Safe Harbour

Safe Harbour Shawl by Jem Arrowsmith

What is Being Made

Safe Harbour is a top-down crescent shawl designed by independent designer Jem Arrowsmith. This knitted accessory combines meditative stockinette sections with decorative lace elements, creating a shawl that serves both as a functional garment and a source of comfort during the knitting process. The design draws inspiration from coastal imagery, with the shawl's structure metaphorically representing a safe harbor amidst turbulent waters.

Design and Structure

The shawl begins with a long stretch of relaxing stockinette stitch at the crown, establishing a calm foundation for the knitter. As the pattern progresses toward the shawl's edge, waves of zigzag lace ripple along the perimeter, adding visual interest and texture variation. A distinctive crooked jetty of stockinette runs through the lace sections, creating a protective element that stands firm amidst the surrounding lace work. This structural feature divides the deeper lace from the shallower sections, adding both aesthetic appeal and knitting complexity as the project develops.

Techniques and Stitches Used

Safe Harbour employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The pattern relies heavily on stockinette stitch, which forms the meditative base of the shawl and the protective jetty element. Zigzag lace stitches create the wave-like patterns that ripple along the shawl's edge, requiring knitters to work yarn overs and decreases to form the characteristic lace openwork. The combination of these techniques—solid stockinette contrasting with delicate lace—creates visual depth and demonstrates the interplay between simple and more intricate stitch patterns.

Yarn and Materials

Safe Harbour is designed to use 1 skein of 100g 4ply, sock, or fingering weight yarn. The sample shawl was worked in Under the Olive Tree Knits Steni Vala 4ply yarn, a lustrous and velvety blend of merino and silk. This yarn choice provides softness and warmth, offering what the designer describes as a soft, warm hug when you need it most. The 4ply weight allows for intricate stitch definition while remaining accessible for intermediate knitters. Standard knitting needles appropriate for 4ply yarn weight are required to complete this project.

Difficulty Level

Safe Harbour is classified as an intermediate-level knitting pattern. While the design incorporates lace work and shaping techniques that require some experience, the extended stockinette sections make it an approachable project for knitters developing their skills. The pattern is described as a good introduction to combining multiple stitch techniques within a single cohesive design.

Pattern Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, making it accessible for immediate purchase and printing. The digital format allows knitters to reference the pattern on devices or in printed form while working on their Safe Harbour shawl.