What is Musk Ox Yarn? + 20 Free Qiviut Knitting Patterns
Learn the best use for your precious skeins of musk ox wool.
"Qiviut" is a funny word to say, and even funnier to read. You wouldn't think from first glance at your yarn label that it's referring to the muskox, or, more specifically, its soft undercoat. Since muskoxen are native to the Arctic, it shouldn't take much convincing for you to believe in just how warm musk ox yarn is. However, this insanely warm yarn is difficult to find, as only two places in the US commercially produce qiviut yarn, and they're (unsurprisingly) both based in Alaska.
Since muskoxen only shed their undercoat for a brief period of time as warmer weather strikes, it's something of a yarn delicacy, and boy, will you be paying for that. It may be one of the most expensive kinds of yarn you'll ever come across, comparable to (and often more expensive than) cashmere yarn. However, with this luxury fiber, you'll be buying unbelievable warmth and softness, and knit up heirlooms to pass down for generations.
No yarn fiber is without its drawbacks. Qiviut yarn is not especially wind-resistant, and therefore won't be terribly warming or insulating in breezy conditions. While it doesn't felt or shrink, it isn't terribly elastic and can pill, so it's better suited to drapey projects that won't get stretched out too much (save your workhorse projects for plain old sheep's wool). These free qiviut knitting patterns are perfect uses for this yarn with both its unique benefits and drawbacks.
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Qiviut Scarf Patterns
I can't think of a better use for musk ox yarn than scarves. As scarves and other neck accessories exist to keep you warm, you'll find that they're best suited to qiviut yarn because the warmth of the fiber is simply unparalleled. For qiviut yarn, we recommend more simple yarn patterns, as the stitches may lose their definition with extended wear.
Qiviut Sweater and Tops Patterns
What good would a yarn fiber be if you couldn't knit a sweater out of it? Despite being a bit more hard-wearing than accessories, you can still absolutely knit a gorgeous sweater or top out of qiviut yarn (in fact, it's so soft and lovely, it would be a shame not to at least once in your knitting career). Just be sure to be gentle with the finished object and maybe only whip it out for special occasions.
Looking for a more breathable fiber? You should check out tencel yarn! Learn all about it here:What is Tencel Yarn? + 16 Patterns
Qiviut Shawl Patterns
Shawls are an excellent use for qiviut yarn because they can still look beautiful using simple stitchwork, and while they rest on you to keep your shoulders warm, you won't get all the same rubbing and felting you'll experience with more workhorse patterns, like sweaters. We think these free qiviut knitting patterns for shawls are excellent choices.
About the Author
Kristi Levy combines her passions of writing and knitting together as an editor of AllFreeKnitting.com. She's a firm believer in the merits of trying something new with each pattern you knit so you never stop growing as a fiber artist. Find more tutorials, collections, and original patterns by Kristi here: Kristi Levy
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