Fair Isle Knitting for Beginners | Easy Method to Knit with 2 Colours | A Slow Step-by-Step Tutorial

This video is a slow walk-through of a simplified version of knitting Fair Isle, which is perfect for beginners who really want to make Fair Isle patterns as soon as possible!

To knit Fair Isle this way, you don't need to learn both the Continental and English knitting styles, and you also don't need circular needles; only straight needles.
I have seen this method referred to as the 'one hand method' before, and it's called that because only one knitting style is being used (English), rather than each hand using a different knitting style.

I will demonstrate a very simple repeating pattern in red and white yarn, and it will be knit flat rather than 'in the round'.

I start with 60 stitches and first give an introduction to the Fair Isle technique, before going slowly through 2 rows (1 knit row and 1 purl row) of the design.
I'll explain how to change yarn colour, how to keep the 'floats' from getting too long, as well as give a few tips along the way.

You can view the accompanying article on my website here:

Thanks for watching!

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[leavesongrass]

Very helpful! Seeing the yarn work without the confusing bit of 2 styles of knitting added to that makes all the difference! Especially when learning by watching a video. You were very clear as well. Thank you!

[komisobaba]

Where were you all myknitting life? The best teacher ever! Thanks you so much.

[missree]

Best video for a beginner who knits English. Thank you!!!!

[Synth]

Great video. Thank you so much. I've been knitting for nearly 50 years, but I was never confident about Fair Isle. I've tried it from time to time, but was never satisfied with my results. My problem was the tension and length of the floats. Now that I have seen you do it, I understand. I must add that I was very happy to see you hold your yarn the same way I do. I taught myself to knit in the 1960s, when I was just a girl. By the time I learned about continental and English styles of knitting, and learned them, I wasn't satisfied with the control they gave me over the yarn tension. (I didn't feel like starting again from scratch after some 20 years.) I tend to do a lot of work with different stitches -- including Aran patterns and lace work. If I do say so myself, I'm quite good at them after all this time, with the way I hold the yarn. Thank you again so much! You have a new subscriber. I look forward to watching your other videos.

[Samantha_tookey]

This is really helpful, I’ve knitted most of my life but never got into fair isle but I really want to try it, we have the same knitting style and your video has given me the confidence to finally give it a go. Thank you x

[mcabrady]

Thank you for the wonderful video and pointing out the twist. I have knitted for decades but had never done a fair isle style. I had done Irish knit patterns. I am in process of making a sweater for my granddaughter. Now I feel I will be able to do it with success. Thank You for this wonderful and simiplified method. I do understand the English and Continental styles with both left and right.

[carolynellis]

Just come across this video, excellent explanation and demonstration
Loved Fair Isle and you make it easy

[cyrodilicbrandy]

Thank you! I was actually gonna break and reattach my yarn each time before I saw this 🤦‍♀️ lifesaver!!!

[susanna]

Thank you - I could understand this method easily. I am going to try as I have recently fallen in love with Nordic patterns and want to try. Thank you for posting this!

[janemarcus]

I have never knitted fair isle. You explained slowly and clearly. I’m happy to have found your YouTube channel!

[PraiseMedusa]

Thank You! I throw stitches because the other methods cause me more hand & wrist pain. So I didn't want lessons on how to knit....I wanted a simple Fair Isle technique lesson. Brilliant! I also use circular needles for everything now.

[jessicaorr]

This is exactly what I needed- to see how to add your second colour !! Great and simple info !!! Thank
You!

[jolenezdebski]

I have been knitting for many years and have never tried fair isle. With your video, I think I can give it a go. You made the fair isle stitching very understandable and it doesn't seem to hard. Looking forward to trying it. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Samnmum]

Thanks for this clear and helpful lesson 😊

[Mrgreen]

Thanks for the tip about twisting to avoid long floats. Good bit of advice!

[ginacostanzo]

Thank you for explaining this method clearly and slow enough for me to understand. I’ve always wanted to do Fair Isle and never was brave enough to try. Fantastic work. Gina from Australia

[annenewton]

Thank you, the most easy to understand I have ever seen.

[bettybho]

Ah .... I'm pretty much a complete beginner but having watched this I'm glad I bothered to learn continental and english style knitting.

[lizydagunamony]

Thank you very much. Your teaching was marvelous, easy to understand with useful tips too. Very grateful. I tried and it came out good. So happy. 🙏👍🏻👍🏻😊

[heatherbanks]

I wouldn't be a knitting drop out if I had you for a teacher . Thank you 👍🤔🇨🇦🌹👑🌺🌞