Fleur de Lys

Fleur de Lys Fair Isle Gloves by Judy Furlong

What is Being Made

Fleur de Lys is a pair of knitted gloves designed for average-sized ladies' hands. The pattern emphasizes a generous wristband that extends over the sleeve, showcasing the Fair Isle colorwork detail rather than hiding it beneath clothing. These gloves combine practical warmth with decorative appeal, making them suitable for both everyday wear and as a showcase piece for knitting skill.

Craft and Primary Technique

This is a knitting project that features Fair Isle colorwork worked in the round. Fair Isle is a traditional stranded colorwork technique that involves knitting with two colors per row, carrying the unused yarn across the back of the work to create intricate patterned designs. The pattern notes that no special techniques beyond Fair Isle knitting are required, making it an excellent introduction to Fair Isle glove construction for less experienced colorwork knitters, while remaining engaging for experienced makers seeking a straightforward project.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The gloves are constructed using circular knitting methods, which allows the Fair Isle pattern to be worked seamlessly in the round. Knitters can choose between two needle techniques for this construction:

• Double-pointed needles (dp needles): The traditional method for small circumference circular knitting
• Magic loop technique: A modern alternative using a single long circular needle

The Fair Isle pattern itself employs standard knit stitches in two colors per round, with yarn stranding creating the characteristic texture and design on the glove surface.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Alice Starmore Hebridean 2ply yarn in 100% pure new wool. Six different shades are used to create the Fair Isle design, with approximately 25 grams of each color required:

• Shade A: Kelpie
• Shade B: Mara
• Shade C: Strabhann
• Shade D: Sundew
• Shade E: Golden plover
• Shade F: Whin

The yarn weight is 4-ply, a lightweight yet durable wool suitable for creating gloves with good stitch definition and drape. Knitters will also require either a set of double-pointed needles or a long circular needle (depending on preferred construction method) in an appropriate size for 4-ply yarn.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While Fair Isle colorwork requires attention to tension and yarn management, the pattern is described as reasonably simple in design, making it accessible to knitters new to Fair Isle glove construction while remaining satisfying for experienced colorwork knitters seeking a less complex project.

Pattern Publication

Fleur de Lys was originally published in The Knitter, Issue 25 (November 2010), and is presented here as a downloadable PDF pattern by independent designer Judy Furlong.