This post is all about Fair Isle Knitting.
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Fair isle knitting is an exquisite form of fiber art that combines colorwork and pattern to create some of the most sensational designs that exist in knitting today. Fair Isle Knitting Patterns range from the very simple to the extremely complex and there are a wealth of options to choose from.
In this post I’ve compiled a list of sensational Fair Isle Knitting Patterns for your inspiration and enjoyment. Scroll through to see them all or click and choose your favorite topics from the Table of Contents below. Thank you for being here. Enjoy!
Table of Contents:
1. How to Knit Fair Isle2. Fair Isle Knitting Patterns for Beginners
3. Fair Isle Knitting Kits
How to Knit Fair Isle
Creativebug
Creativebug is one of the happiest places in the world for crafters! Not only is their website bright, cheerful, and completely inspiring, but its also filled to the brim with hundreds of DIY lessons and classes, all available for LESS than $10 per month!
Let’s check out the fair isle knitting classes they have available!
How to Work Stranded or Fair Isle Knitting
with Edie Eckman
Have you always wanted to try your hand at fair isle but aren’t sure where to start? Join expert instructor Edie Eckman and learn How to Work Stranded or Fair Isle Knitting over at Creativebug.
Throughout this class you will learn how to follow a chart, how to hold two yarn colors at once, how to catch yarn “floats” and more! Your course includes an HD video lesson you can access online anytime, step-by-step instruction as well as the ability to ask questions and interact with other students.
Keep scrolling for even MORE sensational Fair Isle Knitting classes from Creativebug!
Magic Ball Color Play
with Brandon Mably
The Magic Ball Color Play class with Brandon Mably, is truly magical. Not only will you learn how to make a “magic ball” using your yarn stash, but you’ll also learn the art of Fair Isle knitting and how to weave in your loose ends as you work.
The Magic Ball Color Play class will result in a beautiful swatch for you to treasure and you can use all of the new skills that you learn to create colorwork masterpieces out of your next projects. Broaden your color horizons and learn the art of fair isle knitting. CLICK HERE to join today!
Creativebug is one of my all time favorite websites. CLICK HERE to explore dozens of their knitting classes now!
Craftsy
Craftsy is another sensational crafting website that will teach you even more about the art of fair isle as well as dozens of other incredible knitting skills!
Fair Isle Fundamentals
with Tanis Gray
When you join Fair Isle Fundamentals with Tanis Gray you will learn all of the basics of colorwork knitting from color theory to steeking and everything in between! Tanis Gray is not only a designer and knitting instructor, she has also authored eight knitting books and 450 published knitting designs so you’re in the very best hands when you take this fantastic class.
Fair Isle Fundamentals will teach you how to choose the best yarn for your project, as well has how to read a fair isle knitting chart. You’ll learn how to achieve perfect tension while you trap your floats and fix any puckers along the way. This course will walk you step by step through how to knit this fabulous hat, and the pattern is included! CLICK HERE to join Fair Isle Fundamentals today!
Keep scrolling for even MORE Fair Isle Classes from Craftsy!
Fair Isle Knitting Patterns
Festive Fair Isle Ornaments
When you’re just starting out, finding a small, simple fair isle knitting pattern can challenging, which is why I love the Festive Fair Isle Ornaments by Emily Kintigh. When I first began fair isle knitting, I learned so much from creating these traditional bauble ornaments, and the simplicity of only two colors built up my confidence for more difficult projects.
These darling Festive Fair Isle Ornaments are knit in the round from the bottom up and I like to stuff them as I go to achieve the exact shape I want. Each Fair Isle motif is repeated four times around the ornament and just one ball of each color will provide you with enough yarn to make about 7 ornaments!
I love colors Hollyberry and White, and there are many more to choose from!
My all time favorite knitting needles for creating tiny projects are Knit Picks Sunstruck Double Pointed Needles that come in an array of lengths and sizes. You can even purchase a set of Knit Picks needles in bold, vibrant colors such as Knit Picks Caspian Double Pointed Needle Set. I’ve had my set for years and it’s still going strong!
Fancy some more small Fair Isle Knitting Patterns? Try Merry Knitmas eBook: 14 Projects for a Handmade Holiday and Fun with Fair Isle Lavender Sachets by Anna Davis:
Fair Isle Earflap Hat & Cowl
If you’re ready to up your Fair Isle Knitting game, the Fair Isle Earflap Hat & Cowl by Jenny Williams is a fantastic option. This gorgeous set is knit from worsted weight wool and just perfect for an intermediate knitter.
With just 6 skeins of Wool of the Andes Worsted, you can create both the hat and cowl. Go with the yarn colors featured here, or scroll down the pattern page, and pick and choose the exact colors you want to create this sublime colorwork dream team (there are dozens and dozens to choose from).
2 more adventurous fair isle knitting designs from Knit Picks include:
Navelli Pattern
Boyland Knitworks Caitlin Hunter Patterns
The Navelli Pattern is part of the Boyland Knitworks by Caitlin Hunter Patterns is one of my personal favorites on this list. It is currently one of the most popular Fair Isle Knitting Patterns at Jimmy Beans Wool and is one of many sensational patterns in Caitlin Hunter’s Boyland Knitworks Collection.
This fabulous lightweight is just perfect for warmer weather. The Navelli Pattern is knit in the round from the bottom up, so you’ll complete the colorwork portion first. The front and back are separated at the armholes and the rest of this stunning pattern is completed using short rows.
Keep scrolling for even MORE Boyland Knitworks by Caitlin Hunter!
Fizzy Fairisle Sweater for Grown Ups
The Fizzy Fairisle Sweater for Grown Ups by Paintbox Yarns is the most popular fair isle sweater pattern currently on LoveCrafts and is sooooo easy to see why. It’s knit from chunky weight yarn, which is the perfect place to start if you are just starting either fair isle or sweater knitting.
The Fizzy Fairisle Sweater for Grown Ups Pattern is knit from Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Chunky, which is a very affordable yarn option for any Fair Isle Knitting project. The main colorways include Duck Egg Blue and Daffodil Yellow, with accents of Slate Green, Champagne White, Daffodil Yellow, Peach Orange and Misty Grey. CLICK HERE to shop them all!
2 more very popular fair isle sweater knitting patterns over at LoveCrafts include the Diamond Fairisle Sweater by Paintbox Yarns and Hermione Fair Isle Cardigan in West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious:
Autumn scene beanie
by Ola Ogunlolu
Are you looking for a smaller Fair Isle Knitting pattern? Then you’ve come to the right place. The Autumn scene beanie by Ola Ogunlolu ranks high in popularity on LoveCrafts and it’s the perfect place to begin your Fair Isle journey or are looking for a quick project to whip up.
The Autumn scene beanie is knit from 2 strands of worsted weight or aran weight wool held together, producing a thick and extra cozy fabric. Ola Ogunlolu recommends The Petite Wool by we are knitters, and right now, when you use referral code MGMQMGZSA you can save up to $12 on your first purchase!
Fair Isle baby knits make the most fantastic gifts, and they can be quick to whip up too! Check out the Baby Hat and Booties set by OGE Knitwear Designs and the Curiouser Collection E-Book by MillaMia for some sensational knitting patterns!
Fair Isle Knitting Kits
I LOVE a good knitting kit and when you’re knitting fair isle, kits are a fantastic way to receive your pattern and yarn all at once without buying too much or too little of any one color. Enjoy this small (and spectacular) selection of fair isle knitting kits!
Blue Sky Fibers Richmond Hill Pullover Kit
The most popular fair isle sweater kit is currently available from Jimmy Beans Wool is the Blue Sky Fibers Richmond Hill Pullover Kit. Why should the yoke of your sweater get all the attention? Knit colorwork sleeves for a unique twist on a traditional fiber art!
The Richmond Hill Knitting Pattern was taken from Blue Sky Fibers The Classic Series Patterns and was brilliantly designed for a perfect fit, without the need for negative or positive ease. This stunning sweater pattern uses 7 different shades of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Light including:
Two more sensational Fair Isle Knitting Kits from Jimmy Beans Wool include SweetGeorgia My Rainbow Heart Mitts Kit and Madelinetosh Dive In Cowl Kit:
This post featured 25+ Phenomenal Fair Isle Knitting Patterns. Leave a comment below letting us know whether you’ve completed one of the patterns above and what your experience was.
Do you have another FABULOUS Fair Isle Knitting Pattern that you’d recommend? Mention it (or link it below) and we will be sure to check it out!
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