This or That: Fair Isle and Nordic Knit Sweater Patterns…

About one year ago I hosted the THIS OR THAT Sweater Knit-Along with Marly Bird! You all had asked for a sweater knit along that would allow you to work on color work as well as top-down construction. I couldn’t decide between two terrific Fair Isle and Nordic sweater patterns.

Both provide the opportunity to practice those two key knitting techniques. I asked the The Marly Bird Knit-Along FB Group which of the two Fair Isle and Nordic knit sweater patterns we should do for the KAL. But they were divided right down the middle. So, I decided to do both of them.

The This or That Sweater Knit-along is now complete. But the patterns are still here, and you can watch every single video that we used to work on the KAL together. This is a great way to learn all about how to do knit color work and top down sweater construction, ending up with a beautiful sweater at the end.

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The Fair Isle and Nordic Knit Sweater Patterns

As I mentioned, I did complete video tutorials for TWO SWEATERS for this knit-along. You can choose either sweater to make. Alternatively, you can make both. They have their similarities and their differences. However, either offers a good chance to create Fair Isle and Nordic knit sweaters with graphic design using top-down construction.

Below you’ll find each of the two knitting patterns along with the materials you’ll need for either way. You’ll see where to get the free patterns. And you’ll also find the links to each of the videos for either sweater. The videos are in installment parts because that’s how they were created for the KAL. If you’re working on them steadily, you’ll just go from one video to the next on your own time. Of course, you can also use the free written patterns to work from if you don’t need the video support.

This — The Nomad Fair Isle Knit Pullover

Get Pattern Here: Nomad Fair Isle Knit Pullover pattern

Yarn: Patons® Alpaca Blend™ (3.5 oz/100 g; 155 yds/142 m) [see pattern for yarn amounts for desired size]

Sweater Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL 3XL/5XL

Needle Sizes: Sizes U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) and U.S. 10 (6 mm) circular knitting needles 36″ [91.5 cm] long. Set of four sizes U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) and U.S. 10 (6 mm) double-pointed knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder, tapestry needle.

Video Tutorials for the Fair Isle Nomad Sweater Pattern:

• Part 1 “This”: The Nomad Sweater <—Click the Link
• Part 2 <—Click the Link
• Nomad Sweater Video Part 3 <—Click the Link
• Part 4 <—Click the Link
• Nomad Sweater Pattern Part 5

That — The Nordic Knit Pullover

Get Pattern Here: Nordic Knit Pullover

Yarn: Patons ® Norse ™ (3.5 oz/100 g; 211 yds/193 m) [see pattern for yarn amounts for desired size]

Sweater Sizes: XS/S, M, L, XL, 2/3XL, 4/5XL

Needle Sizes: U.S. 11 (8 mm) and U.S. 13 (9 mm) circular knitting needles 29″ [73.5 cm] long. Set of 4 sizes U.S. 11 (8 mm) and U.S. 13 (9 mm) double-pointed knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

Notions: Stitch markers, stitch holder, tapestry needle.

Video Tutorials for the Fair Isle Nomad Sweater Pattern:

• Part 1 “That”: Nordic Knit Sweater Pattern <—Click the Link
• Part 2 Video <—Click the Link
• Nordic Knit Pullover Part 3 Video <—Click the Link
• Part 4 That <—Click the Link
• Nordic Knit Pullover Video, Part 5 of 5

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Marly’s Facebook Groups for CALs and KALs

During the Fair Isle and Nordic Sweater KAL, everyone posted progress pictures each week in the Marly Bird KAL Facebook group. It’s a great way to share with the community. And even though the KAL is done, you can go back and look at those photos for inspiration, ideas, and tips.

You’ll also find other knit-alongs happening in this group. And you’ll definitely want to join the Marly’s Minions Facebook group if you aren’t there, because that’s where lots more make-alongs happen. And when they do, you’ll usually be able to get prizes through participation in the group.

For example, join the Game Day Mystery Day Make-along on 2/7/2021.

Past Knit-Alongs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “This or That” sweater event?

The This or That Sweater Knit-Along is a community event where Marly presents two sweater options and participants choose which one to make (hence “this or that”). Both patterns feature Fair Isle and Nordic-inspired colorwork designs worked with complete video tutorial support. The event is designed to make complex-looking sweaters approachable by providing step-by-step video guidance at every stage. It’s a wonderful way to tackle your first colorwork sweater with a supportive community alongside you.

What skill level do I need for these sweater patterns?

Intermediate to intermediate-advanced. You should be comfortable knitting in the round, working basic colorwork (carrying two yarns), and following a multi-part pattern. The video tutorials are specifically designed to make the colorwork sections accessible even if you’ve only done small colorwork projects before. If you’ve made a colorwork hat or cowl and want to try your first colorwork sweater… this event with its video support is an excellent way to make that leap.

What yarn was used for this event?

Check the pattern materials section for the specific yarn used. For Fair Isle and Nordic-style colorwork, smooth wool or wool-blend yarn in the specified weights gives the best stitch definition and the most authentic colorwork look. The colorway choices significantly impact the final look… traditional Nordic palettes use natural colors (cream, grey, dark brown, charcoal) while modern takes often use brighter, bolder color combinations. The video tutorials show Marly’s specific color choices and explain how to make your own substitutions.

Can I join the event even if I’m past the original event dates?

Yes! The patterns and video tutorials remain available through the Marly Bird House. While the live community aspect happened during the event window, you can still access everything you need to make one of these sweaters with full video support. Many crafters work through past Marly Bird events at their own pace… the tutorials don’t expire and the community on social media and in Marly’s Minions Facebook group can still offer help and encouragement as you work through the project.

What’s the BiCrafty angle on this event?

While the event name says “Knit-Along,” Marly always considers BiCrafty makers! Check whether crochet versions or crochet-friendly colorwork alternatives are available within the event. Marly’s commitment to both crafts means she often finds ways to include crocheters in events that seem knitting-focused. The “This or That” format itself offers choices… one option might be more knitter-friendly and another more accessible to crocheters. Check the full event details for BiCrafty inclusion notes.