Two-Color Fair Isle Wrap

Two-Color Fair Isle Wrap by Michael Harrigan

What Is Being Made

This is a rectangular wrap designed by Michael Harrigan that measures 60.75 inches in length and 17.75 inches in depth. The wrap is crafted as an accessory piece that combines traditional Fair Isle colorwork with a contemporary aesthetic. The designer drew inspiration from Shetland Fair Isle patterns and northern European textile traditions, adapting them into a modern two-color wrap suitable for everyday wear.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project classified at the intermediate skill level. The primary technique used throughout the wrap is stranded colorwork, commonly known as Fair Isle knitting. This method involves carrying two colors of yarn simultaneously across the work, creating intricate patterned designs by switching between colors on individual stitches. The pattern features an all-over Fair Isle stitch pattern combined with a peerie border pattern—a traditional Shetland technique that uses small, delicate motifs typically found in Fair Isle design.

Stranded colorwork requires careful tension management to ensure that the floats (the yarn strands carried across the back of the work) remain even and do not pull the fabric too tightly. This technique creates a dense, reversible fabric with pattern on both sides, making it ideal for a wrap that may be worn with either side visible.

Stitches Used

While the pattern document excerpt does not detail every individual stitch, the construction is based on stranded colorwork stitches worked in the round or flat using standard knit stitches. The gauge specification of 36 stitches and 39 rows over 4 inches in stranded colorwork indicates that the pattern uses basic knit stitches worked with two colors held together, creating the characteristic Fair Isle appearance through color changes rather than stitch variation.

Materials

The wrap is made using Malabrigo Yarn SOCK, a premium yarn composed of 100% Merino wool. The yarn is classified as Super Fine weight (also known as 3-ply), with each skein containing 3.53 ounces (100 grams) and 440 yards (402 meters) of yardage. The pattern requires 2 skeins each of two colorways: #845 Cirrus Grey (Color A) and #83 Water Green (Color B), for a total of 4 skeins.

Knitting is worked on Size 2 (2.5mm) circular needles measuring 32 inches (80cm) in length, or whatever needle size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include 5 stitch markers and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The smooth, lightweight Merino wool creates a refined fabric that drapes elegantly while maintaining the clarity of the Fair Isle colorwork pattern.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 36 stitches and 39 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working in stranded colorwork. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring that the wrap has the intended drape and weight.