Please note this is a digital pattern, we do not provide printed patterns.
-Knitting recipes from the Cornish Coast-
The remote Isles of Scilly lie beyond Cornwall’s most south westerly tip and are only visible from the mainland on a clear day. Home to semi-tropical flora and glass-clear waters which border sandy beaches, these islands endure brutal winter storms, resulting in a coastline littered with shipwrecks which have claimed many boats and lives. Scilly’s indomitable residents have rescued many souls. Their bravery is captured in a church’s stained-glass window on the island of St. Agnes which depicts these rowers on a rescue mission clad in their woollen hand knit Gansey sweaters.
This iconic knitwear embodies tradition, passed down through generations with patterns echoing local heritage and harbour life. Ganseys provide warmth and freedom of movement, created to endure Cornwall’s battering storms, and hand knitted with love.
The knit and purl stitches on the yoke represent the landscape and were unique to each port or harbour.
Our version of the Gansey maintains the traditional construction but is adapted with a modern twist, incorporating arm shaping, gusset armholes, and optional neckline adjustments. The broken triangles and diamonds reflect the rocks and wooden rowing boats.
Our Gansey pays homage to those brave seafarers from the Scilly Isles, and the families who knitted them.
Sizes
1(2:3:4:5:6)
To fit chest
71-76(81-87:91-97:102-107:112-117:122-127)cm
Actual Chest (before gusset)
88(99:110:121:131:142)cm
Actual Chest (including gusset)
101(112:123:134:144:155)cm
Length
55(57:59:61:63:65)cm
Yoke
122(24:27:29:31:33)cm
Arm (including gusset)
40(44:48:51:56:56)cm
Sleeve length
42(42:44:46:47:48)cm
Yarn : Approx.1150(1400:1675:1925:2100:2175)meters of 4-ply-weight yarn in total.
Yarn : Raw Wool Company:
Silver Mizzle or Soft As Sea Mist.
Gauge : 28 sts x 36 Rows per 10cm square
Needles : 3.25mm and 2.5mm needles.
Adjust needle size to obtain correct gauge
Use the length of cable need that suits your choicen size.
Notions : 6 stitch markers, tapestry needle, spare cable or waste yarn for placeing sts on hold.
Fitting Guide : Approx. 10–12cm positive ease on chest (not including gusset).
If you require longer work, this might
alter the yarn quantity given.
