A Gansey is a hard wearing, hand knitted woollen jumper made and worn by seafarers and fisher folk for centuries. Characterised by textured stitch patterns and tight, close knit stitches on small needles which created a firm fabric to protect the wearer from the worst of the weather, they are a practical and versatile garment.
The Forest Gansey takes its inspiration from a different kind of working environment – the foresters and miners of the area I call home. Incorporating traditional Gansey patterns and underarm gusset shaping for ease of movement (essential for a working garment), you can choose from the classic full length unisex sweater shape or opt for cropped length to bring the Gansey bang up to date.

Skills required

• working in the round and working flat
• knit, purl, working cables and twisted stitches
• following multiple charts across one row/round
• three needle bind off
• picking up and knitting sts for sleeves and neckband

Sizes

Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)(6, 7, 8, 9 10)
83 (92, 101, 114, 123)(132, 139, 148, 159, 170)cm / 33 (37, 41, 45, 49)(53, 56, 59, 64, 69)” chest circumference.

The fit is up to you! Longer length sample is size 6 worn on 38” bust mannequin with 30cm/12” of ease at chest. The green sample is size 4 on same mannequin with 17.5cm/7” ease

Yarn requirements

Yarn used

Cropped sample: Blacker Yarns 5ply Pure Romney Guernsey Yarn in colourway Olive (100% British wool; approx 232m/242yds per 100g) 4 (5, 6, 6, 7)(7, 8, 9, 9, 10)skeins

Classic length sample: Woolyknit DK Merino Superwash (100% merino wool; approx 480m/525yds per 200g hank) 3 (3, 3, 4, 4)(4, 5, 5, 6, 6) hanks.

Yarn substitution
A tightly plied, worsted spun yarn in sport or DK weight that knits to gauge.

Cropped: 935 (1035, 1190, 1320, 1460)(1620, 1710, 1900, 2095, 2235)m/1025 (1135, 1300, 1445, 1600, 1775)(1870, 2075, 2295, 2445)yds
Classic Length: 1125 (1235, 1425, 1580, 1745)(1920, 2035, 2250, 2455, 2620)m/1230 (1350, 1570, 1730, 1910)(2100, 2225, 2460, 2685, 2865)yds

Gauge

22sts x 36rnds = 10cm in Moss Stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Suggested starting needle 3.25mm

Needles and notions
Circular needles in size needed to get gauge, in length suitable for working body in the round and shorter length or DPNS for working sleeves in the round.
A size smaller for rib welts, neckband and cuffs.
(I used 3mm and 3.25mm)

A selection of stitch markers including 2 different for gusset markers and one BOR marker.
Stitch holders or scraps of yarn to place stitches on hold.

I am trying a new Pay What You Can Afford model. The price shown reflects the true value and best represents the amount of work it takes to produce the pattern from start to finish. This price supports me and my work and allows me to continue to create beautiful patterns for you to knit! To purchase the pattern at a price more accessible to you please use the codes below at checkout. The prices shown are what you will pay (plus any VAT that may be applicable in your area) PWYCA1 £4.50 (40% disc) PWYCA2 £6.00 (20% disc)