BRING YOUR OWN FAIR ISLE KNITTING PROJECT

Begin your journey into the rich and colourful tradition of Fair Isle knitting in this immersive two day knitting workshop inspired by the textile heritage of the Shetland Islands.

Perfect for knitters looking to develop their colourwork skills, this hands on workshop introduces the traditional techniques, patterns and history behind Fair Isle knitting while guiding you through the creation of your own handmade accessory using authentic Shetland yarn.

Throughout the weekend you will explore the origins of Fair Isle knitting and discover why this distinctive style remains such an important part of Shetland’s cultural identity. You will learn how colour, pattern and rhythm work together to create the beautifully balanced designs that Fair Isle knitting is celebrated for around the world.

During the workshop you will learn:

• Fair Isle knitting history and heritage
Explore the traditions and techniques that shaped one of Scotland’s most recognisable knitting styles.

• Knitting with two colours at once
Learn practical stranded knitting techniques for carrying and managing yarn confidently while working colour patterns.

• Colour placement and pattern design
Understand how colours are combined effectively to create depth, contrast and harmony within Fair Isle designs.

• Reading Fair Isle knitting charts
Build confidence following traditional colourwork charts while knitting in the round.

Using high quality Shetland yarn, participants will create either a Fair Isle knitted headband or cowl during the workshop, developing practical skills alongside their understanding of traditional knitting methods.

The workshop is led by Sophie of Forest and Dot, a fibre arts tutor and heritage craft enthusiast with a passion for preserving traditional making skills through welcoming and accessible workshops.

Sophie teaches knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning, natural dyeing and other fibre arts across the Scottish Highlands. Originally working with creative venues across the south of England, she recently relocated to the north east coast of Scotland to pursue her smallholding dreams and continue building connections through heritage craft.

The story behind Forest and Dot is rooted in family tradition. Sophie learned to knit from her grandmother, Dot, who herself had been taught by her own mother. Taught to knit at just seven years old, Sophie has rarely put her needles down since. Today, her workshops continue that tradition of passing skills between generations while helping new makers build confidence, creativity and connection through craft.

This workshop is suitable for those with basic knitting experience who can confidently knit, purl, rib, cast on and cast off and are ready to begin exploring Fair Isle colourwork techniques.

All Shetland yarn is included in the course fee. Participants should bring one pair of circular knitting needles, 40cm in length and 3.25mm in size.