On a tiny island caught between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, a woman carries a basket of peat on her back. In her hands, she holds knitting needles, while at her waist are a makkin belt and a ball of worsit yarn. As she walks, her hands repeat four fluid motions – in, around, under, off. She is a Shetland crofter, one of generations of hand-knitters whose exquisite knitwear is a product of the islands’ unique geography and culture.
The best known of all Shetland knitwear is the Fair Isle jumper. Two distinct styles are associated with the islands: all-overs and yoke jumpers. All-overs, as the name suggests, have stranded colourwork patterns across the entire garment, while yoke jumpers are mostly plain, with patterning across the shoulders.
The story of these jumpers combines traditional knitting techniques with the unique qualities of Shetland wool and
