Mishka The Bear Icelandic Lopapeysa Sweater Knitting Pattern XS–5XL

Mihska The Bear Icelandic lopapeysa sweater features one of the most iconic and revered animals in world folklore — the bear. Mishka (or Misha) is his name in Russian fairytales and tradition, where he often appears as a strong yet kind-hearted character. It’s also a common diminutive of the popular Jewish male name Michael.

Body and sleeves are worked in the round from the lower edge to the underarms, then joined to work the yoke in one continuous round. Round begins at left side of body. On yoke, round begins on the left side of back at the joining of body and sleeve. For knitting the sleeves, I recommend using the ‘magic loop’ technique, which helps you to avoid bunching up when enlarging and working on pattern, and also saves your time.

In the pattern you will find a table of sizes, basic measurements and calculations. This will make it easier for you to guide yourself when working on your sweater. The table is versatile and can be used to work on any lopapeysa.

The pattern comes as a PDF with written instructions in English, charts and photos, available for immediate download after payment. Full pattern support is available by email.

The matching Mishka The Bear hat knitting pattern is here.

And here is Mishka The Bear Duo collection which includes both patterns.

SIZES: XS–5XL

Women's sizes:
Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12" for all sizes
XS: Chest — 71–76 cm | 28–30", Sleeve length to underarm — 43 cm | 17"
S: Chest — 81–86 cm | 32–34", Sleeve length to underarm — 44 cm | 17½"
M: Chest — 91.5–96.5 cm | 36–38", Sleeve length to underarm — 45 cm | 17½"
L: Chest — 101.5–106.5 cm | 40–42", Sleeve length to underarm — 46 cm | 18"
XL: Chest — 111.5–117 cm | 44–46", Sleeve length to underarm — 47 cm | 18½"
2XL: Chest — 122–127 cm | 48–50", Sleeve length to underarm — 48 cm | 19"
3XL: Chest — 132–137 cm | 52–54", Sleeve length to underarm — 49 cm | 19"
4XL: Chest — 142–147 cm | 56–58", Sleeve length to underarm — 50 cm | 19½"
5XL: Chest — 152–158 cm | 60–62", Sleeve length to underarm — 51 cm | 20"

Men's sizes:
Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13" for all sizes
XS: Chest — 76–82 cm | 30–32", Sleeve length to underarm — 44 cm | 17½"
S: Chest — 86–91.5 cm | 34–36", Sleeve length to underarm — 45 cm | 17½"
M: Chest — 96.5–101.5 cm | 38–40", Sleeve length to underarm — 46 cm | 18"
L: Chest — 106.5–111.5 cm | 42–44", Sleeve length to underarm — 47 cm | 18½"
XL: Chest — 116.5–122 cm | 46–48", Sleeve length to underarm — 48 cm | 19"
2XL: Chest — 127–132 cm | 50–52", Sleeve length to underarm — 49 cm | 19"
3XL: Chest — 137–142 cm | 54–56", Sleeve length to underarm — 50 cm | 19½"
4XL: Chest — 147.5–152 cm | 58–60", Sleeve length to underarm — 51 cm | 20"
5XL: Chest — 157.5–162.5 cm | 62–64", Sleeve length to underarm — 52 cm | 20½"

YARN: Léttlopi by Ístex (100% Icelandic wool)

YARN SUBSTITUTE: Malabrigo Rios (100% superwash merino wool), Malabrigo Worsted (100% Uruguayan merino wool), Mota by WoolDreamer's Yarn (100% Spanish merino and manchega wool), Icelandic Wool by Novita, Cascade 220 by Cascade Yarns (100% wool), Valley Yarns Superwash by Valley Yarn (100% wool).

GAUGE: 18 sts × 23 rows in stockinette stitch = 4” × 4” / 10 cm × 10 cm

TOOLS: Circular needles 4.5 mm / US 7. You may also need 4 stitch markers, 4 stitch holders and a darning needle.

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COPYRIGHT AND LICENSING NOTICE: This pattern is for personal use only. You may not share, sell, copy, or distribute the pattern or its digital file. Commercial use, including knitting for sale or commission, is strictly prohibited. For inquiries about commercial use please feel free to contact me.

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