Icelandic Wool Yarn: The Complete Buyer's Guide to Lopi
Icelandic Wool Yarn: The Complete Buyer's Guide to Lopi
Icelandic wool is unlike any other. The fleece of the Icelandic sheep — a breed kept pure for over 1,000 years — has two distinct fibres: a long, water-repellent outer coat (tog) and a soft, insulating inner coat (&thel). Spun together, they create lopi: a yarn that is exceptionally warm, breathable, lightweight and naturally weather-resistant. Every yarn below is made by Ístex, Iceland's only wool mill, from 100% new Icelandic wool, and ships worldwide direct from Iceland.
This guide explains the differences between every Icelandic wool yarn we stock — weight, gauge, needle size and what each one is best for — so you can pick the right lopi for your project with confidence.
Icelandic yarn comparison at a glance
| Yarn | Weight | Skein | Gauge (10×10 cm) | Needles | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Einband | Lace / fingering | 50 g / ~225 m | ~23 sts | 2.5–4 mm | Shawls, lace, mittens, lightweight garments |
| Kambgarn | Light worsted / DK (Merino) | 50 g / 150 m | 24 sts | 3–4 mm | Baby clothes, soft next-to-skin garments |
| Léttlopi | Aran / worsted | 50 g / 100 m | 18 sts | 4.5–5 mm | The classic lopapeysa sweater, hats, mittens |
| Plötulopi | Unspun (plates) | 100 g / ~300 m | Varies (single or doubled) | 4.5–6 mm | Featherlight sweaters, colourwork, weaving |
| Álafoss Lopi | Bulky / chunky | 100 g / 100 m | 13 sts | 6–6.5 mm | Outerwear, blankets, fast bulky sweaters |
| Jöklalopi (Bulky Lopi) | Super bulky | 100 g / 60 m | 9 sts | 8–9 mm | Very warm outerwear, rugs, quick projects |
| Hosuband | Worsted (80% wool / 20% nylon) | 100 g | ~19 sts | 4–4.5 mm | Hard-wearing socks, mittens, hats |
| Fjallalopi | Aran (newest Lopi) | 100 g | ~16–18 sts | 5–6 mm | Warm, durable everyday knitwear |
The Icelandic yarns, explained
Léttlopi — the everyday classic
If you're knitting a traditional Icelandic lopapeysa (yoke sweater), this is almost certainly the yarn you want. Léttlopi is an aran/worsted-weight, two-ply lopi at roughly half the weight of Álafosslopi. It knits at 18 stitches to 10 cm on 4.5–5 mm needles, drapes well, and comes in the widest colour range — ideal for the multi-colour yoke patterns Iceland is famous for.
Álafoss Lopi — bulky and fast
A bulky single-ply lopi (100 g / 100 m, 13 sts on 6–6.5 mm needles). Álafosslopi knits up quickly into thick, rugged garments, and is the traditional choice for warm outerwear and Icelandic wool blankets.
Jöklalopi (Bulky Lopi) — the thickest lopi
Almost twice as thick as Álafosslopi (100 g / 60 m, just 9 sts on 8–9 mm needles), Jöklalopi is the warmest, fastest-knitting yarn in the family — perfect for chunky single-colour sweaters, rugs and blankets.
Plötulopi — unspun and featherlight
Plötulopi is unspun “plate” lopi (100 g / ~300 m). Knitted single it makes incredibly light, airy sweaters; held double it behaves like a light aran. A favourite of experienced knitters for its warmth-to-weight ratio.
Einband — lace and fine work
A fine single-ply lace/fingering-weight lopi (50 g / ~225 m). Einband is the yarn for Icelandic lace shawls, delicate mittens, and light garments — and it's often held together with Plötulopi to add colour and strength.
Kambgarn — soft Merino
Unlike the lopi yarns, Kambgarn is a smooth, worsted-spun 100% Merino wool (50 g / 150 m, 24 sts on 3–4 mm). It's the softest yarn we carry — ideal for baby clothes and anything worn next to the skin.
Hosuband — built for socks
Hosuband blends 80% Icelandic wool with 20% nylon for durability, making it Iceland's go-to sock yarn — also excellent for hard-wearing mittens and hats.
Fjallalopi — the newest Lopi
The latest addition to the Lopi family: a 100% Icelandic wool yarn in an aran-ish weight, prized for natural warmth and durability in everyday knitwear.
How to choose the right Icelandic yarn
- Knitting a traditional lopapeysa? Choose Léttlopi (or Plötulopi for a lighter version).
- Want it warm and fast? Go bulky with Álafoss Lopi or super-bulky Jöklalopi.
- Lace or fine garments? Einband.
- Next-to-skin softness / babies? Kambgarn Merino.
- Socks that last? Hosuband.
New to Icelandic knitting? Our knitting kits pair the right yarn and quantity with a tested pattern, and our free patterns are a great place to start. Browse the full Icelandic wool yarn range any time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Icelandic wool itchy?
Lopi has a rustic feel straight off the needles because of its long outer fibres, but it softens noticeably after washing and wear, and is highly breathable. For next-to-skin softness, choose Kambgarn (Merino) or wear a base layer.
What is the difference between Léttlopi and Álafoss Lopi?
Léttlopi is an aran/worsted weight at about half the thickness of Álafoss Lopi. Léttlopi (18 sts, 4.5–5 mm) is used for classic lopapeysa sweaters; Álafoss Lopi (13 sts, 6–6.5 mm) is bulky and knits up faster into heavier garments.
Which Icelandic yarn is best for a lopapeysa sweater?
Léttlopi is the traditional and most popular choice for the Icelandic yoke sweater, thanks to its weight and broad colour palette. Plötulopi makes a lighter version, and Álafoss Lopi a heavier, faster one.
How do I wash Icelandic wool?
Hand-wash gently in lukewarm water with a wool-suitable soap, don't agitate or wring, press out water and dry flat. Icelandic wool resists dirt and odour, so it needs washing far less often than you'd expect — airing is often enough.
Is lopi yarn 100% Icelandic wool?
Yes — every lopi yarn (Einband, Léttlopi, Plötulopi, Álafoss, Jöklalopi, Fjallalopi) is 100% new Icelandic wool spun by Ístex. The exceptions are Kambgarn (100% Merino) and Hosuband (80% Icelandic wool / 20% nylon for durability).