Shetland Throw

Shetland Throw by Martin Storey

What Is Being Made

The Shetland Throw is a versatile knitted blanket available in two sizes, inspired by traditional Scottish heritage textiles. The small size measures 95 x 95 cm (37½ x 37½ inches), making it ideal as a knee rug or decorative chair throw. The large size measures 133 cm (52¼ inches) wide by 171 cm (67¼ inches) long, suitable as a generous bed cover. This patchwork-style throw celebrates the subtle, naturally inspired colorways characteristic of traditional Shetland wool dyeing.

Techniques and Construction

This throw is constructed using the Fairisle knitting technique, a traditional method that creates intricate patterns by working with multiple colors within individual rows. The design is built from patched squares in two alternating colorways, each knitted separately and then sewn together at the completion of the project, similar to patchwork assembly. This modular approach allows knitters flexibility in adjusting the final dimensions by adding or reducing the number of squares.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The pattern employs Fairisle colorwork stitches to create the patterned squares. The alternating colorway squares are worked in a systematic arrangement that builds visual interest through color contrast while maintaining the soft, blended aesthetic of the yarn itself. The squares are then joined using seaming techniques to create the unified throw.

Materials

This throw is knitted in Rowan Felted Tweed DK, a premium yarn blend consisting of 50% merino wool, 25% alpaca, and 25% viscose. This composition creates a soft, durable fabric with subtle color variations. The yarn is available at 175 meters (191 yards) per 50-gram ball. The small size requires 3 balls each in two colorways, while the large size requires additional yardage. Standard knitting needles appropriate for DK-weight yarn are used to work the squares.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this project is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to explore colorwork techniques. The Fairisle method requires managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, making it an excellent project for developing this traditional technique.