What Makes Ístex Fjallalopi Yarn Great?

The new light-DK Lopi—authentic Icelandic warmth in a lighter/thinner, everyday gauge.

Quick Specs (at a glance)

• Fibre: 100% Icelandic wool
• Weight: Sport / light DK
• Ball / Length: 50 g ≈ 150 m (≈164 yds)
• Gauge: 22 sts × 29 rows = 10 cm on 3–4 mm needles
• Construction/Handle: Lightly twisted, single-ply character with gentle halo
• Finish: Non-superwash
• Care: Hand-wash, dry flat
• Origin: Iceland • Spun by Ístex
• Standards: Wool and dyes tested to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

Why it stands out

• Lighter gauge, true Lopi character. Sits between Léttlopi and Einband for fabric that’s warm, breathable and less bulky—great for all-day wear.
• Built-in weather savvy. Icelandic fleece blends a water-shedding outer coat (tog) with a soft, insulating under-down (þel), so projects stay cozy yet airy.
• Colourwork confidence. The gentle halo and tooth help stranded motifs lock in and steeks behave. (Also softens and blooms after blocking.)
• New member of the Lopi family. Modern palette and weight for lighter garments without losing the classic Lopi look.

Origin & ethics

Ístex buys directly from Icelandic farmers and processes about 99% of all Icelandic wool, sustaining local agriculture and short supply chains.

Their wool and dyes are certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® for tested-safe textiles.

The performance comes from the sheep themselves: a dual-coated fleece—long, strong, weather-resistant tog over fine, highly insulating þel. Together they make Lopi yarns that are lightweight, water-repellent and highly breathable.

Feel & performance (plain-English scales)

• Softness: ▣▣▣□□ — classic rustic hand; softens after a gentle wash and a few wears
• Elasticity/Bounce: ▣▣▣▣□ — springy, holds rib and shape well
• Drape: ▣▣▣□□ — structured rather than slinky
• Halo/Sheen: ▣▣▣▣□ — subtle bloom that unifies colourwork
• Warmth: ▣▣▣▣▣ — excellent warmth for weight
• Stitch definition: ▣▣▣▣□ — crisp stranded motifs; moderate cables
• Pilling resistance: ▣▣▣▣□ — robust Icelandic fibres wear well

Best uses & pattern ideas

• Warmer weather jumpers & cardigans you can wear indoors and out
• Hats, mittens, cowls & scarves with airy warmth
• Kid knits & lighter layers that dry quickly and handle weather swings
• Steek-friendly colourwork; light fulling/felting for accessories if desired

How it’s made (sheep → skein)

Fleece is sorted and scoured, then carded and spun with a light twist to preserve loft. Fjallalopi’s single-ply character gives tooth and bloom while keeping the fabric light; balls are wound in 50 g put-ups (~150 m).

Care & longevity

Hand-wash cool with wool soap, squeeze in a towel, dry flat. Expect a softening bloom after the first bath. As a non-superwash wool, Fjallalopi will felt with heat/agitation—useful for slippers and bags, so handle finished garments gently.

Substitution guide

Versus Léttlopi (Aran/heavy-worsted): Choose Fjallalopi for lighter fabrics and finer gauge; pick Léttlopi when you want more heft.

Colour palette & dye lots

A thoughtfully curated range of heathers, naturals and clear brights that play beautifully in stranded yokes. As with all heathers, allow for dye-lot variation and buy enough at the start.

FAQs

Is Fjallalopi itchy?

It has a traditional, slightly rustic feel that many knitters love for durability and warmth. It softens noticeably after washing and wear; very sensitive skin may prefer a light layer underneath.

Is Fjallalopi good for steeking and colourwork?

Yes—the halo and fibre “tooth” help strands grip, making stranded knitting tidy and steek cuts secure.

How “weather-proof” is Fjallalopi?

The tog/þel blend makes fabrics that shed mist/light rain and breathe well. It’s not a raincoat, but it’s excellent for the UK’s changeable conditions.

Does Fjallalopi felt?

Readily—with heat and agitation. That’s great for intentional felting; for garments you want to keep airy, wash cool and handle gently.