Women's Aran Cardigans

Aran knit takes its name from a group of islands in Galway Bay, off the west coast of the Republic of Ireland. The distinctive knitwear started life as hand knitted garments fashioned from untreated wool which made them extremely water resistant but very rigid. Today Aran knitwear is found in a number of useful garment styles including Aran cardigans and Aran jumpers for women.

Arans cardigans feature up to six cable patterns which run vertically down the garments. The complex stitching forms designs which have cultural and religious meanings. Each element relates to Celtic art and island life and the exact meanings have been handed down through the generations but often kept secret by the clans who created them.

We do know that cable stitch represents fisherman's ropes and carries the hope of a safe return from the seas. The diamond pattern reflects the fields on the islands and the Irish moss stitch represents the seaweed that was used to fertilise the land. Zig Zag patterns represent the cliff paths that lead down to the sea whilst the tree of life patterns express the wish for the long life of loved ones.

Today many Aran cardigans are produced by machine but handknitted pieces are still available and we have some fabulous examples here at the Old Byre Showroom. This is knitwear that is timeless and its popularity has now spread across the world.

Visit the individual ladies Aran cardigans for more specific information or please get in contact with a member or the team.