

The Saffi Top employs several essential knitting stitches. The ribbing is worked in 1x1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches), which creates vertical lines and provides stretch. The main pattern features a combination of knit stitches, purl stitches, yarn forwards (yfwd), slip stitches, knit two together (K2tog), and slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) decreases. An additional variation uses slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K2tog, psso), a centered double decrease. These stitch combinations create an elegant lace-like or textured pattern across the body of the garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Saffi Top is designed to be knitted using two yarns held together: Cotton DK in Crepe 018 and Alpaca Haze in Peony 017, both from Rowan. The Cotton DK yarn is supplied in 50-gram balls, with quantities ranging from 6 balls for the smallest size to 15 balls for the largest size. The Alpaca Haze is supplied in 25-gram balls, requiring 3 to 7 balls depending on size. This yarn combination blends the breathability and structure of cotton with the softness and warmth of alpaca fiber, creating a versatile fabric suitable for various seasons.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern requires 3.75mm (US 5) straight needles for the ribbed sections and 4mm (US 6) straight needles for the main pattern work. A 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle measuring 40cm in length is used for working the neckband. The working tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10cm when measured over pattern using 4mm needles with both yarns held together. Achieving correct gauge is essential for proper fit, as the garment is sized according to this specific tension.

Additional Materials

Stitch holders are required to temporarily hold stitches during construction, particularly when shaping the back neck and dividing work for shoulder shaping. These simple tools allow the knitter to set aside active stitches safely while working other sections of the garment.