What is Fair Isle knitting?
Don’t you just love cosy jumpers with lots of colourful repeating patterns? If you’ve seen them, you’ve probably seen Fair Isle knitting in action. This charming style from Scotland makes your knitting projects pop.
A bit of history
Fair Isle Knitting comes from a tiny Shetland island of the same name. It was originally about keeping warmth in style, but Islanders would use natural wool colours to create the most intricate patterns. Now it’s a staple in the fashion world, but the technique hasn’t lost its charm.
How it works
It’s all about juggling 2 or more colours in one row. You carry the yarn rather than in a tangle, but neatly across the back, and that’s what gives the jumpers their characteristic float look. With the right knitting kits, you can create something impressive.
Tips for getting started
Before you start tackling those cosy jumpers of your own, think scarves or hats. According to BBC Craft & Design understanding tension and colour contrast is a must.
You can check out local yarn shops or use high quality yarn from good suppliers before you get going. Knitting kits and tools will help, especially when learning to manage multiple colours without any knots.
The fun thing about Fair Isle is that it’s not just a pattern, but a slice of history that you get to wear. Once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s going to become quite addictive to mix and match those designs, and you might even browse for more kits to fuel your next colourful creation.
