Spice up Your Knits with Tartu 2024 Patterns
There is nothing better than warm knitwear to ward off the cold. Since the peak of the knitting season is here, the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 created five new patterns for all crafting enthusiasts to knit on dark evenings. Fresh colour patterns are appropriate for both experienced knitters and those making their first steps into the world of knitting. You can knit all of the patterns together or just your favourites and incorporate them into your work.
Marketing Project Manager Anette Aim, the Tartu 2024 team’s nimble-fingered knitter, shares her suggestions for improved results: “When working with colorwork, it is best to use two contrasting yarns so that the pattern stands out clearly. You don’t have to worry about the yarn’s size or material because these patterns work with everything,” Aim explained. You can also be creative when selecting a work method, according to Anette. “Choose a technique that you like best, whether it is stranded or intarsia knitting,” she explained.
Share your finished knitwear or gauge swatches with us on social media by tagging Tartu 2024 (@tartu2024, #tartu2024).
Pattern 1: Tartu 2024 logo
The Tartu 2024 logo has several meanings. The arrow represents cultural progress. Tartu 2024 showcases the most important arts for the future of Europe, which can be experienced most authentically in Tartu and Southern Estonia. The arrow represents sustainability – both the desire to organise culture in an environmentally friendly manner and the fact that active participation in culture improves the overall well-being of society.
The arrow represents cultural cooperation. The goal of becoming the European Capital of Culture unites and strengthens the entire region. The arrow also serves as a crossroads, pointing to the location of Estonia on the map of Europe, the home of the Estonian language and culture, as well as the meeting point for Europe.
Vertical pattern
Larger vertical pattern
Horizontal pattern
Pattern 2: “Sustainability”
The sustainability mark is based on common Estonian symbols for the sun, earth, and elements. For modern audiences, it symbolises the unique way in which everyone contributes to the whole. Elements of the pattern are found on beer steins from Urvaste (ca. 1825) and Tartu-Maarja parish. Similarities can also be seen in glove patterns from Kodavere (1845) as well as in contemporary architectural symbols depicting pine trees.
Sustainability pattern
Larger sustainability pattern
Pattern 3: “Uniqueness”
The octagram motif, which is common in Southern Estonia, represents home and our place in the world, and thus both unity and uniqueness. It has a contemporary meaning of welcoming pride in our region. This pattern was inspired by traditional headgear from Otepää (1887) and men’s hosiery from Setumaa (1896).
Uniqueness pattern
Larger uniqueness pattern
Pattern 4: “Awareness”
This symbol represents critical thinking and entrepreneurial awareness. It is based on a traditional geometric belt pattern from Southern Estonia. It can also be interpreted as a chip, the links of a chain, or a computer game character in the field of science and technology.
Awareness pattern
Larger awareness pattern
Pattern 5: “Co-creation”
This pattern represents co-creation, or the ability to create together and everyone’s connection to the created whole. It is inspired by grains and flowers. Further inspiration was found on a fabric printing plate from Kodavere (circa 1833-1863), a beer jug from Puurmann (1825), and a beer stein from Tartu-Maarja (1900).
