Traditional Fair Isle motifs in subtle heathered shades stand out softly on a neutral background. Your imagination is the limit for devising a totally different look: natural white motifs on a dark ground, primary colours on white….
The scarf is knitted in the round to produce a long tube. The ends are closed using a 3-needle bind-off once knitting is completed. All carried strands are protected inside the tube, and both sides of the scarf are “right sides” when worn.

Gauge (blocked): Approximately 34 sts and 38 rows per 4” / 10 cm in stranded colour patterns. Gauge is not critical, as this is a scarf, but please keep in mind that a fabric which is too firm may not have sufficient drape to wrap comfortably around the neck, while a fabric which is too loose may result in poorly-defined colour work.

Yarn quantities: Main colour 942 yds / 861 m. Each of 3 contrast colours 157 yds / 144 m. Fourth contrast colour 110 yds / 100 m.

The sample was made with 4 colours of Holst Garn Supersoft 100% Uld, colour ways Oatmeal (MC), Donkey, Pebble, Truffle and Cinnamon (CC4).

Skill level: Experience in knitting in round. Some experience with stranded colourwork would be an asset. The pattern includes links to information sources on Fair Isle knitting.

Erratum: In Chart 2, Row 8 and Chart 3, Row 7, there should be one more “o” symbol, to match what is seen in Row 1 of each of the two charts.
PDF updated to correct this error January 18, 2025