What you'll need
| to fir bust, cm: | 81 | 86 | 91 | 97 | 102 | 107 | 112 | 117 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to fir bust, in: | 32 | 34 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 |
Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper weight - 1280
|
7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
|
Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper weight - FC62
|
3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
|
Jamieson & Smith - 75
|
2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
|
Jamieson & Smith 2ply Jumper Weight - 1
|
3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Something not quite right? Let us know Opens in a new window.
Product Description
This top was inspired by the beautiful traditional Fair Isle patterns which have an enduring appeal.
Horizontal stripes, sometimes produced by strongly contrasting colours in Fair Isle designs, can be difficult to wear and so the choice of colours here is deliberately subtle to minimise this. Bust and waist shaping are design elements also included to flatter.
This garment does require a working knowledge of the Fair Isle two colour knitting technique and although knitted flat, stays with the tradition of using no more than two colours at a time. The most efficient way of working is to hold one yarn in each hand – a little tricky, especially on purl rows, but worth persevering. Meantime, knit it up any way that suits you, but most of all, enjoy!
Original yarn from Jamieson & Smith Shetland Wool Brokers Limited, knits as 4ply/fingering.
Julia Elegant Fair Isle Top
What is Being Made
Julia is an elegant Fair Isle knitted top designed by Judy Furlong. This intermediate-level sweater combines traditional Fair Isle patterning with contemporary shaping, featuring horizontal stripes created through Fair Isle colorwork. The design was first published in The Knitter, Issue 8 (June 2009), and was featured on the front cover. The top is designed to be versatile and flattering, suitable for pairing with various garments from voile blouses and pleated skirts to fitted denim.
Design Inspiration and Features
The Julia top draws inspiration from beautiful traditional Fair Isle patterns, which have maintained enduring appeal in knitting design. The designer deliberately chose subtle, understated color combinations to minimize the visual impact of horizontal stripes, which can sometimes be challenging to wear in Fair Isle designs. The pattern incorporates thoughtful bust and waist shaping as key design elements to create a flattering silhouette.
Techniques Used
- Fair Isle Colorwork: The primary technique used throughout this top, creating traditional patterned designs by working with multiple colors within rows
- Horizontal Striping: Produced through Fair Isle techniques using contrasting or complementary color choices
- Shaping: Strategic bust and waist shaping incorporated into the pattern construction for a fitted, flattering garment
Stitches and Materials
This pattern is worked in 4-ply yarn weight, which provides excellent stitch definition for displaying Fair Isle patterns. The yarn choice is noted as economical and available in a vast range of shades, making it accessible for knitters to experiment with different color combinations and variations. The designer encourages swatching in different color-ways before committing to the full project, allowing crafters to explore the exciting possibilities that Fair Isle offers through color variation.
Skill Level
This is an intermediate-level knitting project, suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle Fair Isle colorwork techniques and garment shaping.
Specifications
| Brand: | Independent Designer |
| Yarn Weight: | 4 Ply |
| Pages: | 14 |
| Designer: | Judy Furlong |
| Craft: | Knitting |
| Format: | Downloadable PDF |
| Languages: | English |
| Notes: | May substitute circular needle with set of dp needles (for neckband). Yarn available direct for manufacturer in Shetland- contact details given. |
| Number of Patterns: | 1 |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience.