Valley Yarns Saffron Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Saffron Knitted Lace Wrap

Project Overview

The Saffron is an elegant knitted wrap designed by Julie Turjoman, crafted as a seamless, worked-flat shawl perfect for layering on cool evenings. This intermediate-level project creates a luxurious rectangular wrap measuring approximately 20¼ inches wide by 71½ inches long, making it an ideal accessory for adding warmth and sophistication to any wardrobe.

Yarn and Materials

This wrap is constructed using Valley Yarns Colrain Lace, a premium blend of 50% Merino Wool and 50% Tencel that provides exceptional softness and drape. A single cone of Colrain Lace in Honey Gold colorway supplies 8.8 ounces and 1,540 yards of yarn, which is sufficient to complete the entire project. Additional materials include US 4 (3.50 mm) needles (or the size needed to achieve proper gauge), stitch markers for pattern tracking, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Techniques and Construction Method

The Saffron employs a bottom-up construction method, worked flat in a single piece using back-and-forth knitting in one color throughout. The wrap is entirely seamless, eliminating the need for seaming and creating a continuous, polished fabric. The design features a sophisticated asymmetrical double helix lace pattern that serves as both a structural and decorative element, creating an eye-catching yet elegant surface texture.

Stitch Pattern and Gauge

The core of this design is the Double Helix Lace stitch, which works over a multiple of 14 stitches plus 3 edge stitches. This repeating 24-row pattern creates the signature visual interest of the wrap. The pattern incorporates essential lace techniques including yarn overs (yo) for creating openwork, knit 2 together (k2tog) decreases, and slip, slip, knit (ssk) decreases that balance the yarn overs and maintain stitch count. All edges are worked in reverse stockinette stitch, with the first and last stitch of each row always knitted to create neat selvage edges.

Proper gauge is essential for this project: 24 stitches and 30 rows equal 4 inches over the Double Helix Lace pattern when blocked, using US 4 (3.5 mm) needles. Achieving correct gauge ensures the wrap reaches its intended finished measurements and drapes properly.

Pattern Foundation and Abbreviations

The wrap begins with a Long-Tail Cast-On of 121 stitches, establishing the foundation for the lace pattern. Standard knitting abbreviations used throughout the pattern include:

• K: knit
• P: purl
• Yo: yarn over (creates an eyelet)
• K2tog: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
• Sl m: slip marker
• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• Rep: repeat
• RS/WS: right side/wrong side

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Saffron is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace patterns. The repeating Double Helix Lace pattern, while requiring attention to yarn overs and decreases, becomes intuitive after the first few repeats. The straightforward flat construction and single-color work keep the project manageable, allowing knitters to focus on perfecting their lace technique.