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Hamish’s Antarctic Gansey follows a traditional Eriskay sweater construction from the Outer Hebrides.These ganseys were knitted by Eriskay women for their menfolk, with the individual motifs on the sweaters identify them as a fishing crew associated with a particular family.

In a similar manner to these Eriskay women, I designed this sweater for my son Hamish to wear on his first deployment with the British Antarctic Survey stationed at Rothera Field Station. As ever wool being the best material to wear in such conditions insulating, breathable and resilient, it is also fun to think of my Hebridean yarn so very far south in the Antarctic.

Traditionally designed as very tight fitting to be worn under oilskins at sea, this gansey has been designed with a little more positive ease. To suit a more contemporary style, the patterning is less elaborate than traditional Eriskay sweaters but still echoes our island fishing culture through the use of the Fishing Net and Harbour Steps motifs.

The sweater is knitted in the round from the bottom up with false seams either side that reach up to a diamond gusset under the arms to allow stretch and flexibility. The front and back are then separated and knitted flat then grafted together over the shoulders.

Stitches are picked up around the armholes with the sleeves knitted down to the cuffs. Stitches are also picked up around the neck, which is then knitted up to the desired depth with the option of rolling it over and stitching it down.

As per gansey tradition, there is no specific front or back to the construction allowing the wearer to alternate and avoid undue wear on either elbows.

Chest measurements: 91 (96, 102, 106.5)(112, 117, 127, 137) cm / 36 (38, 40, 42)(44, 46, 50, 52) “

Recommended ease: 2.5-3.5 cm / 1-1.25 ”

Garment chest measurements:
94.5 (99, 105.5, 109)(114.5, 119.5, 129.5, 139.5) cm / 37 (39, 41.5, 43)(45, 47, 51, 55) “

Yarn: The Birlinn Yarn Company, 4-ply / Fingering weight, Hebridean & Cheviot blend 100 % wool 150 m / 164 yds per 50 g.

Samples knitted in shades: North and Storm Grey

Skeins: 10 (10, 11, 11)(12, 12, 13, 15).

Yardage: 1369 (1447, 1547, 1634) (1702, 1783, 1956, 2223) m / 1493 (1578, 1687, 1781) (1856, 1943, 2132, 2423) yds of 4 ply / fingering weight yarn.

Needles & Notions:
Recommended needle sizes - please check your gauge before commencing.
3 mm / US 2.5 - 80 cm / 30 ” circular or dpns for main body.
3 mm / US 2.5 - 30 cm / 12 ” circular or dpns for sleeves.
3 mm / US 2.5 - straight needles for flat sections.
2.75mm / US 2 - 80 cm / 30 ” for welt.
2.75 mm / US 2 - short circular or dpns for cuffs and neck.

3 large stitch holders or scrap yarn.
stitch markers
darning needle

Gauge
25 sts x 34 rounds = 10 cm / 4” on 3 mm / US 3 needles or size required to match tension in st st in the round after blocking.

Techniques
Kitchener stitch grafting
Picking up stitches