MISHKA the Bear DUO collection 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.

THE SWEATER 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.

THE HAT The hat is worked in the round with circular needle, bottom up.

SIZES: Adults XS–2XL
Women’s sizes:
XS: Chest — 80 cm | 31”, Length to underarm — 38 cm | 15”, Sleeve inseam — 42 cm | 16.5”
S: Chest — 86 cm | 34”, Length to underarm — 38 cm | 15”, Sleeve inseam — 43 cm | 17”
M: Chest — 97 cm | 38”, Length to underarm — 40 cm | 16”, Sleeve inseam — 43 cm | 17”
L: Chest — 107 cm | 42”, Length to underarm — 42 cm | 16.5”, Sleeve inseam — 44 cm | 17.5”
XL: Chest — 115 cm | 45”, Length to underarm — 44 cm | 17”, Sleeve inseam — 45 cm | 17.5”
2XL: Chest — 122–127 cm | 48–50”, Length to underarm — 45 cm | 17.5”, Sleeve inseam — 46 cm | 18”

Men’s sizes:
S: Chest — 89 cm | 35”, Length to underarm — 41 cm | 16”, Sleeve inseam — 45 cm | 17.5”
M: Chest — 98 cm | 38.5”, Length to underarm — 43 cm | 17”, Sleeve inseam — 47 cm | 18.5”
L: Chest — 107 cm | 42”, Length to underarm — 45 cm | 18”, Sleeve inseam — 49.5 cm | 19.5”
XL: Chest — 116 cm | 45.5”, Length to underarm — 47 cm | 18.5”, Sleeve inseam — 50.5 cm | 20”
2XL: Chest — 124 cm | 49”, Length to underarm — 49 cm | 19”, Sleeve inseam — 52 cm | 20.5”

HAT SIZE: Adult — 56–60 cm / 22”–24” circumference.

GAUGE: 10 cm × 10 cm / 4” × 4” = 18 sts × 22 rows in stockinette stitch.

NEEDLES: Circular needles 3.5 & 4.5 mm / US 4 & 7.

eBook published in August 2025