At Aran Sweater Market, Irish heritage is at the core of everything we do. Our unique Aran sweaters are made in the traditional way and come with a certificate of authenticity to give you peace of mind. Our range takes its inspiration from the landscape and traditions of the Aran Islands, building on centuries of local craftsmanship and folklore. Here, we’ll explore the history and origins of the cable knit sweater, a favourite with many of our customers.
Cable knit sweaters are a very special part of the Aran Sweater Market collection, sharing the history and skill of this beautiful part of the world across the globe. Read on to find out more about cable knit sweaters and what makes them unique, and share our insider tips on the best cable knit sweaters for your wardrobe this year.
Cable knit sweaters are a key element of our Aran sweater range, knit from 100% natural wool and inspired by the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. Cable knit is a knitting style that has been traditionally used in Aran sweaters for many years and the patterns are symbolic of different elements of life on the Aran islands. Knitting patterns are passed down through generations of local families and some of the patterns and stitches used are representative of the lifestyle and environment that supports them.
Cable knit sweaters are popular all over the world as a timeless item of clothing, and they are a practical choice, too. Pure wool is an excellent choice for clothing, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in warmer weather when it allows your skin to breathe and wicks away sweat. It also has waterproof properties, being able to absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet. This made it an excellent choice for the fishermen and farmers of the Aran Islands in days gone by, helping to protect them from the extreme weather conditions of the West Atlantic Coast.
What makes a cable knit sweater unique? We look for the following features in our designs:
In the past, cable knit sweaters were a practical choice for the farming and fishing communities of the Aran Islands and the unique designs represented their clans, livelihoods and families. In fact, Aran sweaters were used to identify the bodies of those drowned at sea, as no two sweaters were the same. Although life is a little less harsh on the Aran Islands today, the heritage is crucial to this beautiful area and local artisans are exceptionally proud of their contribution to living history.
Cable knit sweaters are timeless, and can be worn with jeans for a casual outfit or dressed up for a more formal occasion. Some of our designs take the classic features of a cable knit sweater and bring them into a new and striking garment such as a scarf or wrap, to give these patterns a contemporary twist. They are a popular choice with people all over the world, combining practicality with timeless style and have been known to grace the pages of Vogue magazine on many occasions.
attention to detail of the skilled craftspeople who create our Aran sweaters is second to none, and they make use of traditional techniques that have been passed down through communities and generations for centuries. The cable knit patterns are symbolic, representing elements of life on the Aran Islands such as fishing nets and ropes, and traditionally, each sweater would have been unique.
Cabling is a term that is used to describe knitting in which one set of stitches crosses over another. This technique of crossing stitches enables the knitter to create different textured effects and patterns. For traditional cabling, the knitter places one set of stitches onto a cable needle to hold them while the second set of stitches is worked, and then returns to the stitches on the cable needle. Gradually, a pattern or textured column begins to develop in the design.
The stitches in a cable knit jumper are designed to represent aspects of life on the Aran Islands, and the stories behind the patterns are fascinating. For instance, the rope stitch is believed to bring luck to the wearer and to encourage safety and a successful catch at sea. The honeycomb pattern worked in cable knit is a representation of fishing nets and also of the bees that brought honey to this remote area.
We love the zig zag pattern in cable knit sweaters, and interpretations vary. Some sources suggest that this originally represented the cliff paths that wind down to the sea and others claim it represents the dangers facing the fishermen of the Aran Islands in times past, believing that the harsh Atlantic coast with its threat of storms and perilous cliffs is recognised in this classic stitching that adorns many of our stylish designs.
Our range includes several cable knit sweaters so you can choose the design that best fits with your style and your personality. We’re proud to have traditional and contemporary options for everyone, with many popular choices for men and for women. Our most classic options are suitable for anyone to wear, and of course, we can all choose any sweater that makes us feel great!
At Aran Sweater Market, we will be delighted to show you our range of cable knit sweaters and help you to choose the design you love.
Aran sweaters are a part of the heritage of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast and the symbolism of the patterns and designs is rooted in Irish folklore.
Aran sweaters have cultural significance in many ways and they represent the following:
Aran sweaters are popular across the world and are valued for their craftsmanship and connection to Irish heritage and tradition. Contemporary designers love to incorporate new and beautiful elements into Aran sweaters while recognising their cultural roots, and this has enabled the Aran sweater to become a staple item of clothing in the fashion world.
You’ll find cable knit sweaters and a wide range of beautiful Aran knitwear when you visit one of our stores in the Aran Islands, Galway, Killarney or Dublin or browse our online store. We can help you to find options you love and ensure that you know how to care for your sweater to enjoy a lifetime of timeless style. We would love to show you our ClanAran range, which includes designs for more than two hundred Clan names so you can really embrace your Irish roots.
Browse our catalogue today to discover cable knit sweaters, ponchos and scarves in many beautiful colours and designs, as well as throws and blankets, unique items for the home, and clothing for babies and children. We value quality and style and we pride ourselves on continuing the heritage of the Aran Islands with our beautiful and practical range of knitwear.
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