Why Choose Alpaca?

Alpaca fiber is one of nature's luxury materials. It's warmer than sheep's wool while being lighter weight, making it perfect for cozy garments that don't feel bulky. The fiber lacks lanolin, making it naturally hypoallergenic for those with wool sensitivities. Alpaca comes in beautiful natural colors that don't need dyeing.

Advantages

  • Incredibly soft and luxurious
  • Warmer than sheep's wool
  • Lightweight despite warmth
  • Hypoallergenic (no lanolin)
  • Beautiful natural colors
  • Doesn't pill easily

Considerations

  • Less elastic than wool
  • Can stretch over time
  • More expensive than wool
  • Requires gentle care
  • Heavy garments may grow

Types of Alpaca

Huacaya Alpaca

The most common type (90% of alpacas). Produces fluffy, crimped fiber similar to sheep's wool. Softer than Suri and easier to spin. Most commercial alpaca yarn is Huacaya.

Suri Alpaca

Produces long, silky locks with incredible luster. More expensive and harder to find. Creates yarn with beautiful drape and sheen, perfect for special garments.

Baby Alpaca

Not from baby animals—refers to the finest fibers from the chest area. Measures under 23 microns. Softer and more expensive than standard alpaca. Worth it for next-to-skin wear.

Alpaca Blends

Alpaca blended with wool (for elasticity), silk (for sheen), or acrylic (for affordability and easy care). Blends often solve the stretching issue while maintaining softness.

Our Top Alpaca Yarn Picks

We've selected alpaca yarns ranging from accessible blends to pure luxury options.

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Affordable Alpaca Blends

Drops

Alpaca

DK 100% Alpaca

Pure alpaca at a remarkable price point. Soft with beautiful drape. Available in dozens of solid and heathered colors.

Lion Brand

Touch of Alpaca

Bulky Acrylic/Alpaca Blend

90% acrylic, 10% alpaca blend that's machine washable. Great for introducing alpaca at a budget price. Perfect for blankets.

Berroco

Ultra Alpaca

Worsted Alpaca/Wool Blend

50% alpaca, 50% wool blend. Warmer than pure wool with more elasticity than pure alpaca. A perfect balance.

Pure Alpaca

Cascade

Eco+ Peruvian Highland Wool

Bulky 100% Wool

While not alpaca, this Peruvian highland wool offers similar warmth and softness at a lower price point. Undyed natural colors.

Misti Alpaca

Chunky

Bulky 100% Baby Alpaca

Luxurious baby alpaca in a quick-knitting chunky weight. Beautiful for cozy accessories and sweaters.

Blue Sky Fibers

Alpaca Silk

Sport Alpaca/Silk Blend

50% alpaca, 50% silk creates incredible drape and luster. Hand-dyed in stunning colors. Perfect for special shawls.

Luxury Baby Alpaca

Plymouth

Baby Alpaca Grande

Bulky 100% Baby Alpaca

Super soft baby alpaca in a chunky weight for fast, luxurious projects. Creates incredibly cozy garments.

Malabrigo

Silkpaca

Fingering Alpaca/Silk Blend

70% baby alpaca, 30% silk. Hand-dyed in gorgeous colorways. Beautiful halo and incredible softness. Shawl perfection.

Rowan

Alpaca Soft DK

DK Alpaca/Merino Blend

80% baby alpaca, 20% merino wool. The wool adds memory while the alpaca provides softness. Excellent for garments.

Working with Alpaca

Preventing Stretch

Alpaca lacks elasticity and can grow with wear. For garments, choose patterns with waist shaping or add elastic thread. Consider blends with wool for added memory. Store knitted items flat.

Care Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Gently squeeze—never wring or twist. Reshape and lay flat to dry. Alpaca doesn't felt like wool, but agitation can damage the fiber.

Best Projects for Alpaca