QIVIUT, EXPLAINED
The rarest fiber you’ve never touched.
Qiviut (KIV-ee-oot) is the delicate underwool of the Arctic muskox. Softer than cashmere, eight times warmer than wool, and naturally shed each spring.
11–1411–14
microns — finer than cashmere (14–19)microns
8×
warmer than sheep’s woolwarmer than wool
~2,000 lbs~2,000
produced worldwide each year (industry estimate)lbs a year worldwide
FROM THE DELICATE UNDER-WOOL OF THE ARCTIC MUSKOX
Soft as a cloud. Warm as the Arctic.
Qiviut comes from the muskox, an Ice Age animal native to the Arctic. It’s said to be one of the softest, lightest and strongest natural fibers in the world.
Its fine, fluffy texture is often compared to a cloud, which makes it ideal for scarves, hats and sweaters that sit right against the skin. And it’s remarkably warm: about eight times warmer than sheep’s wool, at a fraction of the weight.
WHY IT’S A LUXURY FIBER
Above the Cashmere Ceiling.
The fiber ladder seems to stop at cashmere. That’s where volume supply stops — not where softness does. Qiviut sits one rung higher, and there’s very little of it.
How rare is rare?
Estimated fiber produced worldwide each year:
Cashmere and qiviut: industry estimates. Vicuña: Peru’s record collection, about 22,000 lbs.
FROM TUNDRA TO SKEIN
Slow, careful work at every step.
Turning raw qiviut into yarn is labor-intensive and time-consuming. That care is a big part of what you’re holding.
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Naturally shed
Each spring the muskox shed their underwool. It’s gathered by hand from branches and bushes on the tundra.
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Sorted
Raw qiviut is sorted by quality and length, and gently washed if it needs it.
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De-haired
The coarser guard hairs are removed, leaving only the soft down. This step decides the quality of the yarn.
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Spun & dyed
The down is spun into yarn, then left natural or dyed in jewel and earthy tones.
A NOTE ON TRADITION
Some of our qiviut also comes from small, regulated hunts by local Arctic communities. Each hunter holds a single tag, and in keeping with long tradition the whole animal is used with respect, including its soft underwool.
WHAT KNITTERS NOTICE FIRST
Love at first touch.
We asked 246 of our customers what qiviut is like. Most didn’t wait to be asked about softness.
67%
mentioned softness, unprompted
52%
mentioned warmth
Windy Valley customer survey, n=246
EVERY KNITTER SHOULD TRY IT ONCE
Find your way into qiviut.
From 100% pure qiviut to blends with silk, merino and cashmere. One skein is enough for a cowl, a hat or a lace scarf.
PUREST
Pure Qiviut
100% qiviut. Maximum halo, warmth and lightness.
$165.00
QIVIUT + SILK
Royal Blend
Still very qiviut-forward, with a silken sheen.
$99.00
QIVIUT, MERINO + SILK
Luxury Blend
Soft and springy, with the warmth of qiviut.
$79.00
QIVIUT + CASHMERE
Imperial Qiviut Blend
Two of the softest fibers in one skein.
$69.00
EASY ENTRY
Majestic Blend
Merino, qiviut and silk. A first taste of qiviut.
From $39.50
FOR SPINNERS
100% Raw Qiviut Fiber
Spin your own from the raw down.
$35.00
GATHERED WITH CARE
Good for your hands. Good for the tundra.
Our qiviut is naturally shed each spring and gathered by hand. Buying it supports the Arctic communities who gather it with care, and helps protect the muskox and its habitat.
Not sure where to start? Your years of knitting are the qualification. Write to me and I’ll help you choose.
— Giovanna
