Gansey Design Workshop - Fall 2026 - Graduate Level - Virtual

The phrase “Gansey (or Guernsey!) Knitting” is synonymous with densely knit, richly textured English fishermen’s sweaters, worn since at least the nineteenth century. Gansey sweaters are known for their ingenious construction, including brilliant under-arm gussets and nearly seam-free knitting. This course will go deep into this traditional art, focusing on pattern and layout and the history of Gansey knitting. If you have been dreaming about designing your own Gansey sweater, this workshop is for you! In the company of yoru fellow WEKP grads, you will discuss, brainstorm, and create your own custom, entirely original Gansey sweater. Since this class is available only to WEKP graduates, it assumes full mastery of all program techniques and skills.

You will receive the Zoom link 1-2 business days before the virtual class.

Format: Virtual

Prerequisite:  MUST be a WEKP graduate

Materials Required: Stitch markers / Tapestry needle / Your knitter's tool kit / circular and dpn knitting needles, in size necessary to get a gauge you like for this sweater/Yarn for first session: 1 skein of yarn that you plan to use for your sweater (ganseys are traditionally with worsted-spun sport-weight yarn at 6–6.5 stitches to the inch). On the first night of class, you will work with the instructor to calculate the rest of your yarn requirements. (If you have questions,feel free to reach out to instructor for input!) Because this class will be offered remotely (via Zoom), the instructor strongly recommends you have reliable Internet access. You will also need a good-sized screen through which to take part in class (computer is best, but a tablet will also work).

Book:  REQUIRED TEXTS: Janet Szabo’s Aran Sweater Design, and Beth Brown-Reinsel’s Knitting Ganseys: Techniques and Patterns for Traditional Sweaters, revised and updated (2018)

Suggested additional materials: Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell, The Gansey Knitting Sourcebook:

150 Stitch Patterns and 10 Projects for Gansey Knits (2021); Gladys Thompson, Patters for Guernseys, Jerseys Arans: Fishermen’s Sweaters from the British Isles (any edition); Beth Brown-Reinsel, Knitting Ganseys (1993); Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts and Deborah Robson,Knitting in the Old Way: Designs and Techniques for Ethnic Sweaters (2004 [or any edition!]) 

HOMEWORK: Read Janet Szabo’s Aran Sweater Design, pp. 1–135.

When possible, please buy your materials from WEBS.

Cancellation Policy: For all classes, payment of full tuition is due at time of registration. Tuition will be refunded only if the class is cancelled by WEBS, or if there is a waiting list and your spot can be filled.

Click here for complete Registration Information.

Note: If you are purchasing more than one unit of the same class, please call Customer Service with that person's name and information.