Traditional Scottish Knitting Patterns
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see traditional Scottish knitting patterns and learn about the long and rich history of knitting in Scotland.
In many regions of the country, knitting has been deeply integrated with people’s clothing and the economy.
Moreover, Scottish knitting designs have survived through time and influenced modern knitting patterns.
Scottish Traditional Knitting Patterns
Scottish knitting designs create beautiful knits and have had a huge impact on the knitting industry.
Many of these patterns are recreated and worn regularly, even today.
If you would like to make a traditional Scottish knit, take a look at the list below.
You might find a pattern that you want to make!
Traditional Scottish Knitting Patterns
Take a look through the list below where you will find a collection of both free and paid knitting patterns.
Large Shepherd's Plaid Kilt Hose Pattern by Joannie Newsome
Make a pair of shepherd’s plaid knitted Kilt Hose with this free knitting pattern by Joannie Newsome.
This pattern is available for free on Ravelry.
Sunset Over Loch Broom Tam by Riskin's Notes
Make a Fair Isle Tam with this free knitting pattern published in Ruskin's Notes.
To make this team, you will need fingering weight yarn and double-pointed needles or a circular needle set.
Grab the free PDF with the full details on Ravely.
Duke Design Sanquhar Gloves pattern by Scottish Women's Rural Institute (SWRI)
Traditional gloves knitted in the town of Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, Scotland.
Knitted in two contrasting color types of wool, usually black and white, using color stranding technique.
This is a paid pattern for $2.50 on Ravelry.
Scottish Beret Outlander Knitting Pattern
Knit a Scottish beret (bonnet) with this free Outlander-inspired knitting pattern.
This is an easy pattern with clear instructions that is great for makers of any skill level.
All you need is light worsted / DK weight yarn and straight knitting needles.
Rose pattern by Janet McMahon
Knit a fair isle tank with this free knitting pattern by Janet McMahon.
You can make this vest in four sizes.
This pattern is available for free on Ravelry.
Sanquharish Rose pattern by Erry Pieters-Korteweg
Knit a pair of socks with the Sanquhar rose design with this free knitting pattern by Erry Pieters-Korteweg.
All you need is fingering weight yarn and US 1 - 2.25 mm knitting needles.
This pattern is available for free on Ravelry.
Bobby's Fair Isle Thistle Wristwarmers Knitting Pattern by Robyne Melia Is Bobby La
Make a pair of Fair Isle wrist warmers with this pattern on Etsy.
These wristwarmers combine vibrant color combinations with contrasting shades to create intricate thistle motifs, a symbol closely associated with Scotland.
They are designed to provide both warmth and style, making them a unique and functional piece for any wardrobe.
SWI Sanquhar Gloves Pattern
Grab a traditional Sanquhar gloves pattern from the Scottish Women's Institute.
There are four different designs to choose from.
Women's Fair Isle Jumper by Prima
Make a Fair Isle jumper (sweater) with this free knitting pattern from Prima (the magazine).
Fair Isle sweaters are the perfect projects to explore Scottish knits.
Fraser Tartan Shawl Knitting Pattern
Knit a warm shawl with the Fraser tartan design with this free knitting pattern.
The Fraser Tartan Shawl Knitting Pattern will allow you to create a large blanket shawl in the style of Jamie Fraser’s large tartan shawl seen in all seasons of the Outlander series.
The shawl is knit in a series of stripes, and then the plaid effect is woven into the shawl.
Cloudberry by Berocco
Make wrist warmers with a fair isle design using this free knitting pattern.
This is an intermediate pattern, perfect for an experienced knitter.
Grab the free PDF on Beroco yarns.
Portree Sweater (Scottish Heritage Knits) by Martin Storey
The pattern features stunning color combinations and contrasts color techniques that highlight traditional patterns in a modern way.
It incorporates intricate designs typical of Scottish heritage, blending multiple shades to create visually striking motifs.
This sweater is ideal for showcasing the beauty of traditional knitting with a contemporary twist.
The Blue Bonnets
Knitting reached Scotland around the 15th century, and it was male-dominated.
Traditional felted knitted bonnets (berets) were made of coarse wool in black for the middle class, blue for the working class, and a few in russet color.
The blue bonnet was mostly worn by the Highland people, and as the Highland Regiment came to be, the blue bonnet became a symbol of the Scottish soldiers.
Related Post: Beret Knitting Pattern (Beginner Friendly!)
Knitting in the 17th Century
Later, in the 17th century knitting became a family affair and the main source of income for a lot of people.
They made everything from socks, sweaters, and gloves to underwear.
And they exported and traded their knitted goods.
Hawick
Hawick is a town in the Scottish Borders known for its knitwear.
In 1771 Bailie John Hardie brought the stocking frame to the town and marked the city’s long affair with knitting.
In the early 19th century, many knitwear manufacturers were founded like Pringle, Barrie Innes Henderson, Lyle & Scott, Peter Scott, and Robert Noble.
As the demand grew the variety of knitwear increased, stockings became a set of underwear and later outwear, sweaters, cardigans, and the twin-set.
Sanquhar
Sanquhar is a village on the River Nith in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, and it’s famous for its knitting patterns.
Knitting in Sanquhar leads back to the 1700s, and was done mostly by hand at home.
The Sanquhar knits export reached its peak during the Victorian era, but the modernization was fatal for the cottage industry.
Sanquhar Gloves
The pattern is a unique square geometric pattern in an 11×11 grid and is traditionally knit in black and white.
Other color combinations you could find Sanquhar patterns in are yellow-brown and red-green.
The gloves usually feature the owner’s initials knit into the cuffs and socks.
Many of the Sanquhar patterns have names like the Shepard’s Plaid, Prince of Wales, Duke, Cornet, Drum, Rose, and Trellis.
In one item, two or more patterns can be combined.
Fair Isle
Another very popular Scottish design is the Fair Isle.
The pattern is a combination of bright colors and small geometric shapes.
Crosses and lozenge-shaped hexagons containing symbols, religious, OXO patterns, anchors, ram’s horns, hearts, ferns, and flowers.
Related Post: Fair Isle Knit Hat Pattern {With Chart}
Fair Isle Origins
The pattern originates from the Fair Isle and probably was brought there by traders.
Fair Isle is a remote Shetland island located 80 miles off the Scottish mainland, halfway between Orkney and Shetland mainland.
The islanders there in the 19th century were skilled knitters, and with the influence of the passing people, the Fair Isle pattern was created.
Fair Isle Fame
There is another story though on where the pattern comes from, a ship El Gran Grifon from the Spanish Armanda was shipwrecked in Fair Isle in 1588.
The 17 families took the sailors in, and they taught the locals how to knit the now Fair Isle pattern.
The Fair Isle was (and is) a famous design during the 20th century, especially after HRH Edward Prince of Wales wore a Fair Isle sweater during golf.
Types Of Fair Isle Knitting
Fair Isle knitting is a specific type of stranded colorwork known for its intricate patterns and vibrant use of color.
Traditionally, it involves using two colors per row to create geometric motifs that are repeated across the fabric.
These motifs often include “peeries” (small repeating shapes), “oxos” (larger motifs resembling Xs and Os), and various border patterns that complement the main design.
Although classic Fair Isle typically uses a limited color palette, modern interpretations often incorporate a wider range of colors and more complex patterns, pushing the boundaries of the traditional style.
Another hallmark of Fair Isle knitting is the use of steeking, a technique where extra stitches are knit and then cut to create openings for sleeves or cardigans, allowing for seamless pattern continuity.
This style is also popular in garments like yoke sweaters, where intricate designs are knit across the circular yoke of the sweater.
Fair Isle patterns are not limited to sweaters; they also appear in accessories such as tams and berets, which feature unique shaping to integrate the colorwork into the round construction.
These various applications showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of Fair Isle knitting, from its traditional roots to contemporary adaptations.
What Is The Shetland Style Of Knitting?
Shetland knitting, originating from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, is renowned for its intricate patterns and lightweight yet warm garments.
This style is characterized by the use of fine Shetland wool and traditional techniques such as Fair Isle and lace knitting.
What Is A Family Crest?
A Scottish family crest, often part of a larger coat of arms, is a unique symbol historically used by Scottish clans and families to represent their heritage and identity.
It typically features a combination of elements such as a shield, helmet, motto, and symbolic imagery like animals, plants, or tools, each representing aspects of the family’s history, achievements, or values.
In knitting, Scottish family crests are sometimes incorporated into knitting patterns as a way to celebrate and connect with one’s heritage.
For instance, motifs inspired by these crests or symbols from the coat of arms can be used in sweaters, scarves, or other garments to reflect clan identity and pride.
This is similar to how specific patterns are associated with particular Irish clans in Aran knitting.
These knitted items can be heirloom pieces that carry personal and cultural significance, blending traditional craftsmanship with family heritage.
For example, a knitter might choose to include elements from a family crest in his custom sweater to honor their ancestry or to create a unique gift for family members that will become a heirloom for the next generation.
Scottish VS Irish Knitting
Scottish and Irish knitting traditions, while distinct, do share some similarities and have influenced each other over time.
Both cultures have a rich heritage of textile crafts and use natural wool to create intricate patterns in sweaters, blankets, and other garments.
However, there are key differences in the styles and techniques used in each tradition.
The use of natural materials
Both Scottish and Irish knitting traditionally use natural wool, which is well-suited to their climates.
The use of local sheep breeds has influenced the texture and durability of the knitted items.
Both traditions feature textured knitting techniques like cables, moss stitch, and lattice patterns.
These are prominent in Irish Aran sweaters and are also found in Scottish knitwear, particularly in fishermen’s sweaters.
Both Irish and Scottish knitting patterns often incorporate symbolic elements.
For example, Irish Aran patterns feature motifs like the honeycomb (symbolizing work) and cable (representing safety and good luck), while Scottish designs may incorporate tartan patterns or motifs inspired by local nature and folklore.
The Aran Sweater
Irish knitting is particularly known for the Aran sweater originating from the Irish Isles, characterized by its heavy use of textured stitches and symbolism.
The Cahill knitting pattern typically features a diamond or lattice-like motif, giving the fabric a raised, almost sculptural appearance.
Scottish knitting includes Fair Isle patterns, which are distinguished by their use of stranded colorwork and multiple colors in a single row.
Scottish Fair Isle knitting is famous for its multi-colored patterns and is often associated with the Shetland Islands. Irish knitting, particularly the Aran style, focuses more on monochromatic, textured stitches with great cables rather than multi-colored designs.
While the two traditions have distinct styles, they are interwoven in a cultural sense, reflecting a shared Celtic heritage.
The exchange of techniques and designs has occurred over centuries, and many modern knitters draw inspiration from both traditions to create hybrid styles that celebrate the rich textile heritage of both Ireland and Scotland.
Related Post: Men’s Aran Sweater Knitting Pattern
Knitting Lessons
If you are new to the craft and need help with the knitting basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).
There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.
This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the stockinette stitch, and more.
And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.
For helpful tips and tricks and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group.
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