Yesterday I saw this Christmas Tree Hat pattern and I loved. Just before I hit “purchase”, I noticed it was only written in Russian. I kept thinking about it and as I was trying to decide what pattern to knit next, I figured . . what the heck? It has a chart and there’s no language barrier with a chart. If I could figure out the size needle needed and the number of stitches to cast on, I should be good to go.
I told Vince “I’m probably fixing to waste $3.15 because I’m buying a pattern that I will not be able to read at all!” He thought that was the craziest thing he’s ever heard but I think I can do it. How hard can a hat be to figure out? Don’t answer that!
I may need some help when I get to the part where I decrease for the top of the hat. I tried two online translators and both say “All loops are facial”. I cannot even guess what that means. I wrote the designer but, unless she speaks English, she won’t make heads or tails out of what I’m asking her but really, this is no different than most of the conversations Vince and I have and we do just fine! 🙂
Ava says
That’s an adorable hat, I can see why you’re taking a chance. Good luck.
Cilla Tyler says
My friend is Russian and speaks it. If you run into an issue I can ask him for you.
dezertsuz says
It’s pretty and worth giving it a try. I wouldn’t want it for a first try at a hat, but you’ve made plenty, and I suspect you’ll be fine. Just remember to keep all your loops facial. 😉
Dot says
Fishing around with Google yielded a couple of hints: the Russian word for “stitch” also means “loop”, so the mystery phrase probably begins “all stitches”. And the Russian word that translates to “facial” can also mean “obverse” or “right”. Do either of those fit the context better?
In coins, the obverse is heads, the reverse is tails. Could it mean “right side”?
There are several websites that offer specific Russian-English knitting dictionaries – brief ones, but better than nothing. That IS a lovely hat!
Nelle Coursey says
I have a friend who reads, writes and speaks Russian! She lives near Santa Anna and I bet she would love to translate it for you!
Frieda says
Uses a size 3.5 mm needle, size 4 US. There are not any decreases at the top. You either cast on 96 or 99 stitches. After 11-12 cm of k2p1 rib you will increase to 120 stitches for either size. There will be 5 repeats around and after you do the chart, you will knit 14-15 cm of knit. I am not sure if you bind off or just gather the stitches for the top of the hat.
Judy Laquidara says
There are decreases. I was able to figure that out from the translation. I wrote the designer with a couple of questions and she said there will be an English version out Wednesday or Thursday so I’ll wait for that. Thanks!
Sharon Decker says
Have you looked at the hat pattern called “Alaska” on Ravelry. Very similar.
Wander says
Just as a general FYI drops / garnstudio has knitting terms translations for several languages on its website, but not for Russian. https://www.garnstudio.com/glossary.php?langf=en&langt=us