The Icelandic “lopapeysa” is a fairly recent invention dating back to the 50’s. Traditional lopi sweaters have no front or back and often no shaping. They are worn rather loose with not much fit. I have designed many lopi sweaters for women with a more refined fit but I thought it was time to make one for men as well!
Gamallegur is a different lopapeysa with a rounded neckline, a broader back and refined waist shaping for a flattering fit. It has an ingenious construction, borrowed from Old Icelandic men costumes from the 18 -19th centuries: the body is worked from the bottom up and the back higher up but the sleeves are conveniently knitted from the top down. They also have elbow shaping to prevent the formation of holes.

Instructions are for a zipped cardigan, which is steeked, but also for a pullover.
Gamallegur, which literally means “looking old” in Icelandic, is sort of a male version of my popular Gamaldags (old-fashioned): fairly traditional in look but modern in shape.

Sizes: 1(2,3,4)5,6,7
Sweater or cardigan (steeked). Slim fit: 0-5 cm/ 0-2” ease. Choose a larger size for a looser fit.
Cardigan shown in size 2 on two models with chest respectively 96 cm/ 38” (positive ease) and 102 cm/ 40” (negative ease).

Finished measurements:
A. Chest circumference: 89(98,106.5,115.5)124.5,133.5,142 cm/ 35(38.5,42,45.5)49,52.5,56”
B. Waist circumference: 85.5(94.5,103.5,112)121,130 cm/ 34.25(37.75,41.5,45)48.5,52”
C. Body length to underarm: 41(42,43,44)45,46,47 cm / 16(16.5,17,17.5)18,18,18.5”
D. Sleeve length to underarm: 46.5(46.5,47.5,48.5)49,50,51 cm/ 18.25(18.25,18.75,19)19.25,19.75,20”
E. Upper arm: 34.5(36.5,39,42)44.5,45.5,48 cm / 13.5(14.25,15.25,16.5)17.5,18,19”
F. Wrist: 24.5(25.5,26.5,26.5)26.5,28,28 cm / 9.75(10,10.5,10.5)10.5,11,11”
G. Yoke depth at the back: 24(25,25,26)26.5,27.5,28 cm / 9.5(9.75,9.75,10.25)10.5,10.75,11”
H. Neckline: 39(41,42,44.5)45.5,48,50 cm / 15.25(16.25, 16.2,17.5)18,19,19.75”