From the delicate under-wool of the Arctic Muskox
Qiviut is a luxurious fiber that is obtained from the muskox, a large mammal that is native to the Arctic Circle.
This fiber is highly sought after due to its unique properties, which make it one of the softest, lightest, and strongest natural fibers in the world.
It is said to be softer than cashmere, and it's fine, fluffy texture is often compared to a cloud.
This makes it ideal for use in a variety of garments, including scarves, hats, and sweaters, as it feels soft and comfortable against the skin.
In addition to its softness, qiviut is also renowned for its warmth.
It is said to be eight times warmer than sheep's wool, making it a perfect choice for garments in cold climates.
The Process of Turning Raw Qiviut Fiber into Yarn
The process of collecting raw qiviut fiber and turning it into the luxurious yarn it is known for is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.
Unlike sheep, muskox are not sheared to harvest their fleece.
Instead, their inner coat is collected from their natural shedding, which occurs in the spring.
From branches or bushes in the tundra.
Due to the limited availability of raw qiviut fiber, production of this luxurious yarn is often very limited, making it a rare and sought-after commodity.
The Art of Spinning
To begin the process, the collected raw qiviut fiber is sorted into sections according to its quality and length.
If the fibers are particularly dirty, they may be scoured, or washed, to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, the fiber is de-haired to remove the guard hairs, leaving only the soft down behind for spinning.
This dehairing process is crucial to the quality of the final yarn, as the guard hairs are coarser and less desirable than the soft down fibers.
Once the dehairing process is complete, the remaining fibers are ready to be spun into yarn by hand.
From here, qiviut can be dyed in jewel earthy tones if desired.
Every knitter should try this luxurious yarn once in their lifetime
Anyone who is looking to add a touch of luxury to their knitting projects, then Windy Valley Muskox is the place to shop.
What sets them apart is our wide selection of qiviut yarns.
From 100% pure qiviut to blends that include silk, merino, and cashmere.
By shopping at Windy Valley Muskox, you are not only investing in the highest quality yarn, but you are also supporting underrepresented communities.
These communities practice sustainable and humane harvesting methods, so you can feel good about your purchase knowing that it is helping protect muskox and its habitat.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced knitter, there is something here for you at Windy Valley Muskox.
Customer Reviews
I did it. I splurged and bought the Qiviuk. I'm making it into the Tabitha hat/cowl. The fiber is soft and delicate but easy to work with. The pattern is simply written and is working up beautifully. Definitely recommend.
I purchased a scarf made from musk oxen wool years ago in Alaska. It had a hole after much use so while doing research I found your website, purchased a skein of wool and made a scarf very similar to the one I had bought years ago. It is now in use and I love it.
Frankly the yarn was more coarse than I expected. I knit a smoke ring and the black dye bled a lot when I was soaking it for blocking too. It bloomed a little but still not the same as other smoke rings from Alaska made of 100% qiviut I have that are much lighter and much softer. This splurge was disappointing frankly.
The yarn is lovely but I am struggling with the pattern. Do you have a suggestion for a more basic pattern? I’m working on the Aisling hat.
I always love knitting with Qiviuk yarn. It is soft, lightweight, and beautiful. The finished product is so warm! I was unable to purchase the colors I wanted because they were out of stock, but otherwise my experience has been wonderful.