Crossword Genius

In the formation, a flier is to create a pattern (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fair isle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a pattern' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'in the formation a flier is to' is the wordplay.
'a flier is' can be anagrammed to 'FAIR ISLE'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'create' is the 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" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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