The Icelandic Sheep and Its Wool
A breed shaped by the island
Icelandic sheep arrived with the first settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries, and the breed has stayed largely unchanged since. Strict rules on importing livestock have kept it isolated for more than a thousand years, which makes it one of the oldest and purest sheep breeds in Europe.
The sheep are hardy, medium-sized and short-tailed, and they come in a wide range of natural colours and patterns. Iceland is also home to the leader sheep, a rare line known for walking ahead of the flock and finding the way through snow and rough terrain.
Two layers in one fleece
Icelandic fleece is dual-coated, and this is what sets it apart.
- Tog is the long, glossy outer hair. It is strong and sheds water.
- Þel is the short, fine inner fibre. It is soft and traps warmth.
Spun together, the two make a yarn that is light, warm and able to handle wind and rain. Separated, they have different uses: þel for soft, delicate knitting and tog for strong thread and weaving.
A year in the life of the flock
In summer, many sheep graze freely in the mountains and highlands, feeding on grass, herbs and moss. In September, farmers and neighbours gather them back to the farms in the autumn round-up, called réttir, a tradition that is still a highlight of the farming year. Through winter the sheep are kept indoors, and much of the shearing happens in this season.
Lopi: the classic Icelandic yarn
Lopi is made from Icelandic wool that is unspun or only lightly twisted. Because the fibres are loosely held together, the yarn traps a lot of air, giving warmth without weight. It is the yarn behind the traditional Icelandic sweater, and today it comes in several weights, from fine einband to thick, chunky lopi.
Colours straight from the sheep
Icelandic sheep are white, grey, black and moorit (a warm brown), with many shades in between. Much of the wool is used in these natural colours without dyeing, which is why so much Icelandic knitwear reflects the tones of the land itself. Some local producers also dye wool with Icelandic plants, a craft with deep roots in the country.