the knitting machine

Domestic flat-bed knitting machines are fascinating. Unlike traditional knitting with two needles holding all stitches, each stitch has its own needle, enabling knitting one row at a time rather than stitch by stitch. They are the perfect tools to encourage creativity and productivity. These machines are designed for home use, and the models in use on Fair Isle don't need electricity or electronics to work: it's all mechanical. The intricate patterns of Fair Isle are punched on a card, guiding the machine on which needle to knit in which colour, only up to 2 colours per row. Popular in the 1960s, their use declined with the affordability of ready-made garments. The renewed interest in hand-knitting and craftsmanship offers hope that these remarkable tools will regain popularity.

Specialised in machine-knitting, Marie has created a Masterclass to teach the craft of Fair Isle knitwear across the world. “Fair Isle Academy with Marie Bruhat” is an online classroom hosted on the Machine Knit Community, it contain 80 videos with over 7 hours of recording, teaching all the steps to knit and finish garments to the same level of perfections as Fair Isle knitters.

Learn more about the art of high-quality finishing, born out of knowledge handed down from the island artisans. The course is supported by a carefully designed range of knitting pattern, gradually increasing in difficulty.

buy machine-knitting patterns

The course is exclusively available on the Machine Knit Community. The price for the initial purchase is £165, which includes 3 months' access to the Fair Isle Academy and the Machine Knit Community, as well as the Fair Isle Handwarmers pattern. Marie has 8 more knitting patterns available as stand-alone options or in bundles in her shop, so you can buy only the ones you wish to make.

The patterns include written instructions, charts, 6 colourway options, the punchcard design, and the DAK files for electronic machines. For those who have already knitted the Storm Dennis patterns, no additional punching is required, as this course uses the same punchcard design!

Each month, there will be a live (and recorded) 1-hour Zoom event where knitters can ask questions directly and we can all share and celebrate each other's progress.

After the initial 3 months, you will be able to keep your access to the Fair Isle Academy and Machine Knit Community for £30/month. You can stop at any time and start again when needed.

If you’re already a member of the MKC find the Masterclass there to only pay for the Fair Isle Academy access.

Here is a video to show you a preview of the knitting patterns and of the Fair Isle Academy. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more infos !