As a Lebanese knit and crochet designer living in Australia, it has been incredibly difficult watching the struggles of my people and family across the world in the Middle East. I felt a strong desire to wear my beliefs and culture, to be proudly Arab and show my support for my people daily. Salam is a derivative of my surname and means ‘peace’. Kuffiyeh is the name of scarves worn in these regions, they include symbolism of flowy olive leaves, bold lines for trade routes and crosshatch for fishnets (you can find out more here). This small accessory is the perfect way to make a difference, to begin just by purchasing this pattern you have directly supported families impacted by the war, THANK YOU. Information about where your donation has gone can be found at the end of the pattern. By wearing this piece, you have the opportunity to open conversations and to support Palestinian and Lebanese people in your everyday life. Knitting and fibre art has and always will be political. Truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting this cause.

This scrunchie is made using colourwork knit in the round. The sample uses sport weight yarn on 2.25mm mini circulars however feel free to experiment using different weights and corresponding needle sizes.

I hope you love your new scrunchie! I’d love to see your work share with @knotsxroses or with the #SalamKuffiyehScrunchie on all platforms. This kuffiyeh pattern has been designed by myself, an Arab knit designer inspired by hundreds of years of my culture.

Now, where has your donation gone? The amazing Renad Attallah from Gaza, Palestine and her charity Human Concern International are building a school and sponsoring children orphaned by the war in Gaza. Half of the proceeds from this sale go to the HCI, you can find more information here. The other half is donated to UN Crisis Relief in Lebanon, delivering life saving aid, food and resources to those impacted by the war. You can find more information here. Please reach out if you would like any additional information, kknots.and.roses@gmail.com.