How To Fair Isle Crochet
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Learn how to make gorgeous color work crochet pieces that look like knit by using the fair isle crochet technique! In this tutorial I will walk you through the process of fair isle crochet so you can try it yourself.
The key to working Fair Isle crochet is the stitch that is used to create it. Center Single Crochet (aka the waistcoat stitch or knit stitch) is a crochet stitch that mimics the look of knit. These knit like stitches are then worked in different colors to create Fair Isle Crochet.
If you need a refresh on how to work Center Single Crochet you can find a free video and photo tutorial here.
For this tutorial I’ve made a short video tutorial as well as a full photo tutorial below. You’ll be making some Fair Isle crochet pieces in no time!
How To Fair Isle Crochet
For this tutorial you will need worsted weight yarn in two colors and an H (5.00mm) crochet hook.
Most Fair Isle crochet patterns will include a graph to follow as well as written instructions, similar to tapestry or intarsia crochet. I’ve created a little graph below of the example in the photo if you want to give that a try while learning how to work Fair Isle crochet.
To work this pattern you will work all stitches using waistcoat stitch. The key is in how you change colors. To fair isle crochet, when you get to a color change you will insert your hook into the indicated stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop in the specified color, then yarn over and finish your stitch with the main color of yarn.
For example, in this pattern your main color would be white. When you get to a black stitch you will use the fair isle technique to work your stitch. This makes it so the “v” in the front of the stitch is the only part that changes color.
It can get a bit tricky working with two yarns at once, but it’s pretty simple to keep them organized by carrying the secondary color along as you go and “catching” it in the back of your work every few stitches.
To catch your yarn, insert your hook and then drape your secondary yarn over your hook before you work the first yarn over of that stitch. This allows you to keep using the same strand of yarn and eliminates having a ton of ends to weave in later.
As you can see in the last photo, you’ll have little strands of yarn laying against the inside of your work when you work fair isle crochet.
Ready to try Fair Isle Crochet? Check out the patterns below to get started.
Fair Isle Crochet Patterns
