What alpaca is and where it comes from
The alpaca is an Andean camelid, a cousin of the llama, raised for thousands of years on the high plateaus of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Peru produces most of the world's alpaca fiber, from herds that live at high altitude, between strong sun and freezing nights. That climate explains a lot about the fiber: it has to insulate against the cold without weighing much.
Curious about the Andean origin of our yarns? Our Peruvian wool page tells you more about fiber from the Andes.
What “baby alpaca” means (and what it doesn't)
It's the most common question: “baby” has nothing to do with the animal's age. After shearing, the fleece is sorted by hand according to fineness, measured in microns (thousandths of a millimeter). The smaller the diameter, the softer it feels against the skin. Baby alpaca is one of the finest grades, and it comes from adult alpacas.
| Grade | Approximate fineness | Feel and typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Royal alpaca | ~19–20 microns | The finest and rarest; luxury garments |
| Baby alpaca | up to ~22.5 microns | Very soft; sweaters, baby items, next-to-skin wear |
| Superfine alpaca | ~25–26.5 microns | Soft and durable; blends, warm sweaters |
| Adult / coarse alpaca | ~27 microns or more | Firmer; blankets, rugs, outerwear |
Ranges vary slightly between producers, so treat them as a guide. To compare with sheep's wool, our Highland wool vs merino guide lists the microns of each.
Alpaca wool benefits and properties
- Warm and light. Many alpaca fibers are partly hollow, so they trap air and insulate well for their weight.
- Virtually no lanolin. It lacks the natural grease of sheep's wool, so it feels clean and doesn't need harsh scouring.
- Silky hand, soft sheen. The fiber surface is smoother than sheep's wool, which gives it a subtle luster.
- Beautiful drape. Garments flow and follow the body instead of standing stiff.
- Less elastic. With little natural crimp, it stretches and doesn't always bounce back the way sheep's wool does.
- Halo and friction. It can develop a light halo with wear and, like any natural fiber, may pill where it rubs.
Is alpaca wool itchy?
Itch isn't caused by the animal itself but by coarser fiber ends pressing into your skin. That's why baby alpaca, at roughly 22.5 microns or less and with its smooth surface, isn't itchy for most people, even around the neck. Coarse alpaca, or a blend with rougher fibers, can feel scratchier. If your skin is very sensitive, rub a swatch against your inner wrist or neck before starting a big project.
Alpaca vs wool
| Baby alpaca | Sheep's wool (merino / Highland) | |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth for weight | Very high, partly hollow fiber | High |
| Lanolin | Virtually none | Yes, in varying amounts |
| Elasticity | Low: drapes and can grow | High: springs back into shape |
| Feel | Silky, smooth, lustrous | More matte and springy |
| Stitch definition | Soft, slightly blurred | Crisp, great for textures |
Is alpaca warmer than wool? Weight for weight, usually yes: an alpaca garment can be lighter and just as warm or warmer. Sheep's wool wins on elasticity and holding its shape.
What to knit with baby alpaca (and how)
It shines in garments worn next to the skin that benefit from drape: relaxed sweaters, cardigans, shawls, scarves, slouchy hats and baby clothes. If you're knitting for little ones, read our guide to the best yarn for baby clothes.
Because it's not very elastic, keep these tips in mind:
- Knit a little firmer. A tighter gauge gives the fabric body and reduces stretching. Always swatch, and wash your swatch.
- Choose patterns with ease or structure. Relaxed fits, seamed designs or reinforced necklines hold up better than very fitted ones.
- Watch your ribbing. Cuffs and hems in rib can lose shape; knitting them on a smaller needle helps.
- Dry flat, never hang. The weight of water stretches the garment. We cover it step by step in how to wash alpaca.
Want the feel of alpaca with more shape memory? Our new yarn TWIST, arriving at the end of December, blends superfine alpaca with merino.
ROW BY ROW: our Peruvian baby alpaca
ROW BY ROW arrives in November. It's 100% Peruvian baby alpaca, made for garments you wear right against your skin.
- DK weight, 50 g (1.76 oz) / 112 m (123 yds) ±5%
- Needles 3.5–4.5 mm (US 4–7); gauge 22 sts = 10 cm (4 in) in stockinette on 4 mm needles
- 11 colors: Ivory, Oatmeal, Silver Cloud, Meadow Haze, Citrine, Evergreen, Sky Blue, Burgundy Bloom, Dusty Rose, Mystic Plum and Cosmic Blue
- Very soft and light, warmer than wool, no lanolin
- Hand wash
FAQ
Is baby alpaca made from baby alpacas?
No. “Baby alpaca” is a fineness grade (roughly up to 22.5 microns) obtained by sorting the finest fiber from adult alpacas.
Is alpaca wool hypoallergenic?
We wouldn't promise that. Alpaca contains virtually no lanolin, which some people with wool sensitivity react to, so many find it more comfortable. If you have a real allergy, test a swatch against your skin first.
Is alpaca warmer than wool?
Weight for weight, usually yes, thanks to its partly hollow fibers. The trade-off is that it's less elastic than sheep's wool.
Baby alpaca vs alpaca: what's the difference?
Fineness. Baby alpaca is a selection of the finest, softest fiber; plain “alpaca” can include coarser grades.