Designer of Kalevala-themed knitting patterns and author of a related book Jenna Kostet was asked to design a knitting pattern for the University in spring 2022, and the pattern, called the Soihtu sweater, was launched in the autumn of that year. Dozens of Soihtu sweaters have been knitted with different yarns and in different colour combinations. The latest colour combinations reflect the University's new brand colours pine, sand and blush. Would you like to knit your own sweater?
Jenna Kostet was a natural choice for designing the knitting pattern, as she is not only a well-known and respected knitwear designer, but also an alumna of the University of Turku, where she studied ethnology and folkloristics.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to get to design a sweater for the University where I studied myself. I’ve mainly designed patterns related to the Finnish nature and folklore, so I had to consider the University’s idea for a little while: how could I incorporate the University’s atmosphere in a knit sweater,” explains Kostet.
“However, it fairly quickly became evident to me that the design should be based on the winged torch, which has been a visible emblem throughout the history of the University of Turku. It is the most essential and recognisable part of the University's visual identity. The flames of the torch represent passion for knowledge and in my opinion also the University’s role in helping spread and maintain the “light” of science and also excitement and passion towards fascinating matters.
According to the designer, simply copying the University’s logo in the sweater as it is was not an option; instead, Kostet designed and drew a unique pattern which combines both the familiar patterns of the popular Icelandic yoke sweaters and the winged torch familiar from the University’s logo and emblem.
Fairly easy unisex model also suits beginner knitters
The Soihtu sweater is a pattern knit from top down with a Fair Isle pattern in the yoke. With the clear instructions and instructional videos found in Youtube, even beginner knitters are able to knit the sweater. The knitting pattern is free (download or print the PDF guide at the bottom of this page) and is available in both English and Finnish.
The colours of the model sweaters in the photos were decided by each knitter themselves – some selected the colours from among the University’s brand colours, some based on their own favourite colours.
The designer hopes that the knitting pattern inspires the University’s students, staff, alumni and friends to knit the Soihtu sweater for themselves or as a gift and also try different colours.
Knitting pattern for the Soihtu sweater of the University of Turku (PDF)
If you are sharing photos of your knit sweater or the knitting moment in social media, use the hashtags #soihtuneule #yliopistoneule
