Salaam Beanie: Taqiyah/Kufi

FEATURES: Twisted purl texture stitches • knit in the round • seed stitch • grafted crown • 

My patterns are offered on a "pay what you can" model, with a suggested price. In lieu of payment, I suggest that a beanie be paid forward via mutual aid, outreach programs, or other similar assistance efforts in your most-local community. Thank you for downloading this pattern! May your hands be blessed knitting it up and may the intended recipient wear it in good health and with blessings.

Suggested yarn: Worsted/Aran

Needle sizes: US: 3 / 4 / 6 • mm: 3.25 / 3.5 / 4

Gauge: 5 stitches/7 rows per 2.5cm [1 inch]

This design started out as a search for a knitted version of a ṭāqīyah—referred to in other languages from within the faith as an ’araqchin, kufi, kap, or topi. It is possible to purchase skullcaps made of synthetic materials, but for a variety of economic, political, as well as purely faith-based reasons, this is no longer a valid option. Cotton is also quite prevalent, often crocheted. But my crochet skills are nil, and I wanted to explore materials a bit.

The design incorporates a square-kufic Arabic rendering of the word "ﺳﻼﻡ"(salaam)—peace/peace of mind—that is merged with a diamond variation of a chevron pattern. The textured pattern is done in twisted purl stitches against a stockinette background. Like many ṭāqīyah on the market, this is more or less a “one size fits most” design, in this case knitted up for an adult-sized head. The fabric and cast-on are pretty stretchy and allow for a large range of sizes.