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UNKA HAT

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From practical origins to aesthetic iconography, few winter accessories have enjoyed 
 as much fanfare, and endured as much symbolic ‘baggage,’ as the earflap hat. 



There are various, region-specific iterations of this design. The Eastern European version
 is the one I am culturally nearest to, and the one I find myself nostalgic for in winter. 
Alas, it is also the version that is rather tricky to tackle as a knitter.



To achieve its structured boxy shape, typically the ushanka, as it is known, is pieced together and sewn 
out sheepskin, fur, or heavy woven textiles. Neither the process of knitting, nor the fabric created through knitting, lends itself to that type of design. This is why knitted earflap hats - 
nice and all as they may be - don’t tend to look like the Real Deal.



But there are always exceptions to the rule. And thanks to the unique characteristics of 
Varv, I have finally found an approach I am happy with. 
 


The Unka hat not only resembles a traditional ushanka; it is simple and fun to knit.
 Try it for yourself, and your ears shall never go cold again!

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MATERIALS & INFORMATION

SIZE 1 (2, 3, 4)
to fit head circumference of approximately
48cm/ 19.25” (52cm/ 20.75”, 56cm/ 22.5”, 60cm24”)



YARN

designed for Höner och Eir VARV, Lagom or Rejal weight
Lagom-weight 
(60m per 100g); 
project requires up to 200g
Rejal-weight (30m per 100g); 
project requires up to 350g

Note that in Rejal-weight, this hat will be considerably denser and stiffer, and therefore more sheepskin-like. In the Lagom weight the fabric will be looser and stretchier.



GAUGE

8 sts x 15 rows = 10cm x 10cm

NEEDLES

circular needles, 7mm in diameter

or as needed to meet gauge in garter stitch

NOTIONS

measuring tape, tapestry needle, 

sewing needle, colour-matched thread



SPECIAL TECHNIQUES

picking up stitches from selvage edge,
basic hand-stitching


CONSTRUCTIONS
worked in the round bottom-up|

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SAMPLE INFO.

grey sample
Size 3, knitted in Lagom-weight

colour block sample
Size 1, knitted in Lagom-weight

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NOTE: This pattern is designed specifically for Varv yarns. A modified version suitable for other yarns may be added at a later point.