Knitting Jenny Pattern 36: Fair Isle Inspired Fisherman’s Kep

Knitting Jenny Pattern 36: Fair Isle Inspired Fisherman’s Kep is a modern interpretation of a traditional Fair Isle fisherman’s kep (or cap or hat).

The kep is long, conical, colorful, and meant to be worn folded at the crown, in the historic style of sailors and fishermen. 

This book includes knitting patterns, motifs, and instructions in the following inclusive formats: 

• Color Charts
• Color Written Instructions
• Grayscale Charts
• Illustrations
• Photographic Tutorials

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

The kep was knit with 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).

This pattern requires five colors of wool.

The following tools are suggested for this pattern.

• 2.0mm knitting needles (for the brim)
• 2.75mm knitting needles (for the stranded colorwork)

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

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

The knitting needle sizes stipulated in this pattern are designed to achieve a knitted kep that fits a medium size head. This book also includes advice regarding how to achieve a finished kep hat size that is either larger or smaller.

Color dominance is also discussed to support consistent, uniform stitch definition. 

Additionally included is a Tassel Tutorial, to adorn the top of the kep in the traditional way.

The kep is knit circularly. Firstly, knit the brim. Secondly, continue knitting upward to the head. Thirdly, knit the crown.

The book includes 26 illustrations and 57 pages. The book is intended to be read electronically, in consideration of the environment.

Published in the United States in 2025 by Mall & Mall Press, a publishing imprint of Mall & Mall LLC.

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