Plotulopi Icelandic Yarn by Istex

Istex Lopi Plotulopi

Plötulopi – Unspun Icelandic Wool

Plötulopi is a beautifully unique 100% Icelandic wool, traditionally used to knit authentic Icelandic Lopi sweaters. Unlike conventional yarn, Plötulopi is completely unspun (pencil roving) and comes as a flat, round roll called a plate.

Lightweight and wonderfully versatile, Plötulopi can be knitted with one, two or more strands, allowing you to create anything from a finer fabric to a chunky, cosy knit. It is most often worked with two or three strands to create exceptionally light, warm and airy garments.

Although Plötulopi is delicate to handle before it is knitted, the long fibres of Icelandic wool give the finished fabric remarkable strength. The result is a fabric that is warm and surprisingly durable without feeling heavy.

Working with Plötulopi

Because it is unspun, Plötulopi needs to be handled gently while knitting. It can be wound into a ball with the number of strands you need, or you can knit directly from the plate.

A single strand is particularly delicate, so a loose knitting tension is recommended. If the yarn breaks while you're working, simply overlap the ends and continue knitting – the fibres will naturally hold together as you work.

Plötulopi can also be lightly twisted for extra strength or combined with a strand of Einband. Beyond knitting, it is also lovely for hand spinning, felting and other fibre crafts.

Sometimes known as unspun Icelandic wool, Plötulopi is a wonderful choice for traditional Icelandic-style sweaters, as well as lightweight cardigans, hats, scarves and other cosy woollen projects.

Yarn Details

• Fibre: 100% new Icelandic wool

• Type: Unspun, one-ply wool

• Format: 100g plate

• Length: Approximately 300m per 100g

• Suggested needle size: Depends on the number of strands used. 4.5mm for a single strand.

Approximate gauge:

• 1 ply: 19 sts per 10cm / 4" over stocking stitch using 4.5mm needles (UK 7 / US 7)

• 2 ply: 14 sts per 10cm / 4" over stocking stitch using 5.5mm needles (UK 5 / US 9)

As the number of strands and your personal tension will affect the finished fabric, we recommend making a tension square before starting your project.

Please note: Plötulopi is an intentionally unspun yarn and is fragile to work with. Handle it gently and avoid pulling or tugging the yarn while knitting.