In a method of synthesizing a silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieve comprising a CHA framework type material, an AEI framework type material, or a material comprising at least one intergrown phase of an AEI framework type and a CHA framework type, the amount of alkali metal present in said synthesis mixture is controlled so as to reduce the crystal size of the molecular sieve and/or to increase the AEI character of the intergrown phase.