About Aran Knitting and Stitches

Really getting into creating the beautiful heavily textured Aran knitting stitches. There is nothing like making a knit stitch with your own two hands, especially ones rich in culture and meaning!

Here is some amazing info I found about aran knitting.

Aran sweater designs are rich in symbolism. Some examples follow:

• Cable stitches represent fishing ropes.

• The plaited cable stitch evokes the powerful imagery of the interweaving of family life.

• Moss stitches represent the rich and abundant growth of the mossy soil.

• Diamond stitches signify the shape of the fishing net mesh, a symbol of wealth and success.

• Honeycomb stitches represent the rewards of a good life.

• Trinity stitches represent ancient and religious beliefs.

• Blackberry stitches have religious and natural connotations.

Stitches such as lobster claw, spoon and basket are symbolic of the way of life of the knitters.

Here are some great free aran knitting patterns

Aran Free Chart

Free chart for knitting aran design.

Cables Bobbles Leaves

As the title says a pretty pattern incorporating cables, bobbles and leaves.

Four Pretty YO Patterns

More great knitting pattern charts for free.

Eyelit Cables Patterns

A cool free pattern with charts.

Noro Log Cabin Throw

I used four different colourways of Noro Taiyo (a gorgeous blend of cotton and silk) to create this soft and colourful log cabin throw. I used size 5.5mm circular needles.

So many different colours blending in together.

I am quite happy with the result! I have been working on this one on and off in between projects for a few months now and it is finally finished (also I ran out of wool).

Teddy Cushion

I made a teddy bear cushion for my sons wicker chair using the pattern for a washcloth by by Elaine Fitzpatrick from Down Cloverlane.



Here is the pattern for the teddy washcloth. I basically created two of these, I made it a bit longer and added some white colour work up the top for interest. then sewed them together with stuffing in the middle and hey presto! a tiny cute teddy cushion.