Alpaca Yarn

Yarn weight describes the approximate thickness of a yarn. As a general guide, 4 Ply is comparable to fingering weight, while 8 Ply is comparable to DK weight. However, not all yarns carrying the same ply description are identical in thickness. Always check the recommended needle or hook size, tension, metreage and pattern requirements before beginning.

Often you can, provided your alpaca yarn produces the tension required by the pattern. Alpaca generally has more drape and less elasticity than wool, so the finished garment may hang and behave differently. Make a generous tension swatch, wash and dry it as recommended, and measure it again before selecting your size.

Yes. Alpaca yarn can be used for both knitting and crochet. Its softness, warmth and drape make it particularly attractive for scarves, shawls, garments, blankets and accessories. Choose a yarn construction and weight that suit your project and use the pattern tension as your guide.

“Baby alpaca” describes a recognised grade of particularly fine and soft alpaca fibre. It does not necessarily mean that the fibre was taken from a baby alpaca.

Always follow the care instructions supplied with the individual yarn. As a general guide, alpaca pieces should be gently hand-washed in cool water using a suitable wool wash, without rubbing or wringing, and reshaped to dry flat.