ISTEX Lopi
Genuine Icelandic Virgin Wool – Léttlopi & Einband for Lopapeysa and more.
What makes ISTEX Lopi special
ISTEX is the Icelandic state yarn spinning mill – since 1977 the heart of the Lopapeysa tradition. The raw fiber comes exclusively from Icelandic sheep, one of the purest land breeds in the world: hardy animals that have lived in Iceland for over a thousand years and produce wool that resists cold, wind, and water.
Icelandic wool has a unique two-layer structure: the outer Toga fiber (long, smooth, water-repellent) and the inner Þel fiber (fine, soft, insulating). Together they create a wool that is warm and light without weighing down – and that has a distinctive, rustic texture you can feel immediately when knitting.
The Lopapeysa – the classic Icelandic round pullover with the characteristic shoulder pattern – has always been knitted from Lopi. No other yarn achieves this look, this feel, this unmistakable North Sea soul character. BONIFAKTUR carries the two main yarns of the Lopi family: Léttlopi for classic Lopapeysa pullovers and Einband for more delicate, finer projects.
An overview of the Yarns
ISTEX Léttlopi
The most popular Lopi yarn for Lopapeysa sweaters. Léttlopi is lighter and softer than the traditional Álafosslopi, but with exactly the same Icelandic character: warm, light, durable, unmistakable. Available in over 100 colors – from natural white and natural black to vibrant multicolors for the classic shoulder patterns. The needle size allows for both density and knitting speed, and the Stitch Definition has that characteristic rustic texture.
ISTEX Cover
The finer variant – Einband is a luxurious-looking lace yarn made from Icelandic wool. Perfect for shawls with Nordic lace patterns, more delicate Lopapeysa interpretations, and projects that appreciate the warmth and character of Icelandic wool in a lighter weight. The high meterage makes Einband especially exciting for lace projects with repeated patterns – every row of stitches becomes an adventure.
Léttlopi or Einband? Choosing the right Yarn
Léttlopi is the classic: Aran weight, quick to knit, perfect for traditional Lopapeysa and sweaters that are meant to keep you warm and last a long time. The fabric becomes dense and durable.
Einband is for everyone who likes Lopi in a lighter weight: lace knitters, shawl fans, and anyone who wants to capture the breadth and elegance of Nordic patterns in a finer yarn.
Both yarns tell the same story: they are genuine Icelandic Virgin Wool, not superwash, and carry the character of the North within them.
Knitting the Lopapeysa
The Lopapeysa is traditionally knitted in the round from the bottom up – body and sleeves are first knitted separately, then joined together. The characteristic shoulder pattern is created by simple two-color knitting (Stranded Colorwork) directly at the neckline. It sounds complex, but it is ideal for beginners in Colorwork: the pattern is small, the repeats are short, and Léttlopi forgives small mistakes because the wool is simply structured that way.
Those knitting a Lopapeysa for the first time should use Léttlopi. Original Icelandic Patterns are designed for Léttlopi, and many provide direct gauge information for this yarn.
Read more: Icelandic Wool & Lopi: Tradition, Technique, and the Special Yarn from the North
Care
Hand Wash, cold to lukewarm (max. 30°C), mild Wool Wash. Do not wring – gently squeeze or carefully lift from the water and roll in a towel. Dry flat.
ISTEX Lopi is not superwash – Machine Wash causes Felting. This is intentional: Traditionally, Lopi wool is deliberately felted slightly to create a dense, windproof fabric. For slippers or intentionally felted projects, this process can be used purposefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISTEX Lopi scratchy?
Icelandic wool is more rustic than Merino Wool – it is made for sweaters worn over a T-shirt or shirt, not directly on sensitive bare skin. The Toga fiber is a bit coarser than Merino but provides incomparable warmth and water resistance. Those with sensitive skin simply wear Lopi sweaters over something else – as has been customary in Iceland for a thousand years.
What is the difference between Léttlopi and Einband?
Léttlopi is Aran weight (approx. 100m/50g, Needle Size 4–6mm) – the classic Lopapeysa yarn with fast knitting speed. Einband is lace weight (approx. 500m/50g, Needle Size 2.5–6mm) – for finer, airier projects and long lace patterns. Both are 100% Icelandic Virgin Wool and not superwash. Choose Léttlopi for quick sweaters, Einband for shawls and finer pieces.
Can I use Léttlopi for a classic Lopapeysa?
Yes – Léttlopi is the most commonly recommended yarn for traditional Lopapeysa sweaters. The color palette, weight, and character of the wool are designed specifically for this. Many original Icelandic Patterns provide their gauge swatches for Léttlopi. If you want to knit a genuine Lopapeysa, start with Léttlopi.
Why is ISTEX Lopi not superwash?
Because Icelandic wool is traditionally not machine wash. The characteristic texture and durability of Lopi come from its natural wool surface. Superwash treatment would change these properties and make the yarn "tamer," but also less authentic. If you prefer machine wash, other yarns might be more practical – but then you won’t gain this Nordic essence.
How much Léttlopi do I need for a Lopapeysa?
It depends on the size and the pattern – traditionally, it’s 600–800m for an adult sweater (roughly: 6–8 balls of Léttlopi at 100m each). Always check a pattern and knit the gauge – this is important with Lopi, as with all yarns.
Is ISTEX Lopi vegan?
No – it is 100% Virgin Wool from Icelandic sheep.
Discover all ISTEX Lopi Yarns
Léttlopi and Einband – genuine Icelandic Virgin Wool in over 100 Colors, available for immediate delivery.
To the ISTEX Lopi range