Fair Isle Knitwear Design Process

Properties & Qualities

Application

Accessories Clothing

Qualities

3D Colourful

Colour

Black Blue Brown Earth-colour Green Grey Orange Pink Red Violet White Yellow

Sample Information

Date of Creation

January 29th, 2023

Culture & Context

Fair Isle knitting is specific to the island of Fair Isle in Shetland. It has its own characteristics and differs from other ‘stranded knitting’ which is all too often termed ‘Fair Isle’ knitting. Despite a decreasing population (less than 45 residents as of May 2023) there are still several small businesses in the isle that produce the genuine article that is made here and can truly be described as ‘Fair Isle’ knitting.

Process & Production

Pattern and colourway inspiration for Fair Isle designs can come from many sources – it might be the natural world, favourite colour combinations, the ‘traditional’ colours or a specific palette requested as part of a commission knit. Once the basic colour scheme has been decided, swatches are charted out and knitted up, forming the basis of an all-over design.