Knitting Jenny Pattern 18: 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).

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.

The kep was knit with Jamieson’s of Shetland brand Spindrift wool (or substitute any fingering weight, 2 ply jumper weight, or 2 ply equivalent to a 4 ply).

The suggested knitting needles for this pattern:

2.0mm knitting needles (for the ribbing)
3.0mm knitting needles (for the stranded colorwork)

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

34 stitches and 40 rows (rounds) to 4 inches (10 centimeters) over the stranded colorwork pattern, knit in the round with 3.0mm 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.

As with all Knitting Jenny patterns, it includes a corresponding Design Workbook with pattern templates and design advice, to enable the creation of your own one-of-a-kind knitted masterpiece.

This pattern also includes research and information about Shetland geography, Shetland knitting history, Shetland knitting tools, color theory, and design tips.

This pattern includes 110 pages and 14,737 words with 51 figures.

First published in the United States in 2023 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.