Irish Moss

Irish Moss stitching is often used as a diamond filler and suggests a respectable harvest.

It symbolizes the carrageen moss (seaweed) that is used as both food and fertilizer on the barren fields.

Trinity

Trinity represents the importance of God.

Basket

Basket stitch represents the baskets the fishermen used and their hope of a plentiful catch to fill the basket.

Blackberry

Blackberry stitching is less common but symbolizes the rich abundance of nature and the blackberry patches that dot the island.

It may also possess some religious implications.

Chevron

Chevron patterns evoke the Atlantic Ocean as it crashes against the cliffs of Inis Mór.

These few stitches are mixed and matched to create a sweater that uniquely illustrated the life and livelihood of the wearer. Today, they are just versatile, great looking, and practical fashion statements. 

Buying Aran Sweaters

You can find an Aran sweater at many shops, brands and online since many companies produce them. For instance, they periodically show up in the Sundance catalog.

You can also still purchase an authentic version in Ireland, on Aran Island, and at one of these shops online. Styles, patterns and colors vary, but most sites offer crew neck, shawl collar, turtleneck and cardigans in cream/white, gray, tans, blues, and greens, with a couple offers in reds.

Aran Sweater Market

Aran Sweater Market on Inis Mór maintains the official registry of Irish clans. You can learn the history of a family name. It is also the place where clans registered their historic patterns since 1892.

Most of the sweaters they sell today are machine made, although they do still employ local skilled Aran sweater knitters to create their ClanAran handmade sweaters. All of their offerings are known for their quality, history, heritage, and durability.