Fidra is a small, uninhibited island near Scotland’s capital Edinburgh and is rumoured to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s book ‘Treasure Island’.

This classic, timeless, sailor themed pullover is easy to knit and plays with colours, textures and yarn weights.

For the cream main colour I have chosen a cotton rich Dk weight yarn and for the contrasting navy stripes a cotton and wool mix, 4 ply weight yarn.

The simple rib pattern used throughout, adds texture and shape to the fabric plus interest for the knitter.

For a summer pullover pure cotton and cotton mix yarns are ideal, such as:

Debbie Bliss Bella DK 80% cotton, 10% silk, 5% cashmere, 105 yds 95m per 50g, col. 16004 cream - 8 (8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 10, 10) balls.

Rowan Wool Cotton 4ply, 50% merino, 50% cotton, 197 yds 180m per 50g, col. 495 Marine Blue -2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) balls.

Other suitable yarns for the Main colour are:

• Cascade Ultra Pima DK, 100% cotton, 220 yds (201m) per 100g skein.
• Tahki Cotton Classic DK, 100% cotton, 108 yds (99m) per 50g.
• Valley Yarns Longmeadow DK, 60% cotton, 40% microfiber, 117yds (107m) per 50g.
• Lion Brand Collection Cotton Bamboo DK, 52% cotton, 48% bamboo, 245yds (224m) per 100g.

For the Contrast colour:

• DMC Natura Just Cotton 4ply, 100% cotton, 170 yds (155m) per 50g.
• Knitpicks Comfy Fingering Weight, 70% cotton, 25% acrylic, 218 yds (199m) per 50g.
• Brown Sheep Cotton Fine 4ply, 80% cotton, 20% wool, 222 yds (205m) per 50g.

Gauge: 18 stitches and 32 rows = 4” (10cm) in rib pattern. Take measurements on a washed and blocked sample for accuracy.

The pattern should be suitable for advanced beginners. Skills needed are knit and purl stitches, simple decreases and increases, knitting in the round, 3-needle-bind off, picking up stitches for the neckband and sewing in a set in sleeve.