Fair Isle Stars

Fair Isle Stars Cowl by Michael Harrigan

What is Being Made

The Fair Isle Stars is a knitted cowl designed by Michael Harrigan, a Certified Master Knitter and Knitting Technical Editor. This cowl is a versatile neckwear piece that combines traditional Fair Isle colorwork with a luxurious fiber blend. The finished cowl measures 27.5 inches in circumference and 10.5 inches in height, making it an ideal accessory for layering and everyday wear. The design showcases a two-color Fair Isle pattern that creates a star motif throughout the piece.

Knitting Techniques Used

This cowl is constructed using stranded colorwork, a fundamental Fair Isle technique where two colors of yarn are carried across the back of the work as stitches are knitted. The stranded colorwork method creates the distinctive Fair Isle pattern without requiring color changes that would interrupt the flow of knitting. The cowl is worked in the round using a circular knitting needle, which eliminates the need for seaming and creates a seamless, tubular fabric. The designer notes that this is a relatively easy knit despite the colorwork, as the pattern uses only two colorways throughout, simplifying the color management process that can challenge knitters new to Fair Isle techniques.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is stranded colorwork stitch pattern, which combines knit stitches worked in alternating colors to create the Fair Isle design. The pattern is worked in the round, utilizing basic knit stitches as the foundation for the colorwork. The gauge for this pattern is 21 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in the stranded colorwork stitch pattern, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Fair Isle Stars cowl is designed to be worked in Noro Silk Garden Solo, an Aran-weight yarn. This premium yarn blend consists of 45% silk, 45% mohair, and 10% wool, creating a luxurious fiber composition. The pattern calls for 2 balls each of two colorways: Color 1 (Color A) and Color 7 (Color B), with each ball containing 50 grams and 100 meters of yarn. After blocking, the silk and mohair content creates an extremely soft fabric that feels luxurious against the skin.

Tools and Notions Required

• US size 7 (4.5mm) circular knitting needle, or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge
• Stitch marker for indicating the beginning of round
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. While the Fair Isle Stars cowl involves stranded colorwork, which is an intermediate technique, the designer emphasizes that it remains relatively accessible because the pattern uses only two colorways. Knitters should have experience with basic knitting techniques and be comfortable working with circular needles and managing two colors of yarn simultaneously. The intermediate classification reflects the colorwork element rather than complex stitch patterns, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to develop or practice Fair Isle skills.

Pattern Format

This pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, designed by independent designer Michael Harrigan. The PDF format allows for easy access and printing for reference while working on the project.