The Regnbogi Lopapeysa (Rainbow Sweater) by Rakel – Lopamunstur.is is a colorful Icelandic knitting pattern worked in the round from the bottom up. Knitted in Ístex Léttlopi (50 g = 100 m) or Ístex Einband (50 g = 250 m, held triple strand), the design combines warmth, tradition, and modern colorwork.
You will need 4 mm and 5 mm needles (circular and double-pointed) to achieve the recommended gauge of 18 sts x 26 rows per 10 cm. The sweater is available in sizes XXS–5XL with a slim fit and slightly cropped body length. Color A (main color) requires 6–12 skeins depending on size, while each rainbow contrast color (B–H) requires one skein per size.
This sweater is perfect for knitters who love Icelandic lopapeysa traditions but want to add a bold rainbow twist.
The Regnbogi Lopapeysa (Rainbow Sweater) is a stunning Icelandic knitting design created by Rakel from Lopamunstur.is. This pattern is a celebration of colors, inspired by the rainbow, and knitted in the traditional lopapeysa style. Worked from the bottom up in the round, the sweater combines timeless Icelandic knitting heritage with modern vibrancy.
The design is knitted using Ístex Léttlopi (50 g = 100 m) and Ístex Einband (50 g = 250 m), where Einband is held triple stranded to achieve the correct thickness. If preferred, the entire project can be worked in Léttlopi only. The yarn comes in a wide range of colors, making it easy to customize your personal rainbow. The pattern specifies colors White, Flame Red, Orange, Yellow, Vivid Green, Vivid Blue, Plum, and Pink.
You will need circular needles in 4 mm and 5 mm (40–80 cm depending on size), as well as double-pointed needles in the same sizes. The recommended gauge is 18 sts and 26 rows per 10x10 cm on 5 mm needles, knitted in the round. This ensures a warm but light sweater with the perfect Icelandic texture.
The Regnbogi sweater comes in an impressive size range: XXS–5XL. Body widths span from 71 cm to 140 cm, body lengths from 30 cm to 46 cm, and sleeve lengths from 42 cm to 52 cm. The sweater has a slim fit and a slightly shorter body length, but knitters who prefer a looser fit are encouraged to size up.
Each size requires different skein amounts depending on color distribution. As an example, the base color White (Color A) requires from 6 skeins in the smallest size to 12 skeins in the largest. Each contrast color (B–H) requires one skein per size. This makes yarn planning straightforward and economical.
The yardage per 50 g:
- Léttlopi: 100 m (200 m per 100 g)
- Einband: 250 m per 50 g, but held triple strand equals ~83 m per 50 g, comparable to Léttlopi.
This ensures both yarns substitute well and create the same Icelandic fabric.
With its joyful rainbow yoke, the Regnbogi Lopapeysa is both a classic and a statement piece. Whether knitted in bright rainbow shades or adapted to your own palette, it is a sweater that brings both tradition and playfulness into your handmade wardrobe.
I learned to knit at age 6 and fell in love right away. Over the years I’ve mostly focused on traditional Icelandic Wool sweaters (lopapeysa). After a burnout in 2023, knitting became my therapy. I couldn't decide which patterns to knit, so I decided to try and make my own. The process made me feel alive again, and that’s why I haven't stopped since. My inspiration comes from colors, nature, and even music or memories.
