Icelandic wool yarn
Icelandic Wool Yarn
Not sure which lopi?
Which lopi is right for you?
Pick the right weight for your project — the highlighted row is the yarn on this page.
| Yarn | Weight | Gauge | Needles | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Einband | Lace | 23 sts | 2.5–4 mm | Shawls, lace, fine work |
| Léttlopi Most popular | Aran | 18 sts | 4.5–5 mm | The classic lopapeysa, hats, mittens |
| Álafoss Lopi | Bulky | 13 sts | 6–6.5 mm | Outerwear, blankets, fast sweaters |
| Jöklalopi | Super bulky | 9 sts | 8–9 mm | Very warm, very quick knits |
| Plötulopi | Unspun plates | varies | 4.5–6 mm | Softest, lightest lopi — single or doubled |
Good to know
Icelandic Wool Yarn questions, answered
Which lopi should I choose for a lopapeysa?
Léttlopi is the classic choice — the weight most traditional patterns call for. Álafoss Lopi knits faster and warmer; Plötulopi gives the softest, lightest fabric; Einband is for lace. Our yarn guide compares them honestly.
How much yarn do I need for a sweater?
A typical adult lopapeysa takes roughly 8–10 balls of main colour plus a ball or two of each contrast colour. Every pattern lists exact quantities per size — and if you're unsure, ask us before you order.
Is this the same wool Icelanders knit with?
Yes — genuine lopi spun by Ístex, Iceland's wool mill, from the fleece of Icelandic sheep. It's the same yarn sold in every knitting shop in Reykjavík.
Can I see the colours before buying?
The honest answer: screens lie about wool. Our colour cards show every shade in real yarn — knitters planning a big project swear by them.
This is genuine Icelandic lopi — wool yarn spun by Ístex, Iceland's wool mill, from the fleece of Icelandic sheep. Lopi is what the lopapeysa is made of: lightly spun so it keeps both of the fleece's natural fibres, it knits up warm, light and weather-resistant in a way ordinary wool doesn't.
Which lopi should you knit with?
Léttlopi is the everyday classic — the standard choice for a traditional lopapeysa. Álafoss Lopi is bulkier and faster on the needles; Plötulopi is the airy unspun plate wool loved for soft, light sweaters; Einband is the fine lace weight for shawls. Our knitting blog has honest guidance on gauge, needles and substitutions, and the colour cards let you see every shade in real wool before you commit.
We stock the full Ístex range in depth — including the natural sheep's colours — and if you're unsure how much yarn your pattern needs, ask us; we knit with this wool ourselves.