KNITTING RECIPES FROM THE CORNISH COAST
SCILLY GANSEY

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)

Yarn: Approx.1150(1400:1675:1925:2100:2175) meters of 4-ply-weight yarn in total.

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

Fitting Guide: Approx. 10–12cm positive ease on chest (not including gusset).