Fair Isle knitting or Colorwork?
There is a difference.
It is subtle, but there is a difference between Fair Isle and Colorwork knitting! Since I have received the huge collection of Alice Starmore Scottish Champion Shetland wool into my life, I need to learn how to use it! My first hurdle has been settling down and forcing myself to knit with both of my hands at the same time. Meaning that I hold the dominant color in my right hand and the non-dominant color in my left. Essentially, making me knit English and Continental.
I learned how to crochet first, naturally, you would think that I would be a Continental knitter. But I am not. For some reason English or more accurately Throwing or Flicking are more comfortable for me – perhaps, because I am right handed? Or my Grandmother that taught me to knit was a leftie? I really don’t know … but, now need to learn to knit both styles.
Muscle memory and coordination occur from consistent practice. Soccer taught me this in high school. Choosing my first pattern to knit with two colors took a little bit of time. I decided to knit the Hamilknit Hat by Emily Straw because it is timely and my daughter thinks she would like to have it, so I let her pick the color combination. She looked at all of the colors in my new stash and choose a classic maroon and grey combination.
What is the difference?
Here is where I am learning some of the differences between Colorwork and Fair Isle knitting. The project I am working on would be considered Colorwork as it is not the traditional patterning of Fair Isle knitting. It is however, pure Shetland Wool from the Shetland Islands and only consists of 2 colors. In order for a project to be considered truly Fair Isle the pattern would: (1) feature the traditional X and O designs, (2) have only 2 colors worked at one time, and (3) be made from pure Shetland Wool from the Shetland Islands. Since this project design is letters not traditional patterning, it can only tick of 2 of the 3 necessary characteristics for Fair Isle knitting. Therefore, it defaults to the title of Colorwork knitting.
Does it matter what it is called?
Yes, it does matter. Fair Isle knitting embodies the history of a culture and animals. Shetland wool is grown on the breeds of sheep found in this region. As I work with Shetland wool I realize how “sticky” it is and why this is an important characteristic of the wool. Fair Isle design is rather simple in it’s patterning which means that floats are generally less than 5 stitches apart. The short distance between color changes means that the pattern is less likely to bunch and pucker, which makes it easier for the beginner knitter to try. The “sticky” texture of the wool is very forgiving and after it is washed any tension issues are erased and the knitting blooms into a beautifully consistent piece of fabric.
Where can you learn more about Fair Isle vs. Colorwork knitting?
Mary Jane Muckelstone is my resource! I just purchased her book, 200 Fair Isle Motifs: A Knitter’s Directory. And am currently watching her Craftsy class: The Fair Isle Vest: Stranded and Steeked (if you click on this link you can have 25% off the class fee – hooray!)
Let’s learn together!
As I continue to learn about Colorwork and Fair Isle knitting, I will keep posting. I feel like this is my next knitting journey and I am happy to have you join me on my path.
Join in the Yarn Giveaway!
I have a huge collection of this beautiful Shetland wool and will never knit it all by myself. I want to share this wool with others. Please join in the yarn giveaway and maybe you can win some of this beautiful yarn for your next project!
Click here to join in the fun!
