How to knit Fair Isle (2 color knitting) US/UK
In this DROPS video we show how you can knit Fair Isle (2 colour knitting) using the US/UK method.
In this video we are following a chart back and forth on needles, knitting with two colors. The color that not is knitted is following behind the work when knitting RS rows. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose. If more than 3 sts in a row of one of the colors, then twist the yarns for every 3 sts.
When working WS rows have the yarn following in front of work, again make sure you have the right tension on the thread. Note - if a color not is used all the way at the end of the row, you can drop it, but if it will be used at the beginning of the next row, then keep carry it a long by twisting around the working yarn. Don't worry if it's a bit uneven, it will even out a lot when blocking.
You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
Tags: stripes,
The video above can be used in the following patterns
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Comments (22)
Alice Hardouin 03.10.2018 - 20:40:
Hi I am from South Africa and i am not sure on the chart for the artic circle sweater it has a k2tog and the other decrease is slip as if to k k psso i am confused what does it mean as if too must i do it or not please advise thank you Alice Hardouin
DROPS Design
04.10.2018 - 10:40:
Valdareia
02.04.2017 - 02:35:
Always knit fairisles in right an left hand, like UK, so much faster, I knit fairisles Tams an socks this way as well as sweaters. An so much easier in the round.
Cinzia
25.08.2015 - 13:18:
Qual'e' il metodo migliore per gestire i gomitolo dei vari colori? Fare le spolette? O tenere nei portagomitoli i vari colori? Grazie per il vostro suggerimento
DROPS Design
26.08.2015 - 00:09:
Marijke Klaren
14.12.2014 - 00:27:
Bijzonder dank voor deze simpele manier die even goed bruikbaar is. Fijn ook dat de andere manier van fair isle voor wordt gedaan.
Agnes
17.11.2014 - 00:16:
I am a uk knitter and this is not the traditional way we knit fair isle. We hold one yarn in left hand and one in right. I have never seen anyone here doing colourwork the way shown in the video. It would be nice if you created a more accurate video, but I do love your patterns, wools and website, and usually the videos too.
DROPS Design
17.11.2014 - 14:07:
Kati
05.09.2014 - 08:24:
Mary's hybrid method sounds great! I'll try it!
Evelyn
11.12.2013 - 00:14:
Why does the knitter keep picking up each yarn separately, so slow. The yarn can be carried on the first and second fingers of the right hand as fast fair isle knitters do in uk. Just carrying yarn in right hand instead of left as in continental knitting.
Marie
24.02.2013 - 16:45:
J'ai galéré mais beaucoup appris en tricotant le modèle Bergen 142-1 . Le problème il y avait 5 couleurs et parfois plus de trois/ mon ampiècement est un peu serré. Cela me donne envie d'en refaire Jusqu'alors mes jacquards étaient plus simples.Très bonne vidéo et conseils écrits . Merci
Gail
16.02.2013 - 21:42:
The background or white blocks on the chart is the green yarn. The pink yarn is where the x's are making the pattern on the chart. If you're a novice, try doing a hat or something in the round with one color in each hand. Good Luck!
Debra
15.01.2013 - 18:30:
I can follow the video fine and have never worked with charts before however, could you tell me why the person is sometimes knitting through the front and sometimes through the back of the knit/purl stitch?
English
15.01.2013 - 18:38:
PJ Covington 28.12.2012 - 04:20:
I am confused....what does the pink color represent? I am looking at the chart and the yarn choice for what I think is the appropriate stitch but it is not matching..at least not in my world
Hannah
18.09.2012 - 13:26:
Thank you so much!!! I have been searching endlessly for a video like this. I can finally make the projects I love.
Carolina Beatriz Damonte Santoro
18.06.2012 - 22:21:
No se puede ver el video. the video doesnt work
Marceline 11.06.2012 - 23:48:
Thank you for clear instructions on how to do fair isle. It's easy to do now after following your instructions.
Karen Rose
29.04.2012 - 15:23:
You have given me the confidence to finally take on Fair Isle socks! Thank you so much for such a simple clear explanation.
Liisa Hannila
25.04.2012 - 18:09:
Kiitos hienoista sivuista. Upeita malleja ja hienot video ohjeet lämmin kiitos. Terveisin Liisa
DROPS Design NL
30.03.2012 - 15:30:
De video werkt prima, maar soms moet je even wachten en de video laten laden en dan komt het helemaal goed.
Jemina
30.03.2012 - 11:46:
Kan deze video niet afspelen stopt na +/- 10 seconden. De andere video over continentaal breien met 2 kleuren lukt wel.
Pam
28.12.2011 - 19:39:
Thanks for posting both methods of fairisle knitting. Thanks for the suggestion from Mary, I am going to try that.
Olga Teresa 23.07.2011 - 02:53:
Hola, me vino muy bien la explicación del dibujo en el tricot salí a flote en un gorro para mi nieta gracias. Los patrones y explicaciones son de lo mejor Tere de Argentina.
Mary
13.07.2011 - 22:08:
What about a video on hybrid fairisle technique? As a UK knitter I knit the dominant colour UK style and secondary color continental, one controlled with each hand. Works especially well on the circular all-knit pieces. Also greater variey of movements means less RSI.
Julia Moorhouse 17.06.2017 - 15:00:
I'm a UK knitter and I knit just like the video shows, love the video very clear