The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting

Fair Isle knitting may look complicated, but it really is easy to do once you understand the basics. Author Lynne Watterson starts beginners off with the basics of two-color knitting: reading a Fair Isle chart; what to do with all the fiddly yarn ends, and getting to grips with circular needles.

The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful stitch patterns. Each pattern has clear instructions in both written and chart form, and these are cross-referenced to a comprehensive guide to abbreviations.

Each of the main chapters includes simple, stylish projects demonstrating ways to use the beautifully shaded Fair Isle patterns—from chic accessories and the latest fashion looks to contemporary cushion covers and throws.

Book Contents

Foreword 8

About this book 9
Lesson 1: Yarns 10
Lesson 2: Choosing colors 12
Lesson 3: Knitting kit 14

Knitting basics 16
Lesson 4: Casting on 18
Lesson 5: Knit and purl 20
Lesson 6: Reversible fabrics 22
Lesson 7: Binding off 23
Lesson 8: Increasing 24
Lesson 9: Decreasing 25
Lesson 10: Gauge 26
Lesson 11: Circular knitting 28
Lesson 12: Holding the yarns 30
Lesson 13: Stranding 31
Lesson 14: Weaving 32
Lesson 15: Charts 34

Fair Isle patterns 36

Stitch guide 38
Lesson 16: Corrugated ribbing 40
Lesson 17: Seeding 44
- Project 1: Child’s cardigan 52, Project 2: Child’s hoodie 54
Lesson 18: Fair Isle bands 56
- Project 3: Fingerless mitts 80, Project 4: Hot water bottle cover 82, Project 5: Beret 84, Project 6: Legwarmers 86, Project 7: Hat and scarf 88
Lesson 19: Fair Isle patterns 90
- Project 8: Mug cozies and pot holders 116, Project 9: Bag 118, Project 10: Throw 120, Project 11: Cushions 124

Finishing Techniques 126
Lesson 20: Blocking and pressing 128
Lesson 21: Perfect seams 130
Lesson 22: Adding beads 132
Lesson 23: Tassels 134
Lesson 24: Pompoms 135
Lesson 25: Twisted cord 136
Lesson 26: Fringing 137
Lesson 27: Adding buttons 138
Lesson 28: Aftercare essentials 140

Abbreviations 141

Index 142

Credits 144