Originally inspired by an undulating bike ride through the landscape of Shetland, the Easy Fair Isle Cowl is like carrying a piece of this region with you, wherever you may be. This subtly shaded pattern is a perfect starter project for stranded colourwork with its short floats and lack of steeking. It also benefits from having two options for edging - ribbed or i-cord that perfectly round off the central geometric pattern.
This is a loose style of cowl that can read as both masculine or feminine depending on your colour, yarn choice and fit. It's a great project for experimenting with colour play: use lots of small scraps, or keep it simple with the contrast of only two colours. Aran weight yarns knits up quickly and creates a beautifully warm garment that will reach up to your nose and create a windproof barrier, or can be pulled down to gather around your neck.
Build your skills by following the links to our clear step-by-step tutorials.
20 sts and 20 rounds = 4" / 10cm in stranded colourwork in the round
One size — cowl measures approx. 30" / 72cm in circumference and 11" / 28cm in height.
Learn all of the skills you need to make Easy Fair Isle Cowl with our beginner colourwork course. The Stranded Colourwork Basics course is a 4 week self-guided online knitting course, with continued access to the course so that you can return to each chapter for a refresher, again and again, whenever you need.
Aran weight yarn
Shown in Jamieson of Shetland's Shetland Heather Aran
Size 9 US / 5.5mm 24" / 60cm circular