Fair Isle knitting appears more complex than it actually is. Shetland knitters developed techniques for speed and efficiency in both time spent and materials used. These traditions translate seamlessly to modern knits. We’ll discuss pattern motifs and arrangements, knitting colorwork in the round vs. flat, and touch on color placement. Practice your new skills by knitting a sweet wristlet, and leave class more confident and able to analyze stranded colorwork patterns to determine ease of execution.

Technique Requirements: Knitters should be comfortable with the following techniques: knit and purl stitches, knitting in the round on double pointed needles, some colorwork experience is nice.

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Yarn: Five or more colors of fingering-weight yarn; 15–20 yards of each color. More colors will allow for more choice and experimentation. Shetland wool is preferred because of the amazing array of colors, and the unique properties of the wool that make it ideal for colorwork. Make sure to have a mix of light and dark colors. Dive into your stash!

Needles: Your preferred needle for working small-diameter pieces in the round, US3 [3.25mm] DPNs or long circular needle for Magic Loop.

Notions: Stitch markers and locking ring markers are helpful. Post-it notes or highlighter tape.