Can one chart and knit Fair Isle in the round? I want to knit a bag in the round and include some simple Fair Isle patterning for near the bottom, middle and the upper edge.
Would the pattern be off a bit due to the nature of knitting in the round actually spiraling?
Thanks!
Traditionally, fair isle sweater were often worked in the round and they were often worked all the way up to the neck in one continuous tube and then ‘steeks’ were cut to form the armholes.
Obviously since you’re thinking of knitting a bag, steeks won’t be an issue but all that to say you can most definitely knit fair isle in the round.
Yep, you can do fair isle in the round! I’ve done several hats with fair isle on them.
And yes, fair isle in the round will have the same issues as doing a stripe would. Because knitting in the round is a spiral it will be off a bit off, but it seems to show less than it does on a stripe. On the right side you can see the “off” bits. In a very detailed pattern you might not notice it at all.
ok this is a little off topic, but where does the word “fair isle” come from? btw those hats are so cute!
Thanks, everyone, for your helpful replies. I’m ready to cast on for a Fair Isle felted bag as a gift for a special aunt.