Saffi Top in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Haze and Cotton DK

Saffi Top – Knitting Pattern by Quail Studio in MODE at Rowan Alpaca Haze and Cotton DK

The Saffi Top is a beautifully crafted knitted top designed by Quail Studio as part of the MODE at Rowan collection. This intermediate-level knitting pattern produces a lightweight, elegant top that combines two complementary yarns held together to create a fabric with wonderful texture, subtle sheen, and a delicate halo effect. The finished garment is available in a generous range of nine sizes, fitting chest measurements from 71–76 cm (28–30 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with actual garment chest measurements ranging from 85 cm (33½ in) to 165 cm (65 in), making it a truly inclusive design suitable for a wide variety of body types.

Yarns and Materials

One of the most distinctive features of the Saffi Top is its use of two yarns held together throughout, combining the best qualities of each fibre into a single, unified fabric. The yarns specified are:

• MODE at Rowan Cotton DK in shade Crepe 018 – a 50g ball weight DK yarn providing structure, stitch definition, and a subtle natural lustre from its cotton content. Quantities range from 6 to 15 balls depending on size.
• MODE at Rowan Alpaca Haze in shade Peony 017 – a lighter 25g ball weight sport/haze yarn that adds a soft, airy alpaca halo to the fabric, lending warmth and a luxurious feel without added bulk. Quantities range from 3 to 7 balls depending on size.

Holding one strand of each yarn together is a classic technique that allows knitters to blend fibre properties — in this case, the crispness and breathability of cotton with the softness and warmth of alpaca. The result is a fabric that drapes well, holds its shape, and has a gentle, romantic texture.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for two sizes of straight needles and one circular needle:

• 3.75mm (UK No. 9 / US 5) straight needles – used for cast-on edges and ribbing or border sections
• 4mm (UK No. 8 / US 6) straight needles – used for the main body fabric
• 3.75mm (UK No. 9 / US 5) circular needle, 40cm in length – used specifically for working the neckband in the round

The recommended tension is 20 stitches and 28 rows to 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 4mm needles with one strand of each yarn held together. Achieving correct tension is especially important in this pattern given the dual-yarn construction — even small variations in gauge can affect the drape and fit of the finished top significantly. Knitters are encouraged to swatch carefully before beginning.

A stitch holder is also listed as a required extra, used to hold live stitches during shaping — typically at the neckline or shoulder — while other sections are completed.

Construction and Techniques

The Saffi Top is constructed in the traditional flat knitting method, with separate back and front pieces worked back and forth in rows on straight needles, then seamed together. The neckband is worked on a circular needle, suggesting it is picked up and knitted in the round for a neat, professional finish.

Key construction details and techniques include:

• Cast-on and border sections worked on the smaller 3.75mm needles to create a neat, slightly firmer edge
• Main body fabric worked on 4mm needles using a stitch pattern (referenced in the tension note), which adds visual interest beyond plain stockinette
• Armhole shaping worked after the body reaches the required length, with the back continuing without shaping until the armhole measures between 18 cm and 28 cm depending on size
• Neckband picked up and worked in the round on a short 40cm circular needle, a technique that avoids a seam at the neck and creates