What Makes Ístex Léttlopi Yarn Great?

The classic Aran/heavy-worsted Icelandic wool—warm, airy, and versatile for everyday indoor and outdoor wear.

Quick Specs (at a glance)

• Fibre: 100% new Icelandic wool
• Weight: Aran / heavy-worsted
• Ball / Length: 50 g ≈ 100 m (≈109 yds)
• Gauge: 18 sts × 24 rows = 10 cm on 4–5 mm needles
• Construction/Handle: Airy, lightly twisted (single-ply character)
• Finish: Non-superwash
• Care: Hand-wash, dry flat
• Origin: Iceland • Spun by Ístex
• Standards: Dyes and wool certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®

Why it stands out

• Warmth without weight. Icelandic wool’s dual coat—weather-shedding tog over insulating þel—traps air for lofty warmth while staying breathable.
• Indoor–outdoor comfort. Designed for garments you’ll happily wear inside and out.
• Colourwork confidence. The gentle halo gives “tooth” so stranded stitches lock together and steeks behave.
• Versatile thickness. Roughly half the thickness of Álafosslopi—a sweet spot for everyday sweaters and accessories.

Origin & ethics

Ístex buys directly from Icelandic farmers and processes about 99% of all Icelandic wool, supporting local agriculture and short supply chains. Their wool and dyes meet STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

The Icelandic sheep’s climate-adapted double coat is at the heart of Léttlopi’s performance: long, strong outer fibres (tog) add resilience and weather resistance; the fine under-down (þel) adds lightness and warmth.

Feel & performance (plain-English scales)

• Softness: ▣▣▣□□ — classic rustic hand; softens after wash/wear
• Elasticity/Bounce: ▣▣▣▣□ — springs back; good memory in rib and colourwork
• Drape: ▣▣▣□□ — structured, not slinky; great for sweaters and hats
• Halo/Sheen: ▣▣▣▣□ — gentle bloom that unifies colourwork
• Warmth: ▣▣▣▣▣ — excellent warmth for weight
• Stitch definition: ▣▣▣▣□ — crisp stranded motifs; moderate cables
• Pilling resistance: ▣▣▣▣□ — robust fibres wear well

Best uses & pattern ideas

• Lopapeysa-style jumpers & cardigans for UK weather
• Hats, mittens, cowls & scarves that stay warm yet breathable
• Kids’ jumpers & outdoor layers (light, quick to dry)
• Felt-friendly projects like slippers and bags (fulling works beautifully)

How it’s made (sheep → skein)

Fleece is sorted and scoured, then carded and spun with a light twist to preserve loft; the lightly twisted, single-ply character creates Léttlopi’s signature airy feel.

After gentle plying/twist set and dyeing to OEKO-TEX® standards, balls are wound in 50 g put-ups—about 100 m each.

Care & longevity

Hand-wash cool with wool wash, squeeze in a towel, dry flat. Expect a softening “bloom” after the first bath.

Léttlopi felts with heat/agitation—great when you want it (slippers, bags), so handle finished garments gently.

Substitution guide

• Versus Álafosslopi (bulky): Choose Léttlopi when you want lighter fabric, finer gauge, and more indoor-friendly warmth; pick Álafosslopi for true outerwear heft. Click here to learn more about Álafosslopi.
• Versus DK options (e.g., Hillesvåg Tinde): Léttlopi is thicker/warmer with more halo; DK gives finer detail and lighter garments. Click here to learn more about Hillesvåg Tinde.

Colour palette & dye lots

Expect a broad palette of solids and heathers (plus naturals) inspired by Iceland’s landscape. As with all heathers, allow for gentle dye-lot variation; buy enough at the start so you don't end up with different dye lots.

FAQs

Is Léttlopi itchy?

It has a classic rustic feel that many knitters love for durability and warmth; it softens noticeably after washing and wear. If you’re very sensitive, layer over a tee or long-sleeve.

Is Léttlopi good for steeking and colourwork?

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

Can I wear Léttlopi indoors?

That’s one of Léttlopi’s strengths: warm yet light enough for everyday indoor-outdoor use.

Does Léttlopi felt?

Readily—with heat and agitation. Great when intentional; avoid hot/rough cycles for garments you want to keep airy.