MISHKA 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 lower edge to underarms, then joined to work yoke in the 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. Almost all measurements are given in US and metric.

SIZES: XS–2XL
Women’s sizes:
XS: Chest — 80 cm | 31.5”, Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12”, Sleeve length to underarm — 43 cm | 17”
S: Chest — 86 cm | 34”, Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12”, Sleeve length to underarm — 44 cm | 17.5”
M: Chest — 96 cm | 38”, Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12”, Sleeve inseam — 45 cm | 17.75”
L: Chest — 106 cm | 42”, Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12”, Sleeve inseam — 46 cm | 18”
XL: Chest — 116 cm | 45.5”, Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12”, Sleeve inseam — 47 cm | 18.5”
2XL: Chest — 126 cm | 49.5”, Length to underarm — 30.5 cm | 12”, Sleeve inseam — 48 cm | 19”

Men’s sizes:
XS: Chest — 82 cm | 32”, Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13”, Sleeve inseam — 46 cm | 18”
S: Chest — 90 cm | 35.5”, Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13”, Sleeve inseam — 47 cm | 18.5”
M: Chest — 96 cm | 38”, Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13”, Sleeve inseam — 48 cm | 19”
L: Chest — 106 cm | 42”, Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13”, Sleeve inseam — 49 cm | 19.5”
XL: Chest — 116 cm | 45.5”, Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13”, Sleeve inseam — 50 cm | 19.5”
2XL: Chest — 126 cm | 49.5”, Length to underarm — 33 cm | 13”, Sleeve inseam — 51 cm | 20”