Knitting Ganseys Revised and Updated: Eriskay Gansey Pullover

This gansey is Knitting Ganseys Revised and Updated author Beth Brown-Reinsel’s interpretation of a Scottish Eriskay gansey from Rae Compton’s book The Complete Book of Traditional Guernsey and Jersey Knitting. The name Eirisgeidh, or Eriskay, is derived from the Norse for “Eric’s Isle.”

Eriskay is one of many islands located in the Outer Hebrides. Many place-names on the island and elsewhere in Scotland are Norse in origin because of the 400 years of Norse occupation (circa AD 800 to 1200). It was love at first sight for Beth when she was introduced to this motif: cables accentuate the simple, elegant beauty of these motifs, made of knit and purls.

Join us on a gansey journey with Beth Brown-Reinsel! Gansey Knitting 101 is a completely free, unique 4-week virtual event that will introduce you to a modern classic. Get started here.

Pattern Details

Finished Size
Chest circumference: 35¼ (39, 44, 47¾, 52¼)” (89.5 [99, 112, 121.5, 135.5] cm).
Length: 22½ (23½, 24½, 25½, 26½)” (57 [59.5, 62, 65, 67.5] cm).
Sample shown measures 39” (99 cm).

Yarn
#2 Sportweight.
1538 (1778, 2093, 2366, 2719) yd (1406 [1626, 1914, 2163, 2486] m).
Shown here: Frangipani 5-ply Guernsey (100% wool; 240 yds [220 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): Claret, 7 (8, 9, 10, 12) skeins.

Needles
US 2 (2.75 mm): 16″ and 32″ (80 cm and 40 cm) circular (cir) and set of 4 or 5 double-pointed (dpn).
Adjust needle size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Notions
Stitch markers (m); cable needle (cn); stitch holders or waste yarn; tapestry needle.

Gauge
27 sts and 40 rnds = 4″ (10 cm) in St st.

All photos by David Baum.

Dive into the historical technique of knitting ganseys with Knitting Ganseys Revised and Updated!