Free-Will Fair Isle Knitting Pattern Download

Description

As she worked on this pullover design, the designer looked at her repeating Fair Isle pattern and wondered what it might do if it were able to take off on its own. She shows us possible “free will” variations as the pattern evolves from hem to neck. As she works her way up the sweater, the pattern breaks out of its traditional arrangement and the individual design elements float free to provide an unexpected and pleasing design.

Finished Size: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)” (91.5 [101.5, 112, 122, 132] cm) bust/chest circumference. Sweater shown measures 40″ (101.5 cm).
Yarn: Dale of Norway Heilo (100% wool; 109 yd [100 m]/50 g): #2671 brown (MC), 9 (9, 10, 11, 13) balls; #7032 blue, #3046 copper, and #3152 light brown, 2 (2, 3, 3, 3) balls each; #3727 rust and #9331 pale green, 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) ball(s) each.
Yarn weight: #2 – Fine
Gauge: 24 sts and 26 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in Fair Isle pattern on size 6 (4-mm) needles; 22 sts and 28 rows = 4″ (10 cm) in St st on size 5 (3.75-mm) needles.
Needles: Body and sleeves-Size 6 and 5 (4 mm and 3.75 mm). Size 8 (5 mm) for binding off neckband. Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions: Stitch holders; tapestry needle.
Originally Published: Interweave Knits Winter 2003