Quick Specs (at a glance)

• Fibre: 100% new Icelandic wool
• Weight / CYC: Bulky / CYC 5
• Length/Weight: ~100 m per 100 g (≈109 yds)
• Gauge: 13 sts × 18 rows = 10 cm on 6–6.5 mm needles (US 10–10.5)
• Construction: Loosely plied (2-ply), low-twist, lofty
• Finish: Non-superwash
• Care: Hand-wash, dry flat
• Origin: Iceland • Spun by Ístex
• Certifications: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® (dyes/wool)

Why it Stands Out

Serious warmth without bulk. The dual-coat Icelandic fleece (water-shedding tog over insulating þel) traps air yet breathes, so garments are warm, light and comfortable outdoors.

Weather-friendly. Natural water resistance and quick dry-out make it superb for UK damp and wind.

Authentically Icelandic. Álafosslopi is one of the oldest Icelandic yarns still made today—iconic for traditional lopapeysa sweaters.

Felts and steeks with confidence. The toothy loft grips stitches for colourwork and controlled felting.

Origin & ethics:

Ístex purchases fleece directly from Icelandic farmers and processes ~99% of all Icelandic wool, sustaining local agriculture and traceability. All Ístex wool is certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® and their dyes meet the same standard.

The Álafoss name reaches back to 1896, when the water-powered mill by the Álafoss waterfall catalysed Iceland’s wool industry—a heritage still celebrated in Mosfellsbær today. Álafoss - Since 1896+1

Icelandic sheep live outdoors much of the year and grow a naturally weather-adapted double coat—a key reason Álafosslopi performs so well in outerwear.

Feel & performance:

• Softness: ▣▣▣□□ — rustic, softens with wash/wear
• Elasticity/Bounce: ▣▣▣▣□ — holds shape, great memory
• Drape: ▣▣▣□□ — structured, not slinky
• Halo/Sheen: ▣▣▣▣□ — gentle halo that blooms after blocking
• Warmth: ▣▣▣▣▣ — built for cold, windy weather
• Stitch definition: ▣▣▣▣□ — crisp colourwork; moderate cables
• Pilling resistance: ▣▣▣▣□ — robust fibres resist wear

Best uses & pattern ideas:

• Classic lopapeysa jumpers, cardigans & body-warm vests - Linka Neumann Yarn Kits
• Hats, mittens, scarves for real-world weather
• Outerwear: hiking sweaters, workwear, camp blankets
• Feltables: slippers, bags, seat pads (felts readily)

How it’s made (sheep → skein)

Shearing (typically spring/autumn) → sorting/scouring → low-twist carding & spinning for loft → gentle plying → dyeing to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 → winding.

Low twist preserves air pockets for warmth while keeping the “grip” that makes Álafosslopi so cooperative for colourwork and steeks.

Care & longevity

Hand-wash cool with a wool soap, squeeze in a towel, dry flat. Block gently; the halo will bloom. Store clean, folded, with cedar or lavender.

Álafosslopi will felt with agitation/heat—great for felting projects, so avoid hot machine cycles for garments you wish to keep airy.

Substitution guide:

Léttlopi (Worsted/Aran) — choose when you want lighter fabric and finer gauge; Álafosslopi is warmer/thicker for true outerwear. click here to learn more about Léttlopi yarn.

Rauma Vams (Bulky) — a good structural substitute; Álafosslopi typically feels loftier with more halo (check gauges). Click here to learn more about Rauma Vams yarn.

Colour palette & dye lots

Expect a generous range of heathered naturals and solids that play beautifully in stranded motifs. As with all heathers, minor lot-to-lot variation can occur. So buy enough for your project as different dye lots may differ.

FAQs

Is Álafosslopi itchy?

It’s a classic rustic wool: airy, warm, and toothy. Most knitters find it softens noticeably after a gentle wash and a few wears. (For very sensitive skin, consider an under-layer.)

Is it really water-resistant?

Yes—the outer tog fibres help shed rain and mist. It’s not a raincoat, but it stays comfortable in changeable weather and dries quickly. Icewear

Does it felt?

Readily, with heat and agitation—ideal for slippers and bags. Handle cool and gently for garments.

Good for steeking and colourwork?

Excellent. The fibre “grip” means strands lock together, stitches behave, and cut edges are secure.

What’s the story behind the name?

Álafoss is the waterfall and historic mill site (est. 1896) in Mosfellsbær that helped launch Iceland’s wool industry—hence the yarn’s heritage name. Álafoss - Since 1896