What Makes Alpaca Yarn So Special?
For a unique and delightful knitting experience, you must try alpaca yarn
Are you familiar with alpaca yarn? π¦
To me, alpaca yarn is second only to merino wool in that category of being utterly pleasurable to knit with.
Also, I will die on this hill: there is no more adorable fiber-bearing animal on the planet than the ridiculously cute alpaca. π₯°
Come on. Just look at those faces! The long necks! The stocky, fuzzy bodies! (I may have a wild dream of owning my own alpacas someday.)
Need more proof?
Again: THAT FACE. π
(Okay, I’ll stop. For now.)
Okay, I think I’ve made my case about how precious alpacas are. Now, let’s discuss the yarn made from alpaca fiber!
Just what is so great about alpaca yarn? It has many wonderful qualities, and if you’re unfamiliar with it, here are some great reasons to give it a try.
The Wonderful World of Alpaca Yarn: Why You’ll Love It
1. Warmth: Alpaca fiber is designed to keep the animal warm from the ravages of the cold climate in the Andes Mountains. Consequently, the yarn made from this fiber is exceptionally warm.
2. Light weight: Because alpaca fiber is hollow (in order to trap heat), it is also lightweight, which creates a yarn that does not feel at all heavy.
3. Smoothness: Alpaca fiber scales all lie flat in one direction, making them feel positively delightful against the skin.
One drawback to alpaca yarn is that it tends to be a little inelastic, without the “bounce back” quality that makes sheep’s wool yarn so appealing. Alpaca fiber is often blended with other fibers for this reason, to give the yarn more elasticity.
If you’re new to alpaca yarn, I highly recommend you seek out alpaca blends for precisely this reason. You’ll find them much easier to work with, and they’ll be easier on your hands.
Ready to Give Alpaca a Try?
In the listing below, you’ll find some popular alpaca-blend yarns to get you started on your alpaca knitting journey!
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Knit Picks Woolen Tweed: Looking for a fabulous fingering weight yarn to make socks with the luxury and warmth of alpaca? This yarn combines 60 percent alpaca with 40 percent merino wool to make 437 yards of exquisitely soft yarn that’s perfect for socks or shawls.
Knit Picks Wonderfluff Bulky Yarn: As you can tell from the name, this is a bulky yarn, which makes it a delight for knitting up a quick project in alpaca. You’ll get 142 yards of knitting luxury from this one, with 70 percent baby alpaca, 7 percent merino wool, and 23 percent nylon.
Berroco Ultra Alpaca Yarn: Need a worsted weight yarn that can go the distance? Here you’ll get 219 yards of 50/50 superfine alpaca and Peruvian wool.
LB Collection Merino Yak Alpaca: For the price, you can’t beat this blend of not two but three luxury fibers: merino wool, yak, and alpaca. You’ll get 126 yards of worsted wonder in a lightweight, warm, and soft yarn.
Valley Yarns Hampden: You won’t get much more luxurious than this at such a great price: this is a blend of 50 percent baby alpaca, 35 percent merino wool, and 15 percent mulberry silk. It’s 95 yards of DK-weight goodness.
Viking of Norway Alpaca Storm: If nothing else, this has the most dramatic name on the list! π Here you’ll get 145 yards of sumptuous DK-weight knitting delight in a yarn made with 40 percent alpaca, 40 percent wool, and 20 percent nylon.
Malabrigo Silkpaca: Want to make an almost unbearably luxurious lace shawl? Look no further than this, with its 420 yards of delectable yarn made of 70 percent baby alpaca and 30 percent silk.
Debbie Bliss Paloma: For heavenly softness in a yarn that knits up in a flash, try this 60 percent baby alpaca and 40 percent merino wool that offers 71 yards of bulky yarn.
Various alpaca yarns from Etsy: For loads of options from hand-dyers, alpaca farmers, and other small business owners, Etsy is a wonderful place to look for your alpaca yarn delights!
Bear in mind: this is just a tiny handful of the many, many alpaca yarns available. You may even be fortunate enough to buy some yarn directly from an alpaca farmer, if you happen to attend a fiber festival like I did one year. I once purchased the most delectable skein of alpaca yarn that I loved knitting into a beautiful hat.
I hope you’ll find your alpaca yarn experience just as enjoyable!
