About the fibre
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A partly hollow fibre
Under a microscope, many alpaca fibres have a hollow or partly hollow core, called the medulla. How much of the core is hollow varies from fibre to fibre and from animal to animal, and finer fibres tend to have less of it. It is part of why alpaca yarn feels light.
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No lanolin
Sheep's wool is coated in lanolin, the natural wax that helps keep a sheep's fleece dry. Alpaca fleece contains no lanolin. Some of our pieces are blends with other fibres, so each product page lists exactly what a piece is made of.
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Fineness is measured in microns
A micron is a thousandth of a millimetre, and fineness is the average width of the fibres. It is how alpaca is graded. Baby alpaca, the finest grade we use, measures around 20 to 23 microns. Despite the name, it is a grade of fibre, not fleece from baby alpacas.
Source: Peruvian technical standard NTP 231.301 (alpaca fibre grades)
Not sure which?
Baby alpaca or alpaca blend?
| 100% baby alpaca | Alpaca blend | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Our softest: light, smooth and fine | Soft and springy, with a close cable |
| Fibre | 100% baby alpaca | Alpaca wool blend |
| Best for | Gifts, and anyone who wants our finest grade | Everyday wear, and the widest choice of colours |
| Our styles | Fair Isle and striped gloves, snoods and shawls | Cable knit and Fair Isle blend gloves |
| From | £30 | £21 |
| Shop baby alpaca gloves | Shop cable knit gloves |
Fineness, in microns
Average fibre diameter in microns (µm). A micron is a thousandth of a millimetre; the lower the number, the finer the fibre.
- Superfine merino wool 18.5 µm or finer
- Cashmere 19 µm or finer
- Baby alpaca 20 to 23 µm
- Alpaca 23 to 26.5 µm
Baby alpaca is a grade of fineness, not fleece from baby alpacas.
Sources: Peruvian technical standard NTP 231.301 (alpaca fibre grades); US Wool Products Labeling Act (cashmere); Australian Wool Exchange descriptions (superfine merino).
Caring for alpaca
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Step 1: Hand wash in cool water
30°C or below, with a little gentle wool wash. Swirl it rather than rub it, and rinse in water of the same temperature.
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Step 2: Don't wring
Press the water out gently, then roll it up in a dry towel to take up the rest.
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Step 3: Dry flat
Reshape it while damp and leave it flat to dry, away from radiators and direct sun. Never tumble dry.
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Step 4: Store folded
Fold it rather than hang it, so it keeps its shape. If a few bobbles appear where it rubs, lift them off with a fabric comb.
Each product page has its own care notes. If they differ from these, follow those.
Alpaca questions
What is baby alpaca?
A grade of fineness, not fleece from baby alpacas. Baby alpaca fibres measure around 20 to 23 microns across, the finest grade we use. Each product page says whether a piece is 100% baby alpaca or a blend.
What does alpaca blend mean?
Alpaca spun together with another fibre, such as merino wool or acrylic, which can add stretch, shape or strength. Every product page lists the exact mix, so you know what you are buying.
Where are your alpaca pieces made?
In Peru, by artisans we buy from on our own trips there. We pack every order ourselves in Brighton.
How should I wash alpaca?
By hand, in cool water (30°C or below), with a gentle wool wash. Press the water out without wringing, then dry it flat away from direct heat. The care notes on each product page come first, as they can differ between pieces.
Will it bobble?
All natural knitwear can form a few bobbles where it rubs, at the cuffs or under a bag strap. Lift them off gently with a fabric comb and it will look neat again.
