A perfect gift for beginning knitters to sew up some amazing crafting skills. Fair Isle knitting may look complicated, but knitting expert Lynne Watterson lays out the basics in a way that is easy to follow and understand with The Very Easy Guide to Fair Isle Knitting. She starts with an overview that covers everything from the best types of yarn suitable for Fair Isle patterns to beginner knitting techniques. Also included is a primer on how to read Fair Isle charts, plus an illustrated step-by-step guide to Fair Isle knitting showing complete beginners how to hold the yarns, strand across the back of knitting, link colors in, and how to weave in ends. The main chapters feature a selection of beautiful Fair Isle stitch patterns. Each pattern contains clear instructions in both written and chart form, and these are cross-referenced to a comprehensive guide to abbreviations. A variety of simple, stylish projects included in each chapter demonstrates ways to use the beautifully shaded Fair Isle patterns—from chic accessories and the latest fashion looks to colorful cushion covers and cozy blankets. Bonus material offers a variety of stunning finishing touches that can be used to enhance your knitting—including beads, buttons, tassels, cords, fringe, and more.

“A great book to ease a knitter new to Fair Isle knitting into the fold” with projects for sweaters, hats, pillows, bags, and more from the top designer (Knitty.com). Fair Isle knitting has a timeless appeal, and is celebrated all over the world for its beautiful patterns and distinctive motifs. Using just two colors in each row you can create a myriad of different patterns that are deceptively easy to achieve. In this definitive guide, expert knitting designer and bestselling author Monica Russel teaches you the essential skills of this traditional colorwork technique and provides all the inspiration you need to create stunning Fair Isle patterns of your own. The book includes a fascinating history of Fair Isle knitting, and takes a close look at the yarns, needles and other tools you need to get started in colorwork There are step-by-step instructions on the key techniques for creating Fair Isle patterns, including choosing colors and using charts, all illustrated with step-by-step photographs and an abundance of colorful examples A stunning collection of pattern swatches provides inspiration and instruction for over 45 borders, patterns and motifs, all accompanied by a written pattern, chart and examples in various colorways To practice your new skills, there are 14 items to knit, ranging from a simple hat to a stunning dress and waistcoat. “The motifs are often modern and bright with the themes such as flowers, cherries, dancing ladies, ducks and alpacas as well as various geometric shapes.” —Slipknot

Why "fearless"? In the past, knitters have considered Fair Isle knitting, or stranded knitting as it's also known, to be an advanced style that involves the frightening task of taking scissors to your hard-won work. As intimidating as this may seem, the cutting process, or steeking, is actually not something to worry about. In Fearless Fair Isle Knitting, best-selling knitwear designer Kathleen Taylor walks knitters of all levels through the technique. With Taylor's simple patterns and large, easy-to-follow charts, the projects yield delightfully vibrant results. The 30 stunning designs, which represent Taylor's updates on classic Fair Isle motifs, include sweaters, socks, dresses, vests, mittens, hats, and bags. With this book, Fair Isle knitting has become more accessible than ever -- and serious knitters will agree... that's a beautiful thing.

Scotland's Fair Isle is celebrated the world over for its distinctive, stranded-color knitting, and Alice Starmore is famous for her expertise in designing and instructing knitters in this appealing regional tradition. This volume is profusely illustrated with color photographs, plus drawings and charts that illustrate the art's history, patterns, and techniques.

The comprehensive guide to Fair Isle knitting motifs! The mysteries of Fair Isle are revealed! 200 Fair Isle Motifs offers simple solutions to the seemingly complex technique of stranded colorwork. From simple single row patterns to complex all-over motifs, you'll find colorways that will thrill and inspire your knitting, whether you're a beginner or experienced knitter. By using the easy-to-read charts, columns to illustrate color changes, and clear photographs of each sample swatch, you'll find yourself creating beautiful Fair Isle designs in no time. Organized by row count and stitch count, 200 Fair Isle Motifs makes it easy for you to find the perfect motif for your projects. Confidently infuse colorwork into your knitting with 200 Fair Isle Motifs.

One of the reasons knitting and colorwork master Melissa Leapman first learned to knit was her wish to make one special project—a sweater using Fair Isle technique. Now, for the first time, she brings her passion for advanced color knitting to knitters who want to knit with any and every color of yarn they can wrap around their needles. Conquer classic stranded knitting, “draw” images in yarn using intarsia, and make two projects in one with reversible double knitting. Leapman’s clear instruction proves that knitting with multiple colors may appear more complex, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. She includes the quickest, easiest, and most intuitive methods for each technique, using knowledge honed over years of color knitting workshops with knitters from across the country. Once you’ve learned the basics, practice your new skills by creating projects for yourself, your friends, and everyone on your gift list. Each chapter includes a handful of sample projects to get you started, a Designer Workshop that teaches you important concepts in every designer’s toolbox, and a pattern treasury of unique patterns to apply to projects of your own creation—more than 50 patterns and 12 projects in all. Throughout, Leapman’s helpful collection of how-tos, diagrams, tips, and hints (including a refresher course in color theory to help you choose the perfect color combinations) makes Mastering Color Knitting the book you’ll turn to for information and inspiration time and time again.

Over 70 pages of designs include patterns for mittens, jerseys, jackets, hats, more. Practical advice on design and color provides endless variations and adaptations. 31 halftones and 17 color illustrations.