Fair Isle knitting is a technique that originates from the Fair Isle, a small island in Scotland. This traditional knitting style involves working with multiple colors in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. One of the key aspects of Fair Isle knitting is how to carry yarn, or how to transition between colors seamlessly without creating lumpy or loose fabric.
Carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting requires careful attention to tension and technique. The goal is to create a smooth and even fabric with minimal floats, which are the strands of yarn that are carried across the back of the work. There are several tips and techniques that can help achieve this.
Firstly, it’s important to maintain consistent tension when carrying yarn. This means that the tension of both the working yarn and the yarn being carried should be the same. This can be achieved by holding the yarns in separate hands or by wrapping the yarn being carried around the working yarn to create a twisted float.
Another tip is to avoid carrying yarn over long distances. When the distance between color changes is too large, long floats are created, which can lead to snagging or catching. It’s best to keep the floats no longer than five stitches, and if necessary, to catch the float with the working yarn every few stitches to anchor it in place.
What is Fair Isle knitting?
Fair Isle knitting, also known as stranded knitting, is a traditional knitting technique that originated in the Fair Isle, a small island in Scotland. It is named after the intricate and colorful patterns that are characteristic of this technique.
In Fair Isle knitting, two or more colors of yarn are used in each row to create a pattern or design. Unlike intarsia knitting where individual sections of color are worked separately, Fair Isle knitting requires the yarns to be carried across the back of the work, creating floats or strands of yarn on the wrong side of the fabric.
The floats in Fair Isle knitting should not be too long to avoid them catching on fingers or snagging on objects. The colors are typically changed every few stitches or rows, creating a beautiful and textured fabric.
One of the main challenges in Fair Isle knitting is managing the multiple yarns. Since only one color is used at a time, the unused yarn is carried across the work, creating floats. These floats need to be caught every few stitches to prevent them from becoming too long or loose.
Many knitters use a technique called “catching” or “stranding” to manage the floats. This involves holding the yarns not in use loosely on the back of the work, catching them every few stitches with the working yarn to ensure the floats are properly secured. By doing so, the fabric remains neat and even, with the floats carried at an even tension.
Fair Isle knitting can be used to create a wide range of projects, including sweaters, hats, gloves, scarves, and more. The technique allows for endless possibilities in color and design combinations, making it a popular choice among knitters looking to add a touch of creativity and complexity to their projects.
The history of Fair Isle knitting
Fair Isle knitting is a traditional knitting technique that originated from the Fair Isle, a small island located in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. This technique is characterized by the use of multiple colors in a single row to create intricate and colorful designs.
The origins of Fair Isle knitting can be traced back to the 19th century when the island’s residents began knitting warm and durable garments using the wool from local sheep. The technique was developed out of necessity as the harsh climate of the Shetland Islands required clothing that could withstand the cold and windy conditions.
Fair Isle knitting became known for its distinct patterns and color combinations, which were inspired by the natural surroundings of the island. The patterns often feature motifs of animals, plants, and geometric shapes, creating a unique and visually appealing style.
Initially, Fair Isle knitting was done using a traditional method known as “knitting in the round,” where the garment is knitted in a continuous loop. This technique allowed the knitters to create seamless and well-fitting garments without the need for sewing or joining individual pieces together.
Over time, Fair Isle knitting gained popularity beyond the shores of the island. The unique designs and intricate patterns attracted attention from the fashion industry, making Fair Isle sweaters and accessories highly sought after. The technique became synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, and it continues to be revered by knitters and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Today, Fair Isle knitting is not only practiced on the island but also by knitters around the world. Many knitters enjoy the challenge of creating beautiful, intricate designs using multiple colors and intricate patterning techniques.
Fair Isle knitting has become a beloved and timeless craft, preserving the traditions and cultural heritage of the Shetland Islands. The versatility and beauty of Fair Isle patterns continue to inspire knitters to create their own unique and cherished pieces.
Tips for carrying yarn
- Choose the right yarn: When working with multiple colors in Fair Isle knitting, it’s important to choose yarns that are similar in weight and fiber content. This will ensure that the finished project has an even texture and appearance.
- Keep your floats loose: Floats are the strands of yarn that are carried along the back of the work when knitting with multiple colors. It’s important to keep your floats loose so that they don’t pull the fabric and create puckering. However, be careful not to make them too loose, as this can cause the floats to get caught on your fingers or needles.
- Twist the yarns: To prevent long floats from getting caught or snagged, it’s helpful to twist the yarns together every few stitches. This secures the floats and keeps them from getting tangled or pulled out of place.
- Use a colorwork guide: A colorwork guide is a tool that can help you keep track of your color changes and ensure that your yarns are carried in the correct way. It can be as simple as a piece of paper with a grid, or you can download a template online.
- Practice tension control: Maintaining consistent tension is crucial in Fair Isle knitting. Practice controlling your tension by knitting a swatch with stranded colorwork before starting a project. This will help you get a feel for how the yarns should be carried and how tight or loose your stitches should be.
- Experiment with different techniques: There are various ways to carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting, such as catching floats every few stitches or weaving them in at the back of the work. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you and gives you the desired finished look.
- Keep your work organized: When working with multiple colors, it’s easy to get your yarns tangled. Keep your work organized by using yarn bobbins or separate balls of yarn for each color. This will make it easier to manage your yarns and prevent them from becoming tangled or knotted.
Choose the Right Yarn
When working on Fair Isle knitting projects, it is essential to select the right yarn. The yarn you choose should be suitable for colorwork and have the appropriate properties to ensure your project turns out beautifully. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the yarn for your Fair Isle knitting:
- Yarn Weight: The weight of the yarn will determine how thin or thick your finished project will be. Fair Isle knitting usually works best with medium-weight yarns (DK or worsted weight) as they provide the right balance between stitch definition and drape. However, you can experiment with other weights to achieve different effects.
- Fiber Content: Different fibers have different qualities and characteristics. Make sure to choose a yarn with good elasticity and memory to ensure that your Fair Isle patterns will hold their shape. Wool yarns are commonly used for Fair Isle knitting due to their excellent stretch and warmth.
- Color Selection: Fair Isle knitting involves using multiple colors in a single row or round. Choose yarns that have a good range of colors that work well together. It’s essential to consider the contrast between the colors used to ensure that the patterns are distinct and visually appealing.
- Smoothness: Smooth yarns are generally easier to work with when it comes to Fair Isle knitting. This is because they allow the stitches to slide more smoothly along the needle, making it easier to carry the yarn and work the colorwork patterns.
Once you’ve selected the right yarn, it’s also crucial to ensure that you have enough yarn in each color to complete your project. Fair Isle knitting often requires multiple balls or skeins of yarn, depending on the complexity of the pattern and the size of your project. Plan accordingly and make sure to purchase extra yarn to avoid running out before your project is finished.
Learn to strand the yarn
When knitting Fair Isle patterns, one of the key techniques to master is stranding the yarn. Stranding involves carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work while knitting with the active yarn. This creates the distinctive colorwork patterns that Fair Isle knitting is known for.
Here are some tips and techniques for stranding yarn in Fair Isle knitting:
- Choose the right yarn: It’s important to select yarns that are suitable for stranding. Yarns that are too slippery or too fuzzy may not work well and can result in loose or uneven stitches. Ideally, choose yarns with a similar weight and fiber content to ensure an even tension.
- Hold the yarn correctly: When stranding, it’s important to hold the yarn consistently to maintain an even tension. Many knitters find it helpful to hold one color in each hand, with the active yarn in the right hand and the inactive yarn in the left hand. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you.
- Keep tension even: Consistent tension is key when stranding yarn. If the inactive yarn is carried too tightly, it can cause puckering or distortion in the fabric. On the other hand, if the inactive yarn is carried too loosely, it can create loose floats that can catch on fingers or snag on other objects. Practice maintaining an even tension as you work.
- Floats and catches: As you strand the yarn, you will encounter floats, which are the strands of yarn that are carried along the back of the work. To prevent long floats that can snag or catch on fingers, it’s important to catch the floats every few stitches. This can be done by carrying the inactive yarn over or under the active yarn at regular intervals.
- Avoid carrying yarn too far: When stranding, it’s important to avoid carrying the inactive yarn too far across the back of the work. Long carries can create tension issues and make the fabric bulky. As a general rule, it’s best to carry the yarn no more than four to five stitches before catching it or changing colors.
- Practice and patience: Stranding yarn in Fair Isle knitting can be a bit challenging at first, but with practice and patience, you will improve your technique. Start with simple patterns and gradually work your way up to more complex designs. The more you knit, the more comfortable and confident you will become with stranding.
Remember, stranding yarn in Fair Isle knitting is a skill that takes time to master. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfectly. Keep practicing and experimenting, and soon you’ll be creating beautiful, intricately patterned Fair Isle projects!
Practice tension control
One important aspect of fair isle knitting is to maintain consistent tension throughout your work. This will help ensure that your stitches are even and that the colorwork pattern is well-defined. Here are some tips to help you practice tension control:
1. Use the right needle size
Choosing the correct needle size is crucial for achieving the desired tension in fair isle knitting. If your stitches are too tight, switch to a larger needle size. Conversely, if your stitches are too loose, go down a needle size. Experiment with different sizes until you find the one that allows you to achieve even tension.
2. Hold the yarns consistently
When working with multiple colors, it’s important to hold the yarns consistently to maintain even tension. You can hold one color in your left hand and the other color in your right hand, or you can hold both colors in one hand using the method that feels most comfortable to you. Practice holding the yarns consistently and find a technique that works best for you.
3. Keep an even tension while carrying yarn
Carrying yarn across the back of your work is a common technique in fair isle knitting. It’s important to keep an even tension while doing this to avoid loose or tight stitches. To practice, try knitting a small swatch with two or more colors and pay attention to the tension while carrying the yarn. Make sure the floats are loose enough to allow the fabric to stretch, but not so loose that they create gaps.
4. Block your finished project
After completing your fair isle knitting project, blocking is essential to even out the tension and shape the fabric. Wet blocking or steam blocking can help relax the stitches and make the colorwork pattern more defined. Follow the blocking instructions specific to your yarn and project to achieve the best results.
By practicing tension control and paying attention to your knitting technique, you’ll be able to create beautiful fair isle knitting projects with even tension and well-defined colorwork patterns.
Techniques for carrying yarn
Carrying yarn is an important technique in Fair Isle knitting, as it allows you to create intricate colorwork patterns. Here are some popular techniques for carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting:
- Two-handed knitting: This technique involves holding one color of yarn in your right hand (continental style) and the other color in your left hand (English style). By alternating between the two hands, you can easily switch colors as required.
- Stranding: Stranding involves carrying the non-working yarn loosely across the back of your work while knitting with the other color. This creates floats on the wrong side of the fabric. It is important to keep the floats loose to prevent distorting the fabric.
- Catching floats: To avoid long floats, you can catch the non-working yarn every few stitches. This is achieved by carrying the yarn across the back of your work and twisting it around the working yarn before knitting the next stitch. This technique helps to secure the floats and prevents them from getting too long.
- Weaving: Weaving is another technique for catching floats and securing the non-working yarn. With this technique, you weave the non-working yarn over and under the working yarn every few stitches. This helps to prevent long floats and creates a neat appearance on the wrong side of the fabric.
- Carrying yarn up the side: When working in the round or along the edges, you can carry the non-working yarn up the side of your work instead of cutting and restarting it. This helps to minimize the number of ends to weave in later.
Experiment with these different techniques to find the one that works best for you in carrying yarn for your Fair Isle knitting projects. Practice and patience are key to achieving beautiful colorwork patterns!
Two-handed technique
The two-handed technique is a popular and efficient way to carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting. It involves using both hands to hold and manipulate the different colors of yarn. This technique is especially useful when working with multiple colors in a row or round.
To use the two-handed technique, you will need to hold one color of yarn in your left hand and another color in your right hand. This allows you to switch between the two colors more easily and create neat, even stitches.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the two-handed technique in Fair Isle knitting:
- Choose which color you want to hold in your left hand and which color you want to hold in your right hand. It is usually recommended to hold the dominant color, or the color that appears most frequently, in your right hand.
- Hold the yarn in each hand so that the color you want to use is on top.
- Start knitting with the color in your right hand. Hold the right-hand yarn in your usual knitting position.
- When you need to switch to the color in your left hand, drop the right-hand yarn and bring the left-hand yarn up and over it.
- Pick up the left-hand yarn and continue knitting with it, keeping the right-hand yarn tucked underneath.
- When you need to switch back to the right-hand yarn, drop the left-hand yarn and bring the right-hand yarn up and over it.
- Pick up the right-hand yarn and continue knitting with it, keeping the left-hand yarn tucked underneath.
- Repeat these steps as necessary to create your Fair Isle pattern.
The two-handed technique allows you to work with multiple colors more efficiently and can result in a smoother knitting experience. By mastering this technique, you can create beautiful Fair Isle projects with ease.
Catching the floats
When knitting Fair Isle patterns, it’s important to catch the floats to ensure that the stranded yarn stays secure and doesn’t snag or create loose loops on the back of your work. Floats are the strands of unused yarn that run across the back of your work when you switch between colors in Fair Isle knitting.
To catch the floats, you will need to knit or purl over them every few stitches. This will help prevent them from being too loose and creating long loops on the back of your work. The best way to catch floats is to do so without pulling the yarn too tightly or distorting the fabric.
Here are some tips for catching the floats:
- Keep an even tension: When catching the floats, make sure to maintain an even tension so that the fabric remains consistent. If you pull too tightly, the fabric will pucker, and if you leave it too loose, the floats may snag or show through on the front of your work.
- Use a finger or a knitting needle: To catch a float, you can use your finger or a spare knitting needle to hold the yarn against the back of your work. Simply position your finger or needle behind the float and knit or purl over it as you work your stitches.
- Catch the floats regularly: Aim to catch the floats every few stitches, especially if the float is longer than half an inch. This will help distribute the tension evenly and prevent long floats from snagging or getting caught on anything.
- Practice: Catching floats may take some practice. Start with a small Fair Isle project to get comfortable with the technique. As you become more experienced, you’ll find a rhythm that works best for you.
Remember, catching floats is an essential technique in Fair Isle knitting to ensure that your finished project looks neat and professional. With practice and patience, you’ll soon master the art of catching floats and create beautiful Fair Isle designs.
Twisting the yarn
Twisting the yarn is an important technique in Fair Isle knitting as it helps to create neat and even stitches while carrying multiple colors of yarn. It involves twisting the working yarns at the back of the work to keep them from tangling and to prevent long floats.
Here are some tips for twisting the yarn while knitting Fair Isle:
- Alternate yarn dominance: In Fair Isle knitting, it is common to use two different colors of yarn in one row. To prevent one color from dominating the other, it is important to switch the yarn dominance. This means that the color being used for the stitch that requires two colors will be held above the other color. This helps to create a balanced fabric.
- Twist the yarns: To avoid long floats and tangling, it is important to twist the yarns regularly. This can be done every few stitches or whenever necessary. To do this, simply bring the new color yarn over the old color yarn and continue knitting. This will twist the yarns together, preventing long floats and keeping the yarns securely in place.
- Catch the floats: Sometimes, it may be necessary to catch the floats at the back of the work to prevent them from snagging or getting pulled. This can be done by catching the unused yarn in the stitches as you knit. This technique helps to secure the floats and prevents them from being too loose.
- Practice tension: Maintaining an even tension is crucial while carrying multiple colors of yarn. Make sure to keep the tension consistent throughout the project to avoid loose or tight stitches. Practice knitting with both hands to find a comfortable and even tension for the yarns.
By twisting the yarn and following these tips, you can create beautiful and even stitches in your Fair Isle knitting projects.
FAQ:
What is Fair Isle knitting?
Fair Isle knitting is a traditional knitting technique that originated in the Fair Isle of Scotland. It involves using multiple colors of yarn in a single row or round to create intricate patterns and designs.
Why is it important to carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting?
Carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting is important because it allows you to create patterns and designs using multiple colors. By carrying the yarn along the back of the work, you can switch between colors and create beautiful colorwork.
What are some tips for carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting?
Some tips for carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting include making sure to weave in the carried yarn every few stitches to prevent long floats, keeping an even tension on the carried yarn to avoid puckering or bunching, and choosing yarns with similar thicknesses.
How do you prevent long floats when carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting?
To prevent long floats when carrying yarn in Fair Isle knitting, you can weave in the carried yarn every few stitches. This means catching the carried yarn with the working yarn to secure it in place and prevent it from creating long strands on the back of the work.
Can you carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting without weaving it in?
Yes, it is possible to carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting without weaving it in, but this can result in long floats on the back of the work. Long floats can be prone to catching on things and can create a looser fabric. It is generally recommended to weave in the carried yarn every few stitches to prevent long floats.
What is the best type of yarn to use in Fair Isle knitting?
The best type of yarn to use in Fair Isle knitting is typically a lightweight yarn, such as fingering or sport weight. This allows for finer detail and a more even tension in the colorwork. It is also important to choose yarns with similar thicknesses to ensure a consistent fabric.
Are there any alternative ways to carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting?
Yes, there are alternative ways to carry yarn in Fair Isle knitting. Some knitters prefer to use the “intarsia” method, where each color is worked separately and joined together at the changing points. Others may use a “steek” technique, where extra stitches are added to create a reinforced edge that can be cut open later to create openings or finished edges.