Traditional Irish cable knitting and patterns originated on the Aran Islands off the coast of Connemara on the western side of Ireland approximately 1,500 years ago. Historians believe it existed in medieval times because it was mentioned in the famous
“Book of Kells”, a book of gospels written by hand by monks in A.D. 800. In this book Daniel was depicted as wearing an Aran jersey (cable knit sweater) and matching socks.
The damp, cool environment of Ireland demanded creation of this warm clothing. Wool was ideal because it traps in body heat while the natural oils in it keep out moisture.
Wool fleeces were spun and knitted with centuries of skill passed on. Patterns were designed reflecting the historical interwoven designs of Ireland, a person’s personality, religion, or trade. The most popular and famous being the fisherman cables depicting nautical symbols, nets, ropes, and fish bones. It was a matter of real pride that each family was known by its own design, and each man his own pattern. Goose quills were used as needles. Definitions for the cables in this book are in the Note section of patterns.
In the mid 1800‘s the potato famine in Ireland caused a mass immigration to America. Cable patterns came along with the them, but because the patterns were memorized, cable knitting did not become popular in the United States until the 1930’s.