Home December 21: Fair Isle 24 Days of SWAK

December 21: Fair Isle

21 Dec 2024
Learn more about the Fair Isle knitting technique! These stranded colorwork designs look beautifully complex but are relatively simple to make. 

 

Today's featured designs include:

For a detailed blocking demonstration blocking, be sure to check out our informative post on 'Blocking Your Knits.'


Today, we have TWO kits to give away for the Ribbleden and Moorbrook set, along with our Fair Isle home learning kit to help you boost your Fair Isle skills. Watch the video to learn how you can enter for a chance to win!

Yay Ellen McKenzie & Ana Johnson! You're the lucky winners.

Comments
e
23 Dec 2024
Ellen McKenzie
THANK YOU
j
22 Dec 2024
Joan Ferrell
this method would be all new to me, but I’m guessing with my typical skills I would have to be throwing with one hand.
d
22 Dec 2024
Debbie Hersh
I throw with one hand. I have tried a couple of times using two hands but don't have it down and will continue to give it a whirl until I get it.
p
22 Dec 2024
Phyllis Lee Murphy
I have not done much, but when I have I used the 2handed.
a
22 Dec 2024
Ana Johnson
I have not done Fair Isle knitting, but I think it would be interesting to learn! Seems a bit daunting, but I think once you get the hang of it, it would be really fun!
g
22 Dec 2024
Gwen L
I do the pick up and drop method. It seems to work well for me. I just can’t seem to get the hang of two handed method.
p
22 Dec 2024
Pattye McAbee
The two handed way works for me. I’m still slow, but my floats are floaty not puckery.
e
21 Dec 2024
Ellen McKenzie
I’ve not done much fair isle and I used the pick up and drop method
b
21 Dec 2024
Beth Seel
I have never done fair isle knitting, but love the look. Maybe it is time to learn something new.
j
21 Dec 2024
Judy satterfield
Fair Isle is a knitting look that I really like. I would like to learn more and try more of this look.
a
21 Dec 2024
Anita Roesler
If I’m in a hurry I use one hand method. If I have time, I like to use two had cause it makes me feel smart and accomplished.
l
21 Dec 2024
Laura
love fair isle two handed
a
21 Dec 2024
Amy Biehl
I took a knitting class 6 years ago and we knit a pair of fair isle mittens using Rowan tweed haze. I remember looking at them take shape and marveling at the fact that I was doing it!! We used the drop and pick up method. That was my last and only fair isle project. Would love to do it again and learn something new!!
a
21 Dec 2024
Arletta Thompson
I have done a few projects with Fair Isle. I prefer dropping and picking up with two hands. I'm always open to new ideas and techniques. I am an avid fan of Arne and Carlos. Thanks for the tutorial on wet blocking.
a
21 Dec 2024
Amy Otto
Cowls are my favorite thing to gift besides potholders. I never done fair isle but I would love to dip my knitting skills in it!
j
21 Dec 2024
Julie Slaughter
I love doing Fair Isle color work! It's engaging and fun. I use both hands.
j
21 Dec 2024
Jill Mass
I’ve only done a tiny amount of Fair Isle knitting and have used the pick up and drop method. I would love to perfect my skills with the learning kit and a project.
r
21 Dec 2024
Renee Zinck
I've never done knitted fair isle.
c
21 Dec 2024
Courtney Wilson
I use the two handed method.
t
21 Dec 2024
Tamara V.
I vary what I do depending on the situation. Sometimes I tension both strands in my left hand (I can almost never find my thimble for this when I need it,,,,so I don't always use one.) Other times I use both hands. Picking with one hand and throwing with the other.
j
21 Dec 2024
Jody Ortiz
I have a couple of fair isle books and I love the patterns but have been too intimidated to try.
c
21 Dec 2024
Chelsi Roberts
I don’t think I have tried fair isle before
l
21 Dec 2024
Leah K
I use both hands, although it does take a bit more time. I've done several fair isle projects, but I do have some trouble with the stitches pulling a bit so will try some of your suggestions on the floats.
j
21 Dec 2024
Joy Woods
Anyone ever done Portuguese style knitting, where you tension the yarn around your neck or on hooks pinned to your shirt? I do color work this way, so each strand has its own hook. It works well for me!
j
21 Dec 2024
Jennifer Walker
I pick up and drop the yarn. But I would like to learn how to use two hands.
s
21 Dec 2024
Stephenia
I throw everything from my right hand - continental style knitting (in general) is on my to-do learning list for the new year. Lovely colors in that cowl.
m
21 Dec 2024
Machelle
I haven't tackled a Fair Isle project but would love to learn.
n
21 Dec 2024
Nyree
I’m teaching myself colorwork and haven’t moved on to fair isle yet. This would be the perfect way to get started!
d
21 Dec 2024
Dawn K
I am just starting my stranded color work journey. I used the Continental method keeping both colors on my finger. I'm always up for more tips on this technique.
Leave a comment
Leave a comment

Sealed with a Kiss

Whether you live near or far, SWAK brings the best of yarn, supplies, experience, and knowledge to you, wherever you are!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest updates, news and product offers via email

Recent articles

View all

Pure Alpaca
28 Dec 2024
All things alpaca, from these charming creatures to the incredible fiber they produce....

Cording
31 Oct 2024
Enjoy unleashing your creativity with cording, and learn four different methods of making cords....

Tweed
21 Sep 2024
A look at rustic yet stunning tweeds and their origins.
...