If you knit Fair Isle, you already know this yarn. Jamieson & Smith 2-Ply Jumper Weight is the original Shetland colourwork yarn — still spun by the same family company in the Shetland Islands, still made from 100% pure Shetland wool, and still the benchmark everything else gets compared to.
Shetland wool has a character all its own. It's woollen-spun rather than worsted, which creates a lofty, airy structure that traps warmth without weight. The fibres have a natural grip that's essential for colourwork knitting — when two colours sit next to each other in stranded fabric, that slight texture keeps them neat, crisp, and beautifully distinct. It's why Fair Isle patterns look exactly as the chart intended when worked in Jamieson & Smith, and occasionally a little off when worked in anything else.
At 25g per ball with approximately 105m/114yds, the format is designed for colourwork: small, economical balls that let you build a palette of colours without committing to large quantities of each. Experienced stranded knitters often buy five, ten, or fifteen shades at once, mixing and matching across patterns. The colour range Jamieson & Smith offers is extraordinary — from soft natural undyed tones to rich, saturated traditional Shetland shades — and working with the real thing is part of the pleasure.
Beyond colourwork, the 2-Ply Jumper Weight is a brilliant all-rounder at 4-ply weight — despite what the name might suggest. It knits beautifully for lightweight sweaters, accessories, and colourwork accessories, with a durability that comes from the hardwearing nature of Shetland wool specifically. It also felts well if that's of interest.
Browse the current colour selection at Hanks Yarn Parlour, Belfast — in store or online. If you're planning a colourwork project and want advice on shade combinations, come in and we'll spread them all out together.
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