Patterns for Fisherman Knits

Patterns were derived from ordinary objects in the lives of the knitters: cables of various kinds imitating ropes, diamonds as in the fish nets, stitches inspired by pebbles, moss, steps, ladders, zig zags and more. Patterns were not written down, but handed down from one generation to another. Some say that a fisherman’s home port could be told by the pattern of his gansay.

For the work a day guernsey, the pattern was usually confined to the yoke and upper sleeves. Guernseys and Jerseys with all over patterns were more likely reserved for “Sunday best” and social occasions. The wearers name or initials were sometimes knitted in above the welt (ribbing).

These garments were worn for years, even handed down from one generation to another. The sweaters were often reknitted in places that were getting worn; the new areas appearing darker than the faded whole.

(My husband was an engineer and did a lot of drafting. He always wore out the elbows of his sweaters and, taking a hint from history, I knitted patches which I sewed over the worn out spots.)

I have knitted a few swatches of designs that were charted in Ms. Thompson’s book:

Filey, North Yorkshire, UK, on the North Sea

Filey, North Yorkshire, UK, on the North Sea

Sheringham, Norfolk, UK, on the North Sea

#Knits