Fall is a busy time here at HYS, rich with classes, events, and new yarns galore. This yarn in particular has been the subject of our eager anticipation for the past few months – meet Shetland, from Harrisville Designs!
- fingering weight
- 100% wool
- 217 yards / 50 grams
- needle size: 2-4 US (3.0-3.5mm)
- gauge: 26 stitches = 4 inches (10 cm)
- hand wash, lay flat to dry
First things first: though its name suggests otherwise, Shetland is not a Shetland wool. “Shetland,” in this case, refers to the size of the yarn and not the fiber content. This fingering weight yarn is a blend of an Australian fine wool and a hearty New Zealand wool, which gives Shetland a little luster. 
Shetland is a finer version of Harrisville Highland, so they have much in common. Woolen spun yet tightly plied, Shetland is lofty and sturdy, a classic yarn for sweaters and accessories alike.
Shetland is available in the same saturated palette of 64 tweedy, heathered colors as Highland, and we had fun picking some shades we hadn’t stocked before, curating a unique palette for this fingering weight yarn.
Shetland shines in cables, lace, texture patterns, and simple stockinette, but is especially well suited to colorwork. Anne has already cast on with Shetland for Isabell Kraemer’s “Heimathafen” pullover, with its subtle dip-stitch colorwork stripes. She’s teaching a class on it in the new year – head to our Classes page to read more about it.
Here are some more colorful pattern ideas for Shetland!
- “Best Check,” by James N Watts – 2-color checkered beanie
- “Saskie Hat,” by Saski & co. – folded brim beanie with bunny motif
- “King Salmon Light,” by Caitlin Hunter – colorwork yoke pullover with fish motif
- “Moon Mint,” by Andrea Mowry – plaid-like mosaic stripe pullover
- “Bonnie and Clyde,” by Isabell Kraemer – pair of striped little scarves, featuring “Heimathafen” motif
- “Xyla,” by Natasja Hornby – crescent-shaped mosaic shawl
- “Riggies Cowl,” by Gudrun Johnston – garter stitch bandana-shaped cowl with color blocks or contrast stripes
Look for Harrisville Designs Shetland in the fingering weight section here at HYS. We also have nightshades & daylights in our DK section, and Highland in worsted weight – more Harrisville than ever!