#FunFact: Siberian Knitting Marathons at –50 °C

15/11/2025

Knitting in extreme cold?
This might sound like a winter joke - but it's actually a real Fun Fact from Russia's Far East.
Every year, in the Siberian region of Yakutia (Republic of Sakha), a group of fearless knitters gathers for the Sahka Knitting Marathon, where they craft for 24 hours straight - in temperatures as low as –50 °C


❄️ The Coldest Knitting Challenge on Earth

In Yakutsk, one of the coldest inhabited cities in the world, knitting becomes a test of both skill and stamina.
Each winter, passionate fiber artists come together for a unique event:

  • 24 hours of nonstop knitting

  • Outdoors, in open air

  • At subarctic temperatures

  • Goal: distance and endurance

➡️ Record to beat: 500 meters of knitting completed in a single day - despite frozen fingers and steaming breath!

🧊 Why do they do it?

The Sahka Knitting Marathon is more than just a contest - it's a celebration of cultural resilience, creativity, and community.
Yakutia has deep-rooted textile traditions, especially using wool, fur, and other insulating materials essential for surviving in such harsh conditions.

🎯 The event aims to:

  • Preserve handcraft heritage

  • Strengthen local bonds

  • Showcase human endurance and artistry - in the most extreme setting imaginable

Everyone's welcome - from seasoned knitters to brave beginners. All you need is warm hands, thicker yarn, and plenty of determination!

🌍 A Cold, Creative Inspiration

This event proves that knitting knows no bounds. Whether you're curled up by a fireplace or braving a Siberian snowstorm - stitches unite us.

➡️ Fun Fact on Ice: In some editions of the event, participants knit while sitting on frozen ground using heated finger covers to keep yarn from snapping due to the cold!


🧣 My Takeaway:

This marathon is a beautiful reminder that knitting is more than a hobby.
It can be a form of resistance, identity, and togetherness.
Yes - it's a little wild. But it's also deeply inspiring and heartwarming (even at –50 °C). 

💬 How much could you knit - no matter the weather?

Let me know - I'd love to hear your "maschen marathon" story!

#funfact #siberianknitting #knittingmarathon #strickenimtrend #craftedwithlove

Rain, snow, or –50 °C: Still knitting! 

Yours,
Kathrin ❄️🧶


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