English Guernsey Inspired Fisherman’s Afghan – Free Knitting Pattern

Capture the charm of traditional Guernsey sweater stitches in a cozy afghan perfect for any home. Inspired by the classic textures worn by English fishermen, this easy-to-follow pattern combines simple cables and knit-purl textures to create a warm, structured blanket. Worked in worsted-weight cotton, it’s soft, durable, and ideal for gifting or everyday use.

English Guernsey Inspired Fisherman’s Afghan – Free Knitting Pattern

 

 

Skill Level

Easy


Finished Size

Approx. 48 × 64 inches


Materials

  • Plymouth Fantasy Naturale worsted weight cotton (100% cotton, 140 yds/100 g per ball) – 15 balls, taupe #7360
  • Size 9 (5.5 mm) 29-inch circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Cable needle
  • Tapestry needle

Gauge

16 sts × 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Tip: Take the time to check your gauge for accurate sizing.


Pattern Notes

  • Slip the first stitch of each row knitwise.
  • M1 (Make 1): Increase by making a backward loop over the right needle.

Pattern Stitch

(Multiple of 24 sts + 22)

Right Side Rows

  • Row 1, 3, 7, 9: Sl 1, k6, *p1, k6, p1, k16; repeat from *, end last repeat k7 instead of k16.

Wrong Side Rows

  • Rows 2, 4, 6, 8: Sl 1, k4, p2, *k1, p6, k1, p16; repeat from *, end last repeat p2, k5 instead of k16.

Cable Row

  • Row 5: Sl 1, k6, p1, *sl next 3 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k3, return sts from cable needle to left needle and k3, p18; repeat from *, end last repeat p1, k7 instead of p18.
  • Row 10: Repeat Row 2
  • Repeat Rows 1–10 for pattern

Afghan Instructions

Cast On

Loosely cast on 182 sts.

Border

  • Rows 1–7: Sl 1, knit across

Set Up Pattern

  • Sl 1, k6, *p1, k3, M1, k2, p1, k16; repeat from *, end last repeat k7 instead of k16 → 190 sts

Work Pattern

  • Work Rows 2–10 of pattern
  • Repeat Rows 1–10 a total of 35 times
  • Repeat Rows 1–8 once more

Decrease Row

  • Sl 1, k6, *p1, k3, k2tog, k1, p1, k16; repeat from *, end last repeat k7 instead of k16 → 182 sts

Top Border

  • Rows 1–6: Sl 1, knit across
  • Bind off knitwise on WS

Finishing

  • Block lightly to smooth stitches and even edges

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