5 Classic Fair Isle Patterns + Exactly Where to Get the Yarn:
Fair Isle knitting isn’t just a technique—it’s a storytelling tradition, born on the windswept Shetland Islands where knitters turned limited resources into vibrant, heirloom-worthy garments. Today, these iconic motifs live on in modern patterns, and the secret to success is still the same: authentic Shetland wool with just the right stickiness and color depth.Below are five timeless Fair Isle patterns—ranging from beginner-friendly to heirloom-level—along with exact yarn recommendations using Jamieson & Smith (the gold standard available at FiberYarns.com). All pattern links are verified and active, and each includes a preview image from the official designer or pattern source, with full credit.
1. The Classic Yoked Sweater Pattern: “Kokkaloorie” by Mary Jane Mucklestone
Ravelry – Kokkaloorie | Paid Kokkaloorie Yoked Sweater – A seamless pullover with a delicate Fair Isle collar band in soft neutrals and pops of color
Ravelry A refined, wearable yoke with subtle motifs—perfect for everyday elegance.
Kakkaloorie
Yarn Needed:
Jamieson & Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight
MC: Natural White (#1) or Oatmeal
CCs: 4–6 shades (e.g., Indigo, Burnt Umber, Bottle Green, Gold)
Shop it: J&S 2-Ply at FiberYarns.com
2. Shetland Hap Shawl (Colorwork Border)Pattern: “Hamegaet Wrap” by Hazel Tindall
Ravelry – Hamegaet Wrap | Paid Hamegaet Wrap – A textured hap with Fair Isle shoulder pieces in earthy Shetland tones, draped for versatile wear
Ravelry (from The Book of Haps preview) A three-dimensional wrap blending texture, color, and Fair Isle shoulders—knit from the top down for easy adaptation.
Yarn Needed:
Jamieson & Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight
3–5 shades in a tonal family (e.g., greys, blues, or natural browns)
Shop it: J&S 2-Ply at FiberYarns.com
3. Fair Isle Mittens (Beginner-Friendly)Pattern Base: “The World's Simplest Mittens” by Tin Can Knits
Tin Can Knits – The World's Simplest Mittens | FREE World’s Simplest Mittens – Seamless, top-down mittens with a simple cuff, ready for Fair Isle colorwork bands in contrasting yarns
Add a 2-color Fair Isle motif to the cuff or back—this free, seamless top-down pattern is your blank canvas for stranded fun. You can also use Doodle Cards to add different motifs. See them here. Yarn Needed:
Jamieson & Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight
2 high-contrast colors (e.g., Shetland Black + White, or Red + Cream)
Shop it: 2-Ply Jumper Weight at FiberYarns.com
4. The Iconic Fair Isle TamPattern: “Neep Heid” by Kate Davies
Ravelry – Neep Heid | Paid Neep Heid Tam – A slouchy beret with bold geometric Fair Isle motifs in earthy Shetland shades, inspired by traditional island designs
Photo © Kate Davies Designs / Ravelry A traditional colourwork tam (named after a Scottish turnip lantern) with repeating motifs—warm, slouchy, and fully Shetland-inspired.
Yarn Needed:
Jamieson & Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight
5–7 colors (classic palette: navy #FC1, gold #121, red #FC9, green #FC11, white #1)
Shop it: Full J&S Color Range at FiberYarns.com
5. Fair Isle Christmas StockingPattern: “Let It Snow Fair Isle Christmas Stocking” by Joan Sheridan
Ravelry – Let It Snow Fair Isle Christmas Stocking | Paid Let It Snow Fair Isle Stocking – A traditional Shetland-style stocking with customizable Fair Isle motifs like snowflakes and trees, in five earthy shades
Photo © Joan Sheridan / Ravelry A heirloom-worthy stocking from a Shetland Guild designer—adapt charts for family personalization, with a slouchy cuff and toe-up ease.
Let It Snow Fair Isle Christmas Stocking by Joan Sheridan
Yarn Needed:
Jamieson & Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight
Red (#FC9), White (#1), Green (#FC11), Gold (#121), touch of Black (#FC34)
Bonus: Add initials in duplicate stitch after knitting.Shop it: Holiday Colors at FiberYarns.com
Quick Tips for Success
Swatch in the round – Tension changes with colorwork.
Catch floats every 5–7 stitches to avoid snags.
Block aggressively – J&S blooms and evens out beautifully.
Use sharp metal needles – They glide through sticky strands.
Ready to cast on? Pick your pattern, grab your Jamieson & Smith from FiberYarns.com, and knit your own piece of Shetland history. Tag@FiberYarnShop in your project photos—we’d love to see what you create! Sign up for the Fiber Yarns newsletter at fiberyarns.com.(bottom of the page)