A collection of eight patterns featuring stranded knitting enhanced by the addition of increases and decreases. These disruptions to the traditional “squareness” of knitting charts add movement and curves to the knitted fabric. These were the first knitting designs that I ever published, back in 2007, having previously worked in the colorful world of printed textiles. I was curious about experimenting with knitting techniques, hence the name knit/lab. I noticed the use of increases and decreases to create three dimensional structure in sock knitting and thought it might be interesting to use the technique for decorative effect in flat knitting. I realize now that these patterns are not Fair Isle knitting but, when I first learned to knit in the 70s, stranded knitting was generally referred to as Fair Isle in my family.

The 2024 update has more detailed notes, new photographs, new versions of Fair Isle Fans, Feathers and Ribbons, and an in the round version of Fair Isle Rapids.

The charts can be used for a variety of projects including scarves, shawls, cowls, garments, hats, blankets, throws, cushion covers, etc. Projects can be worked in one piece or with a modular approach, for example making strips, bands or patches in different color combinations and joining them together, or using them as trims or additions to garments. I worked most of the original swatches back and forth - the charts can be also be used for working in the round to create tubular or steeked projects.