Knitting Jenny Pattern 28: Fair Isle Inspired Fisherman’s Kep and Design Workbook

Knitting Jenny Pattern 28: Fair Isle Inspired Fisherman’s Kep and Design Workbook is a modern interpretation of a traditional Fair Isle fisherman’s kep (or cap or hat).

This fisherman’s kep was designed by Jennifer Daley on Fair Isle, Shetland Islands, Scotland, the historic birthplace of Fair Isle knitting.

The kep is long, conical, and colorful.

The kep features a turnup brim, which is a practical design element as the turnup provides a double layer of knitting at the ears and widest part of the head.

This knitting pattern utilizes Jamieson and Smith brand Shetland Heritage wool (or alternately substitute any fingering weight, 2 ply jumper weight, or 2 ply equivalent to a 4 ply).

The suggested knitting needles for this pattern are:

2.0mm knitting needles (for the ribbing)
2.75mm knitting needles (for the stranded colorwork)

The gauge (or tension) for this Knitting Jenny pattern is:

36 stitches and 42 rows (rounds) to 4 inches (10 centimeters) over the stranded colorwork pattern, knit in the round with 2.75mm knitting needles, after washing, blocking, drying.

The kep is knit circularly. Firstly, provisionally cast on. Secondly, knit the brim, then cast off. Thirdly, unpick the provisional cast on, then knit the interior brim ribbing. Fourthly, continue knitting upward to the head, crown, and apex.

This method of construction ensures that when the kep is worn, all the knitting stitches are uniform, running in the same direction.

This book includes a corresponding Design Workbook with pattern templates and design advice, to enable the creation of your own one-of-a-kind knitted masterpiece.

Research and information about Shetland geography, Shetland knitting history, Shetland knitting tools, color theory, and design tips are also included.

This book includes 120 pages and 18,369 words with 50 figures.

First published in the United States in 2024 by Mall & Mall Press, a publishing imprint of Mall & Mall LLC, Boulder, Colorado.

The book is delivered as an immediate digital download in PDF format and therefore cannot be returned, exchanged, or refunded.