History of the Islender sweater: The Salty Fibers Quilt inspiration

History of the Islender sweater: The Salty Fibers Quilt inspiration

When you picture a Norwegian fisherman braving the wild seas, what is he wearing? Probably an Islender – a thick, wool sweater with a simple two-color pattern. This classic piece of Norwegian knitting has been around for generations, keeping fishermen warm while they hauled in their catch along Norway’s long, rugged coastline.

Fisherman wearing a traditional Islender sweater

This photo of Joseph Bakken fishing (by Ole Thorstein Ljøstad / Anno Norsk skogmuseum) is in fact of a fisherman fishing on a lake. No salt water involved!

The Islender ("Icelander" or "Iceland sweater") is most likely named after the company Islandsk Kompagni, a trade company connecting the countries and communities around the North Sea. The sweater is knitted with two colors—usually white as the base and black or red for the pattern. The geometric designs cover the whole garment, and the simple patterns made them easy to knit even during the long, dark winters with only candlelight. Using pure sheep’s wool and two strands of yarn made these sweaters extra warm, perfect for facing icy winds on the open sea. 

The Islender isn’t just for fishermen, though. Other workers who needed protection from the cold, embraced the garment as well - like this Lumberjack using an early version of a chainsaw. (Photo: Løken, Ole Hansen / Anno Domkirkeodden. Public domain)

Lumberjack wearing an Islender sweater. Photo: Løken, Ole Hansen / Anno Domkirkeodden

In the 1970s and 80s, the Islender became an iconic piece of clothing for Norway’s growing environmental movement. Knitted sweaters were seen as practical, natural, and very Scandinavian—perfect for activists to wear for protests, and chilly outdoor adventures.

During the years leading up to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, traditional Norwegian knitting had a huge revival. Every wool manufacturer in the country created their own modern takes on the Islender, and suddenly everyone wanted one. I still remember how every other kid in my class would have an Islender from the local company Devold as a kid. Mine was red and black. My little sister also had one. Everyone had one. Those sweaters were just part of our childhood, like hot chocolate in a thermos and frostbitten noses.

 

A true 90s snapshot—blurry, seen from behind, but somehow still full of charm: My little sister, me, and our grandpa, wearing islenders

The Salty Fibers quilt is my first of several quilt patterns interpreting the Islender sweater – my way of turning this cozy, practical design into a quilt. With its bold, clean lines and timeless look, it captures the fisherman aesthetic and Scandinavian design that I love so much. In the spirit of the environmental movement that made the sweater so hugely popular, I've done a deep-dive into my stash for a truly scrappy look. In just two colors, it will appear far more minimal – and the original inspiration will be quite recognisable in the finished quilt.

Whether you make it scrappy or stick to two colors, this pattern celebrates a little piece of Norway’s knitting history in fabric form. It is also a super easy make (Squares and rectangles only, and strip pieced if you want to.) So make yourself a cup of strong, black coffee (the original islender wearer drink!) and plan your Salty fibers quilt today! 

The salty fibers Norwegian quilt pattern

 

The Salty Fibers pattern is available now!

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