Traditional Handmade Fishermans Ganseys
Bridlington Gansey see our guest book for customer comments
A Gansey is based on traditional garments worn in coastal communities throughout the British Isles. Many fishing villages had their own distinctive Gansey patterns.
A fisherman’s Gansey is a hard-wearing, 5 ply, pure wool sweater worn by fishermen around the coast of Britain for many years. Essentially a tough, weatherproof garment, it developed into a tradition with a variety of fascinating local family patterns.
A fisherman’s Gansey is a hard-wearing, 5 ply, pure wool sweater worn by fishermen around the coast of Britain for many years. Essentially a tough, weatherproof garment, it developed into a tradition with a variety of fascinating local family patterns.
Close up view of Bridlington Gansey
Bridlington Gansey in the making
The intricate patterns knitted into the Gansey stylistically represent ropes, pebbles on the shore and the ups and downs of life. Fishing villages used different patterns, thus when a body was washed up on the shore, it was possible to tell from which village the drowned person came from. As each family had mistakes incorporated into the style for each member of the family, it was possible to tell exactly who the person was.
Nowadays, they are worn as a fashion item by none fishermen as well, but it owes its existence to generations of development and use as a practical working garment. The Gansey is ideal for all outdoor activity for both men and women yet is distinctiveand smart enough for most casual occasions.
Nowadays, they are worn as a fashion item by none fishermen as well, but it owes its existence to generations of development and use as a practical working garment. The Gansey is ideal for all outdoor activity for both men and women yet is distinctiveand smart enough for most casual occasions.
Worked in a round with 5 needles
The Gansey made in the round on 5 needles or circular needles if preferred, and there are no seams. It is worked in the round from the lower edge to the beginning of the armholes, then the front and back are worked separately to the shoulders. The shoulders are joined and bound off, and the neckband is worked in a round. The sleeves are picked up from the armhole openings and worked down to the cuffs.
All our Gansey’s are made from Frangipani 5ply Guernsey Worsted Wool and are not machine washable. There are 26 colours to choose from. Prices start from £180.00, please allow 6 to 8 weeks for your Gansey to be made up and delivered.