#FunFact: Siberian Knitting Marathons at –50 °C

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:
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24 hours of nonstop knitting
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Outdoors, in open air
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At subarctic temperatures
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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:
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Preserve handcraft heritage
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Strengthen local bonds
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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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