Fair Isle Favourites

We love Fair Isle Knits here at The Knitting Network! The beautiful mix of colours and intricate patterns that make up the designs are timeless and have certainly stood the test of time, as their origins date back hundreds of years!

As the name suggests these traditional knitwear designs originated from Fair Isle, a beautiful Scottish island in Shetland, in northern Scotland. Nobody is quite sure of the exact origins of the designs, but it is believed that the sea-faring men of Fair Isle brought back exotic patterned fabrics, which inspired the knitters of Fair Isle to come up with their own knitted designs. The most traditional Fair Isle designs include the ram’s horns, anchors, and repeating ‘X’ and ‘O’ motifs.

The intricate and skilled knits became an important cottage industry and the popularity of the knitwear grew when the Prince of Wales (later to be knows as Edward VIII) wore Fair Isle jumpers in public in 1921.

We’ve found some beautiful patterns, some featuring the traditional all-over designs and some with just a hint of Fair Isle. We’ve put together a lovely selection of patterns for babies, children, ladies and men, and even some for the home!

This gorgeous baby boy’s slip-over knitted in Sirdar Snuggly 100% Cotton yarn is so smart. It can also be knitted for ages up to 6-7 years.

We love the use of Fair Isle design on the yoke of this lovely jumper and shoulder warmer pattern. Why not be creative with colour and choose your own colour scheme from the wonderful selection of shades in the Peter Pan DK.

This sweet girl’s cardigan is knitted in a modern colour scheme of pretty pastel shades and uses the beautifully soft Sirdar Snuggly Cashmere Merino DK yarn.

Knitted in a traditional Fair Isle jacquard design, the addition of the picot-style edging adds a modern twist to this goes-with-everything ladies’ cardigan.

This traditional and smart men’s Fair Isle jumper is knitted using Sirdar Country Style DK. A popular classic DK yarn, that can be easily washed and tumble dried, so can be worn over and over again.

This vintage V-neck slip-over pattern in a classic Argyll design, comes complete with matching socks!

If you love Fair Isle, but don’t have the time to make a garment, then this is the project for you! Featuring just a hint of Fair Isle, with a pretty floral motif, this hot water bottle cover is pretty and practical.

For more makes inspired by our countryside, have a read of our blog post Knit Our Beautiful Countryside.