The History of the Fair Isle Sweater and Some Fabulous Finds to Boot!

But what is it about the iconic Fair Isle sweater that is so entrancing? Well for starters, Fair Isle is more than a stitch pattern. Fair Isle is fairly isolated island (isle) north of Scotland in the Shetland archipelago.

It was on there in the early 1600’s that the distinct diamond patterning was first seen on fishermen's caps and sweaters. Passing ship captains entranced by the colorful patterns bartered with the islanders for goods.

At one time Fair Isle had more than 400 residents. These days that number is down to about 55 year round residents, and many of whom work in the sweater production business that the island is so well known for. The most renown Fair Isle sweater brand is probably Mati Ventrillon which offers stunning hand knits.