This is a beautifully presented book with photos that will inspire you to knit some of the patterns. There is a great section on the culture of the Faroe Islands and I like the fact that the patterns cover a range of ages from a baby to an adult.
The patterns are not for a novice knitter but would suit a person who would like to develop their knitting in the round, brioche, fair isle, lace and cable skills. The patterns have black and white charts to guide you with the stitches. Most of the garment patterns are knitted in the round up to the armholes and then are divided for the sleeves but could be adapted to straight knitting.
The patterns give one a good choice from slipovers to shawls and jumpers.
Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers 297 - Spring 2026
Unlike many Search Press books, this publication does not contain pages of detailed photographs showing how to execute techniques. Instead, it is a coffee table book with heavy paper and atmospheric landscape photos of the 18 islands that make up this independent Danish outpost. Of its 188 pages, only 122 are devoted to its 28 knitting patterns. The other pages describe the Faroe Islands, their sheep and knitting culture and then focus on Navia, a family-run, farm-based knitting and yarn company. The book was issued to celebrate its 20th anniversary and showcase some of the patterns for the yarns that it spins. Those patterns cover a wide range of shapes in garments for babies, children and adults: circular yokes, raglan sleeves and yokes, drop shoulders and set-in sleeves as well as several techniques such as stranded colourwork, lace, cables and brioche. The book would be a lovely souvenir of a trip to the Faroe Islands.
Slip Knot Issue 190
My interest in Faroese knitting was sparked by a visit to the islands in 2022 (see Slipknot 176, p33). During my visit I had managed to find a book called Knitting with Faroese Nature by Tanja Jacobsen (ISBN 9789991835020) but I think it's fair to say there were few, if any, books in the UK dedicated to its distinctive knitting. Inevitably, therefore, this new book by Navia was a 'must buy' for me.
As you may know, or recall from my previous article, Navia is one of the larger knitting companies in the Faroes. It produces not only yarn, but also a range of garments. This book gives the reader an excellent introduction to the islands themselves, the sheep and the Navia farm. There is then a section entitled 'Faroese Knitting Culture', which includes its distinctive school sweaters (not just plain navy or grey). Next is a section on Navia and how the business has developed over the 20 years since its inception. It now has some 3D knitting machines which reduce waste from its garment-making side of the business.
Throughout, the book is illustrated with gorgeous, high-quality images: moody mountain seascapes, colourful sheep, knitting community groups, balls of yarn and, of course, beautiful, knitted garments. These all give the reader a good sense of the islands' culture and continued enthusiasm for its traditions and crafts.
There are 28 knitting patterns, all by Navia's designers. Most of them were created by Sàra Mrdalo and Tóra Joesen who are pictured knitting together wearing pretty sweaters in front of shelves of multi-hued Navia yarn. The patterns in the book range from adults' and children's sweaters and cardigans to a pretty four-piece baby set. These are modern wearable designs and include colourwork, brioche, cables and lace stitches. There is one lace shawl in a traditional Faroese design with dual back shaping to create that distinctive Faroese shape which sits on the shoulders so well. Pattern instructions appear to be clear, but there is little in the way of detailed instructions on techniques. A star system of difficulty is used. I would say many patterns require some experience of the techniques used though explanations of techniques are readily available from online sources and books of the 'knitting bible' variety.
The challenge for UK knitters is that these patterns all use Navia yarns (navia.fo/en/61-home) which are not easy to buy in the UK. As far as I can tell, there are no UK stockists and, while Navia and a Danish company, LindeHobby, will ship to the UK, this can be expensive and may involve import duties. I have knitted a Faroese shawl with Navia Uno, a laceweight mix of Faroese, Shetland and Australian wool bought on my visit there. I enjoyed working with this yarn even though the red dye stained my hands a bit. However, I think, in practice, it may be easier to find suitable substitutes. Yarnsub.com offers a range of suggestions. I recommend looking carefully at gauge and considering the fibre content carefully when substituting yarns. Yarns in Navia's Tradition range are 100% Faroese wool which is quite robust compared with many UK alternatives.
Don't let the yarn challenges put you off buying this book, however. The designs are beautiful and I would happily make several of them. This book is worth having just for it's descriptions of the islands and their culture, and the photos are wonderful.
The Knitter
This beautiful hardback book has been produced to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Faroese yarn brand Navia. The book brings together 28 of Navia's most iconic patterns, alongside stories and stunning photos reflecting the heritage of wool and knitting on the Faroe Islands. There's lots to read and enjoy here, such as a history of the Faroe Islands and its ancient native sheep breed, a look at modern Faroese knitting culture and sheep farming, and personal stories from this family-run yarn company.
The 28 patterns all have a heritage look, but will work perfectly in a contemporary wardrobe. Stranded colourwork plays a big part, and designs include a yoked sweater with colourblocking and diamond motifs, and a traditional roll-neck sweater with all-over colourwork in undyed, natural fleece shades.
Many of the projects are unisex, such as a classic Nordic yoked sweater, a neat raglan design with subtle diamond patterning around the yoke, and a cosy colourwork cardigan. The 'White Unisex Sweater' has cables on the body, paired with slip stitch rip sleeves, and is knitted in undyed wool.
Beautiful pieces for women include a short-sleeved jumper with a star pattern worked in green and white, and a chic monochrome tank top. The 'Daisy Sweater' is decorated with large embroidered flowers, and the 'Geometric Sweater' is a stunning two-colour brioche design. A chunky mohair-wool yarn is used for an oversized lace sweater with a modern shape. There's also a delicate leaf-patterned lace cardigan, sized for adults and children, along with a traditional Faroese lace shawl with anchor motifs and fringing.
The line-up of patterns for children is impressive, and includes everyday sweaters with bands of retro colourwork, and a sweater with a cute bubble-like colourwork pattern. For babies, there's a simple raglan sweater and leggings, a bodysuit adorned with a traditional Faroese star motif, a bonnet and booties, and a blanket worked in a textured star pattern.
Pattern instructions are generally concise and will be more suitable for confident knitters. Each pattern is presented in a limited range of sizes, typically to fit up to 40in chests/busts.
