Paintbox Yarns Funky Fairisle Wall Hanging Knitting Pattern

Paintbox Yarns Funky Fairisle Wall Hanging

What is Being Made

This is a decorative wall hanging created using the stranded fairisle knitting technique. The finished piece measures 96 cm (38 inches) wide by 71 cm (28 inches) long, making it a substantial textile decoration suitable for displaying on walls. The project is worked flat on knitting needles and incorporates a colorful fairisle pattern using multiple yarn colors.

Techniques Used

The wall hanging is constructed using stranded fairisle knitting, an intermediate-level technique where multiple yarn colors are carried across the back of the work to create intricate patterned designs. This method requires managing two or more colors simultaneously while knitting, with unused colors stranded loosely behind the active stitches to maintain even tension and prevent puckering. The piece is worked flat, meaning it is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, which is the traditional approach for fairisle wall hangings and similar flat textile projects.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch used throughout the wall hanging is stockinette stitch (also called stocking stitch in UK terminology), which creates the smooth, classic knitted fabric surface. The fairisle pattern is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, with color changes creating the decorative motifs. The pattern also includes finishing work using double crochet (single crochet in US terminology) with a 10mm crochet hook, which is used to complete edges and attach the piece to a wooden dowel for hanging.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Recycled Ribbon in three colors—2 balls of Color A (Blue), 2 balls of Color B (White), and 1 ball of Color C (Orange). Each ball weighs 250g, providing approximately 500g of Blue, 500g of White, and 250g of Orange yarn. The Recycled Ribbon yarn is a sustainable choice made from recycled materials.
• Needles: 9mm (UK size 00 / US size 13) knitting needles for the main fairisle knitting
• Hook: 10mm (UK size 000 / US size N/15) crochet hook for finishing
• Additional Materials: A length of wooden dowel for hanging the finished wall hanging

Gauge and Tension

The pattern requires a tension (gauge) of 12 stitches and 13 rows to 10 cm (4 inches) measured over the fairisle stitch pattern using 9mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential before beginning, as working to incorrect tension will result in the finished piece being the wrong size and may require more or less yarn than specified. Knitters should prepare a tension swatch of at least 13 cm (5 inches) square and adjust needle size accordingly—using thicker needles if the swatch has too many stitches and rows, or thinner needles if it has too few.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in basic knitting techniques who are ready to tackle the additional complexity of managing multiple yarn colors in stranded fairisle work. The technique requires coordination and attention to tension management, but the flat construction and straightforward stitch pattern make it more approachable than advanced colorwork projects.

Pattern Notes

This is a free downloadable PDF pattern from Paintbox Yarns. The instructions are written using UK knitting terminology with US equivalents provided in parentheses throughout. Yarn quantities are approximate and based on average requirements. The pattern emphasizes that Paintbox Yarns recommends using only the specified Paintbox Yarns Recycled Ribbon yarn to ensure the finished piece matches the intended dimensions and appearance. The pattern is for individual personal use only and cannot be made for resale or commercial purposes.