Knit Pattern | BERGUR -Hiking Sweater

Design: Harpa Ólafsdóttir / Hörpugull

BERGUR is a lightweight hiking sweater knitted with a single strand of Þingborgarlopi. It was designed to make use of the warmth and lightness of Icelandic plötulopi, creating a sweater that is easy to bring along on hikes and other outdoor activities.

The sweater is knitted from the bottom up using a single strand of plötulopi. The larger needles make it a relatively quick knit and create a lightweight, flexible sweater well suited to Icelandic outdoor conditions.

Included:

• Detailed knitting pattern in Icelandic and English
• The pattern is digital and will be delivered by email as a PDF after purchase

Please note: This is a digital knitting pattern. No physical pattern or yarn will be shipped.

Materials needed:

• Single-strand plötulopi – 200 g for size A / 250 g for size B
• 4.5 mm and 6 mm needles

Sizes: A (smaller) | B (larger)

Bust circumference: A: 84 cm | B: 90 cm

Skill level: Intermediate
Suitable for knitters who know the basic knitting techniques, have some experience knitting in the round and are ready to knit their first Icelandic wool sweater.

Frequently asked questions

Is BERGUR suitable for beginners?
BERGUR is rated intermediate. It is suitable for knitters who know the basic knitting techniques and have some experience knitting in the round. If you are ready to try your first Icelandic wool sweater, BERGUR is a good next project.

Will I receive a printed pattern?
No. This is a digital knitting pattern. After purchase, you will receive the pattern by email as a PDF in both Icelandic and English.

What is Icelandic plötulopi?
Plötulopi is a traditional Icelandic unspun wool, commonly known internationally as pencil roving. Unlike spun yarn, the wool fibres are lightly drawn together rather than twisted into a finished yarn, making the strand more delicate to handle while knitting.

If the strand breaks, the ends can simply be overlapped and gently rubbed together between your fingers.

Plötulopi can be knitted using a single strand or with two or more strands held together, depending on the weight and feel you want. BERGUR is knitted using a single strand of plötulopi.

Why is Icelandic wool different?
Icelandic sheep have a dual-coated fleece made up of two types of fibre. The softer inner layer, þel, provides insulation, while the longer and stronger outer fibres, tog, add strength and help make the wool water-repellent to a certain degree.

Together, these fibres give Icelandic wool its characteristic combination of warmth, lightness and durability.

Read more about Icelandic wool, tog, þel and plötulopi.

What is Þingborgarlopi?
Þingborgarlopi is an authentic Icelandic plötulopi – the traditional unspun wool used to knit Icelandic lopapeysa sweaters.

It is produced in Iceland by Ístex from carefully selected, first-quality Icelandic lambswool. Mild cleaning agents are used when washing the wool, with the aim of preserving as much as possible of its natural characteristics. The careful selection of lambswool and gentle processing result in a soft, lightweight plötulopi that retains the characteristic qualities of Icelandic wool.

Read more about Þingborgarlopi and how it is made.

Looking for more colours or yarn for other knitting projects?

Explore our full range of hand-dyed Icelandic lopi yarn from Hörpugull, or discover other knitting kits inspired by Icelandic knitting traditions.