Alpaca fiber comes from the alpaca, a relative of the llama. It is warmer than wool by weight, noticeably silky, and it lacks the lanolin that makes some people itch with sheep wool, so many find it more comfortable against the skin. Its natural sheen and fluid drape make it lovely for shawls, scarves, and soft sweaters.
The thing to plan for is drape over structure. Alpaca has little of the springy memory wool has, so it relaxes and grows, and garments can stretch lengthwise under their own weight. Designers often blend alpaca with wool to add back some elasticity. Work it at a slightly firmer gauge than you would wool, and choose patterns where drape is a feature rather than a problem.
Quick reference
- Care
- Hand wash gently and dry flat. Alpaca relaxes and grows, so reshape while drying.
Best for
- Shawls
- Scarves
- Cowls
- Drapey sweaters
Not sure which weight to use for your project? Try the free yarn weight converter to find the closest substitute for any yarn in your stash.