Heritage Sweater KAL 2025
We are bringing back 10 classic colourwork sweaters designed by Koigu co-founder, Maie Landra, in the 80s and 90s. Featuring traditional Estonian knitwear motifs in bottom-up, seamed charted sweater patterns.
We are planning a colourwork sweater KAL including virtual live meetups, raffle prizes, instructional videos and more.
Pre-order a sweater kit from your LYS and join the KAL!
Coming to Facebook and Ravelry soon!
For wholesale inquiries and information please email merike@koigu.com or find wholesale info here>>
Questions? Email merike@koigu.com
10 Colourwork Sweaters
Garland
Inspired by Harjumaa, a historical region in northern Estonia (including Tallinn), knitting patterns from this area are known for their geometric symbolism. These patterns, often found in neutral palettes of black, white, grey, and natural wool tones, were highly valued for their symmetry, clarity, and protective symbolism.
Yarn: Koigu Corriedale & Corriedale / Gotland DK/light worsted
Winter Enchantment
Inspired by Estonian folk belt patterns, or vöö (also known as kõlavöö), offer a wealth of geometric inspiration for knitting. These traditional belts, often created using tablet or inkle weaving, are characterized by their prominent squares, diamonds, chevrons, and X-shaped motifs.
Yarn: Koigu Jasmine DK 100% Merino
Visions of Spring
In Estonian knitting, the "Tollakiri" and "Ohvrikirstukiri" motifs, seen on socks and mittens, are ancient symbols of protection and spirituality. These designs are deeply rooted in pre-Christian beliefs and have been passed down through generations. A crossed star or multi-pointed shape, found throughout Estonia (notably in Viljandi, Seto, and Saaremaa), symbolizes ancestral connection, blessings, and remembrance. In southern Estonia (Mulgi, Võro), a stylized eight-pointed star or a square-cross within a grid is common on dowry items, representing offerings made to gods and spirits.
Yarn: Koigu Cheers Merino/Lincoln light worsted
Koigu Sheep
The hand-drawn KOIGU Sheep logo, created by Maie, is a graphic representation of the brand's essence. Its flowing, organic lines poetically honor the legacy and vision of Koigu Wool Designs.
Yarn: Koigu Jasmine DK 100% Merino
Autumn harvest
Inspired by a Mitten pattern of the Halliste region of Estonia is renowned for its bold and intricate folk mitten patterns, especially in the Viljandi County area. Halliste mittens often feature symmetrical, high-contrast motifs using red, black, and white, with diamonds, stars, trees of life Inspired by a mitten pattern from Estonia's Halliste region, known for its bold and intricate folk mitten patterns. Halliste mittens, especially from the Viljandi County area, often feature symmetrical, high-contrast motifs in red, black, and white, including diamonds, stars, and trees of life.
Yarn: Koigu Corriedale & Corriedale / Gotland DK/light worsted
Mystique
Halliste County, located in southern Estonia within Viljandimaa, is celebrated for its rich mitten-making heritage. These mittens are distinguished by their striking geometric patterns, intricate designs, and strong symmetrical balance. The patterns found in Halliste mittens are a testament to the region's vibrant cultural identity. Beyond their practical use, these mittens served as significant symbols of heritage, prosperity, and skilled artistry, particularly when included in dowries.
Yarn: Koigu Cheers Merino/Lincoln blend light worsted
Signs of summer
Inspired pattern "Ubalekiri" is an Estonian term that refers to a stylized, abstract decorative pattern, often used in folk art, weaving, and folk knitting. It's sometimes translated loosely as “bean script” or “bean motif”, from uba meaning “bean” and kiri meaning “pattern” or “script.”
Yarn: Koigu Jasmine DK 100% Merino
Medallion
Embroidery from Muhu folk costumes is among the most iconic and vibrant in Estonian textile heritage. Translating those richly detailed medallion and symbolic motifs into knitting brings the spirit of Muhu into modern woolwork while honoring its cultural roots.
Yarn: Koigu Chelsea Aran 100% Merino
Squares & Diamonds
Diamonds: Symbolize fertility, protection, and the feminine principle. Often associated with the "field" or "womb" in Estonian symbolism. Squares: Represent stability, earth, and order. Sometimes used to enclose other motifs, like crosses or stars, symbolizing protection. The pattern is inspired by an old Estonian pattern from the thirteenth century.
Yarn: Koigu Corriedale & Corriedale / Gotland DK/light worsted
Snowflake
This design beautifully blends traditions, drawing inspiration from both Northern Scandinavian snowflake motifs and Estonian embroidery. It unites two rich textile heritages: the crisp geometry characteristic of Nordic knitwear and the floral, symbolic, and decorative elegance found in Estonian folk embroidery.
Yarn: Koigu Chelsea Aran 100% Merino
This coming month’s collector colour is inspired by the cheerful picnic season of the summer. Being surrounded by the buzzing of honeybees in the flowers, gingham blankets and sandwiches in the sunshine.