Fair Isle Knitting Patterns

Traditional Fair Isle Knitting Patterns

The original Fair Isle patterns had no more than two or three stitches in a row of any color because they were stranded at the back. Too many stitches would mean that there was a long strand of the unused color on the wrong side of the garment. Long strands weaken the project since they can be easily snagged during use.

While the knit pattern looks complex, it actually only requires a basic knowledge of knitting and uses only the knit stitch. The pattern is worked on circular, or less often double pointed, needles.

The patterns used vary. Geometrics are common, while more experienced knitters may create animals, plants, or other motifs. The pattern repeats itself both horizontally and vertically. Generally, heavily contrasting colors are used.

The most complex patterns use a chart much like a cross stitch chart. The chart indicates where color changes should go. When done properly, the finished project will match the picture on the chart.

Sources for Free Patterns

There are many ways to get patterns for Fair Isle knitting. Your local library is an excellent resource for books on the Fair Isle technique as well as pattern books. Knitting clubs and other knitters are also ways to learn this type of knitting and to acquire new patterns.

On the Internet there are literally hundreds of examples of Fair Isle knitting patterns. Some free patterns that you may like are:

• Fair Isle Hat
• Men's Fair Isle mittens
• Celtic Spirals
• Fair Isle duck pullover for babies
• Child's cardigan
• Baby sweater
• Fair Isle Christmas ornament
• Christmas stocking
• Woman's Fair Isle vest
• Woman's sweater with a Fair Isle inset

Tutorials on Fair Isle Technique

Steeking is carefully sewing and then cutting the armholes to create a Fair Isle garment. It can be daunting but these tutorials can help.

• See Eunny Knit
• Knitty

If you were wondering how exactly to create Fair Isle knitting patterns, here are some great articles to read:

• Fair Isle or Not?
• Fair Isle 101
• Two Color Knitting
• Beyond the Basics
• Fair Isle on double pointed needles

Other Fair Isle Resources

• Fair Isle Sweaters Simplified
• Knitter' s Review Forum Discussion on Fair Isle
• Pictures of beautiful Fair Isle patterns
• Nautical Fair Isle Chart
• Patterns

Enjoy the Tradition

Only items knitted on Fair Isle can be truly called Fair Isle garments; anything else is Fair Isle style. If you enjoy knitting patterns that are a challenge, however, Fair Isle knitting may be perfect for your next project.