Description

The Whalsay is a traditional Gansey or Guernsey, a style of garment worn by fishermen of the British Isles beginning in the 19th century. The simple construction and minimal stitch patterns of the Whalsay make it a good project for the beginner gansey knitter. The stitch patterns included here consist of cables and knit/purl combinations which symbolize the ropes, ladders, flags, and crooked paths up the cliffs of areas where Gansey sweaters originated.

Finished Measurements

Chest: 33.5 (35.25, 38.5, 40), 41.5 (43.25, 46.5, 48), 49.5 (51.25, 54.5, 56)” [85 (89.5, 98, 101.5), 105.5 (110, 118, 122), 126 (130, 138.5, 142) cm]

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn, approx 925 (970, 1050, 1125), 1320 (1400, 1535, 1645), 1725 (1800, 1935, 2000) yds [846 (887, 960, 1028.5), 1207 (1280, 1404, 1504), 1577.5 (1646, 1769.5, 1829) meters]
• US size 7 [4.5 mm] 16” and 24” or 36” circular needles or size needed to achieve correct gauge
• US size 7 [4.5 mm] set of dpn (or second 16” circular needle)
• Cable needle
• Stitch markers (four different colors —A, B, C, D)
• Stitch holders or scrap yarn
• Yarn needle

Gauge

20 sts and 26 rows/rnds = 4” [10 cm] in Chart A patt, after blocking
22-24* sts and 26 rows/rnds = 4” [10 cm] in 2/2 rib, after blocking

Skills Used

Knitting in the round, increases, decreases, cable knitting, gusset, 3-needle BO

Yarn Used: Cascade 220 Heathers #9332

Construction

This pullover is knit from the bottom up with knitted-in underarm gussets. The upper chest front and back pieces are divided at the midpoint of the gusset and knit flat separately. Once the upper body is complete, the shoulders are joined with 3-needle bind off. Then the sleeves are knit from the top down from the end of the shoulder join to the ribbed cuff. The collar is knit in the round after the upper body pieces are joined.