The Aran sweater is not just a piece of clothing, it is an art form that preserves Irish heritage and the ancient traditions that it originates from. Cable knit sweaters are created by artisans who have honed their skills over many years and wearing a sweater with such a unique history pays homage to this as well as to the beautiful land it comes from.

Our selection of Aran knitwear includes cable knit sweaters, wraps, cardigans and jackets that are carefully crafted to include the classic stitches we know and love, and finding out about the way these sweaters are made and the stories behind the techniques used gives us an insight into the communities who created them. The cable knit sweater is popular all over the world and is a practical, stylish choice for every fashion-conscious American, so let’s take a look at the creativity behind the iconic designs.

What is a Cable Knit Sweater Made From?

A cable knit sweater, also known as an Irish knit sweater or an Aran sweater, is made from wool, which is an organic, natural material that can be sourced sustainably from sheep that are well cared for. Some of our sweaters are made from Merino wool, which is a soft, durable fabric that feels great against the skin, while some include cashmere in the wool blend, adding an extra touch of luxury. Our craftspeople demand only the best quality wool and we are proud to be selective about the raw materials our sweaters are made with.

Whether they are using local lambswool or Merino wool that is carefully sourced from further afield, our artisans spin and dye the raw yarn to create wool that can be knitted or woven. The colours used in cable knit sweaters often reflect the palette of the natural world, and the colour options are often reminiscent of the greens, browns and purples seen in the Irish countryside. Our designs are usually offered in natural white or baw-neen, the natural colour of the wool and the most traditional option, as well as a selection of other stunning colours.

How is my Sweater Knitted?

When they were first made, cable knit sweaters were intended to keep their wearers warm and dry while they worked on the harsh coast of the Atlantic more than a hundred years ago. These sweaters were worn by fishermen and farmers who lived on the stunning Aran Islands, off the coast of Galway, Ireland. Their family members who knitted for them used cable knit to create layers of wool for extra insulation and warmth, while they worked in these difficult conditions. It is believed that the patterns and stitches used in cable knit sweaters held particular meanings for the people who created them. For instance, the cable stitch is said to represent the ropes used by the fisherman in their daily work and the trellis stitch is thought to represent the fields on the islands, surrounded by stone walls.

The stitching used in cable knit sweaters is intricate and detailed, telling a story of the lives lived by the communities of the Aran Islands. These designs are used in our sweaters today and given a contemporary twist by our skilled artisans, who preserve these legends and stories for future generations. For example, garments and blankets, bearing the Trinity stitch are often given to newlyweds as a symbol of the family and the importance of the bonds being made, and there is also a religious significance to this patterning.

Many of our sweaters are still hand-knitted today, including our beautiful ClanAran sweaters which reflect the heritage of particular family names for those who have Irish roots. Our hand knitters use traditional techniques and a great deal of skill to create these stunning designs and delicate stitching patterns in the wool, and one of these sweaters may take up to forty hours to complete. Some of our designs are made with machine knitting, which involves programming a knitting machine to create these stitches, enabling a faster process of creation. This is still a precise technique that can create beautiful stitching patterns, but it is easier to reproduce garments in this way.

What Happens Next?

Once the panels of the cable knit sweater have been knitted, they will be stitched together to create the sweater itself. This is where the sweater is shaped and the seams are reinforced to ensure the longevity of your sweater. Our handmade sweaters are finished by our artisans, who will carry out the steps of stitching and blocking, in which the garment is washed and then reshaped with steam. Alternatively, garments can be finished by machine, using industrial sewing and linking machines that can finish seams professionally.

Once the garments have been finished, washing and blocking will help to maintain the integrity of the cable knit patterns and each sweater will be inspected to check for any imperfections. After this, your sweater will be carefully folded and wrapped to protect it, before it is packaged to travel to one of our stores or to be delivered to its new owner. We use sustainable packaging so you can be sure that your carbon footprint is kept as low as possible.

Handcrafted Cable Knit Sweaters

It’s difficult to choose a favourite amongst the gorgeous cable knit sweaters in our collection but we’ve narrowed down our top picks:

1. Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater

We love this Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater, a classic design featuring a traditional pattern knitted from the Aran cable and honeycomb stitches. It’s a lightweight knit that is perfect for layering up all year round and is made of 100% pure new wool to keep you cosy and warm. The honeycomb stitch is believed to have been created as a tribute to the hard working honey bees, reminding the wearer that sweet rewards come to those with a positive work ethic. In this design, this stitch sits alongside the cable stitch that is thought to represent fishing ropes, symbolising safety and abundance at sea and bringing good luck to the wearer.

2. Patchwork Cardigan with Collar

One of our best-selling designs, this Patchwork Cardigan with Collar is a great choice for wrapping up warm when you’re out and about. It comes in a stunning variety of colours so you can choose your favourite for every season, and it combines some of the most impressive knitting stitches in a unique design with a large overlapping collar, including the cable, diamond and chevron stitches. Diamond stitch is said to be evocative of the fishing mesh on fishermen’s nets, symbolising wealth and prosperity. We especially love the complex chevron stitch, which is believed to represent the waves that surround the Aran Islands and adds some extra special detailing to this cardigan.

3. Men’s Merino Aran Button Collar Sweater

This top-quality design is ideal for snuggling up all winter long and is made from 100% Merino wool for the softest finish. The Men’s Merino Aran Button Collar Sweater is a classic, available in several gorgeous colours including Army Green, Atlantic and Denim, as well as the natural white shade of the wool. The stylish two-button collar is perfect for keeping out the wind and the water-resistant qualities of wool make it an ideal choice for changeable weather conditions. This sweater features the trellis stitch, which is designed to represent the patterns of fields on the Aran Islands, and the classic moss stitch, which is believed to signify the red carrageen moss that covers the rocks on the Aran Islands and has been used as a source of food in years of scarcity.

4. Merino Wool Aran Men’s V-Neck Cardigan

Our Aran Men’s V-Neck Cardigan is a timeless classic that is ideal for layering up over any outfit to keep you warm and cosy while wearing a casual or more formal outfit. The six leather effect buttons on the front of this cardigan can be left open or fastened for a cosy effect, and this style is easy to wear on any occasion. The stitching on this practical cardigan includes the chevron stitch and the classic cable stitch, which create eye-catching embellishments, along with the ribbed cuffs and hem that complement the detail on the pockets.

5. Merino Wool Zig Zag Sweater

When you’re looking for a timeless classic for the man in your life, the Merino Wool Zig Zag Sweater is the perfect choice. This sweater is embellished with a combination of diamond and zig-zag stitches, creating a traditional design that is ideal for keeping warm all year round. The zig-zag stitch is said to reflect the twisting cliff paths that lead to the sea on the Aran Islands, and is also said to represent the ups and downs of married life, so makes a great gift for newlyweds or as an anniversary gift for spouse. Made in Ireland from 100% extra-soft Merino wool, this is a great choice for cosy nights in or for socialising with friends and family. You can even wear it over a formal shirt for a special occasion, and it comes in a variety of gorgeous colours that are inspired by the colours we see in nature.

6. Trellis Aran Coat

You’ll love the warm and practical Trellis Aran Coat, with a practical side pocket and a large collar to keep out the wind. The decorative buttons are the perfect complement to the 100% soft Merino wool, which feels luxurious to wear. The trellis stitch is believed to represent the stone walls enclosing the fields on the Aran Islands and can be seen to symbolise the protection of the land as well as the wearer of the sweater. This is an evocative image that reminds us of the hard lives lived by our ancestors on the Aran Islands, and we are proud that their endurance is celebrated in designs such as this. Like all of our Aran knitwear, this coat comes with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity, and the natural, organic wool is of such fine quality that you’ll find this becomes a wardrobe staple very quickly!

Our range of cable knit sweaters and cardigans includes a wide selection of designs and colours so you can find the perfect option for every member of the family, and you’ll discover the perfect companion piece for every adventure, whatever the weather. These sweaters are great to wear when you’re spending time outside, and they can help to regulate your body temperature by wicking away sweat through the breathable fibres when it’s warm outside and trapping air between the layers to create more insulation in cold weather. They’re also easy to care for and maintain, so you can expect them to last a lifetime.

Find Unique Cable Knit Sweaters

We have a gorgeous selection of cable knit sweaters for every occasion and you can discover our designs online or pop in and visit us in one of our stores, located in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin. Our catalogue includes cardigans, jackets, sweaters and wraps for everyone and it’s our mission to preserve the skill and craftsmanship of the original Aran cable knit sweaters to ensure that we bring you an authentic piece of Irish history with every garment.

Genuine cable knit sweaters exude quality and style, and you’ll find heirloom garments, gifts and homewares in our collection. You can explore the meanings behind the stitches and take a look at our ClanAran range if you have Irish heritage, and we’ll always be happy to share our expertise and help you to find the best style and fit for yourself or your family members. Discover your new favourite sweater today!