The fine wool from Fair Isle is ideally suited to knitting gloves. Soft and pliable, it encases the fingers without uncomfortable bulk and makes for neat fitting wrists with the elasticity of one-and-one or two-and-two rib.

It is also exceedingly economical and a pair of gloves can be made from only two balls of the main shade, with small quantities of the colours used for the patterned bands on the hand.