Knitting with Icelandic yarn can be tricky. Here are some general tips from Istex, the producer of Lopi yarn, that we hope will help you along your way. These instructions can also be found in their knitting pattern books; Lopi


Sizes
Most of the patterns (from Istex) are written for a range of sizes. Chest size, length and sleeve length for each size are provided at the beginning of each pattern. Take account of these figures when selecting the size you wish to knit. Instructions for the smallest size is given first, with the largest sizes following. If only one figure is given, it applies to all sizes.

Gauge

To achieve correct measurements in the finished garment, it is essential that you work to the recommended gauge given at the beginning of each pattern. The needle sizes given for each pattern are only a recommendation. You are strongly advised to knit a swatch before starting your project to check whether your knitting corresponds to the recommended gauge. Measure 10cm (3.9in) horizontally across the swatch for the stitch gauge and vertically down for the row gauge.

  • If there are too few stitches to 10cm, try again with smaller needles
  • If there are too many stitches to 10cm, try again with larger needles
  • It is impossible to overemphasise the importance of checking the gauge before beginning to knit!   


Knitting with two or more colors

When knitting in the round, pattern chart is always read from the right to left. When knitting back and forth, the pattern is read alternately from right to left and then from left to right. In order to ensure that the same color is always predominant (more prominent e.g. the pattern color) or subordinate (less prominent, e.g. the base color) on the right side (RS) of the garment, the transverse yarn on the wrong side must always lie in the same direction.

  • When knitting in the round, the color that is to be more dominant on the right side must always be nearest the left-hand needle. This ensures that the transverse yarn on the wrong side lies closely to the knitted fabric and pulls less on the stitches than the transverse yarn that lies further above; the stitches become larger (more prominent) on the right side than the other stitches.
  • When knitting back and forth alternatively on the right and the wrong side, the color that should be more prominent on the right side should be less prominent when knitting on the wrong side.


Shortened rows

Shortened rows or short rows are worked to increase the number of rows in the part of the knitted material. This is usually done on the back piece of the sweater, wither immediately at the armhole or at the neckline to make the back piece higher than the front so that the neckline dips at the front. Short rows are worked as follows: work until turning point in row. Keeping the yarn in front, slip the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle, put the yarn back and transfer the slipped stitch back to the left needle (the yarn has now been wrapped around on slipped stitch and no hole forms when turning). Turn and work next turn. When working alll the stitches in the row at the end, the yarn wrap is knitted with the stitch it is wrapped around.


Changing to a new ball of yarn - Splicing

Never tie two ends together. Knit until approximately 15cm of the yarn remains, split the last 8cm of each of the ends to be joined into two strands and cut one strand of each. Take care not to stretch the yarn when splitting and cutting. Take a strand from within the next ball and split the end. Overlap remaining strands and twist lightly together. Take care not to stretch the yarn when twisting the ends together.


Plötulopi - Icelandic Unspun Wool

Plötulopi is unspun wool and therefore very loosely structured. The yarn needs to be handled with care when knitting. If the strand breaks it is easy to join by overlapping the ends and twisting them lightly. The Plötulopi can be knitted 1-ply, 2-ply or multi-ply. Plötulopi is manufactured in round plates. You can knit straight from the plate or wind the strands together in a ball.


Einband - Icelandic Lace Weight Yarn

Einband is rather hard to the touch but becomes much more softer once washed. Garments knitted from Einband stretch so measuring lengths is difficult until after an item has been washed. We recommend knitting a swatch, washing it and smoothing it out, then measure when dry to find the correct needle size to use. Just like other types of yarn made from Icelandic wool, it is easy to shape the garment after its first wash, i.e. by blocking it to the required measurements.


Washing instructions

We recommend that you wash the garment once it has been knitted. The garment should only be washed by hand in lukewarm water (30°C) suing a mild wool detergent. Soak the garment in the suds for about 10 minutes, unless knitted from Plötulopi (2 minutes). Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water. Do not rub or wring the garment. Wrap the garment in towels and squeeze out as much water as possible. It is a good idea to put wool conditioner, hair conditioner or a little splash of vinegar in the final rinse water. Finally , the garment can be spun in a washing machine for about half a minute to remove excess moisture. Lay the garment flat on a dry towel, smooth gently into shape and allow to dry. If the garment needs to be pressed, this must be done on the wrong side. Use a damp cloth and a medium hot iron. Press lightly over the garment taking care to avoid ribbed areas.