In the formation, a flier is to create a pattern (4,4)
I believe the answer is:
fair isle
'a pattern' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'in the formation a flier is to' is the wordplay.
'a flier is' can be anagrammed to 'FAIR ISLE'.
But, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'create' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fair isle that I've seen before include "Source of knitwear" , "Type of knitwear design" , "Traditional knitwear design" , "British shipping forecast area - style of knitwear" , "Jumper" .)