Aran Knitting Learn Along 2022
For 2022, the Salem Millstream Knitting Guild (SMKG) is doing a year-long Learn Along of Aran knitting stitches, in the form of a sampler scarf.
The scarf has a bottom border of seed stitch, and the two side borders consist of six stitches each worked in the Hatch Stitch pattern. Six rows of garter stitch are worked in between each Aran stitch section.
Supplies to bring to the monthly Guild meetings:
- Yarn – Aran weight (a light color makes it easier to see the stitch patterns)
- Knitting needles, the appropriate size for the yarn (generally a size U.S. 6)
- Cable needle
Background and setup information:
- Learn Along Getting Started
- Seed Stitch
- Hatch Stitch Left and Right Borders
- HC & Slip stitch
- How to Work Cables
If you have questions, please contact Su Fennern.
January – Basket Stitch
The Basket Stitch is thought to represent the fisherman’s basket and the hope of abundant catches.
February – Tree of Life
The Tree of Life stitch is frequently used as a motif of rites of passage, and of the importance of family. It is sometimes given a religious significance, symbolizing a pilgrim’s path to salvation. This stitch is also known as the Trinity stitch.
March – Blackberry
The Blackberry stitch is similar in appearance to the wild berries that grow abundantly in the thicket of Aran Island. The Blackberry stitch serves as a reminder of the rich bounty that can be found in nature.
April – Cable
The plain cable stitch, which is the most common type of stitch for Aran sweaters, is said to represent the fisherman’s ropes and promises safety and good luck while at sea.
May – Irish Moss
The Irish Moss stitch suggests a good harvest. It depicts carrageenan moss, a type of seaweed found on the Irish coast, which is used as a food and as a fertilizer of barren fields.
June – Neck Section
You can decide what you want your neck section to be; either following the pattern or doing other stitch patterns. It’s all up to you. Do you want a short or longer scarf? The sample is 20″ long. Just remember to end with a right-side row no matter how long you make it.
July – Diamond Stitch
The charming pattern of the Diamond Lattice Stitch represents the little farms that were worked intensively by local farmers scattered all over the Aran Islands. It’s believed to be a symbol of prosperity, wealth, and success when in the sea.
August – Trinity Stitch
The Trinity Stitch is thought to have been named because the pattern is formed by working three stitches from one and one stitch from three signifying the Holy Trinity. In Ireland, the Trinity Stitch is known as the “three into one and one into three” stitch and is used as a filler stitch for Aran Sweaters.
September – Zig Zag Stitch
The Zigzag Stitch, sometimes known as Marriage Lines, can be used to represent the typical highs and lows of married life.
This stitch also represents the twisting coastal paths that lead to the sea.
October – Honeycomb Stitch
The Honeycomb Stitch symbolizes the hard work of honey bees and their sweet rewards. It also signifies the concept of plenty, which for fisherman, must mean a bountiful catch.
November – Ladder Stitch
The Ladder Stitch represents the different stages in life. It is also thought to symbolize the path of a pilgrim and to mean good health.
December – Bind Off
Try one of these looser bind-offs to get a stretchier edge that lies flat and looks nicer.
Salem Millstream Knitting Guild 
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