Knitting Competition 2024

In connection with Prjónagleði - Knit Fest, we also host a Knitting & Design Competition.

2024's theme is... (insert drumroll here): Jólahúfu = Christmas Hat! 

In Iceland, having a "jólahúfu" is essential. Not only because of the winter cold, but also because there will be at least one "jólafatadagur" (Christmas Clothes Day) before Christmas, where everyone at work, school, or home wears them. This year's task is to design and knit a Christmas hat with a twist: it must include electrotextiles! Electrotextiles (e-textiles) are fabrics made from yarns that carry electronic components. If you haven't worked with such fabrics before or want to learn more, don't worry: we'll offer a free e-textile course online and provide more guidance later this summer.

Here are the competition rules: 

The hat must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be knitted from Icelandic wool.
  2. Incorporate references to traditional Icelandic crafts and Christmas traditions.
  3. Include some form of electronic functionality.
  4. Be suitable for wear by any age group.

The work will be evaluated based on:

  • Originality
  • Use of electrotextiles
  • Craftsmanship
  • How well it references traditional Icelandic crafts and Christmas traditions

Additionally, photos of the process and the story behind the design must be included.

The last date for submissions is November 1, 2024.
Please mark your work with a pseudonym, but include your name, address, phone number and email address in a sealed envelope marked with the pseudonym and mail the finished hat to:

Icelandic Textile Center 
bt. Elsa Arnardóttir
Kvennaskólinn
540 Blönduós, Iceland

The recipient pledges full confidentiality to the participants! 

The results will be announced and prizes for the three best hats will be awarded on December 1, 2024!