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The Gentle Caress of Baby Alpaca: From Andean Heights to Your Closet

by Ale Moreno on October 22, 2023

The journey of baby alpaca fiber begins in the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains. These majestic animals have adapted to survive in harsh climates, and their fleece is a testament to this adaptation. Alpacas are shorn once a year, yielding the finest fibers that are later transformed into luxurious textiles. The meticulous care, attention to detail, and generations of expertise are woven into every strand, ensuring the quality and softness that baby alpaca is renowned for.

Baby alpaca fiber, is often misconstrued as originating from baby alpacas (crias) themselves, but is not about the age of the alpaca but rather the fineness of the fleece. It’s the softest part sourced from an adult alpaca; generally from the chest. The delicate touch of baby alpaca is unmatched, making it a prized treasure in the world of textiles. Its exceptional softness stems from the incredibly fine diameter of the fibers, often measuring at 22.5 microns or less, and a meticulous selection process. It is lighter in weight and up to 7x warmer than Sheep’s wool but very breathable. Because it has no lanolin, it is hypoallergenic, naturally water repellent and flame-resistant. The fibers are extremely durable; a well-made alpaca blanket can last for a very long time. 

Baby alpaca fibers are not limited to fashion and clothing; they are also transformed into exquisite alpaca yarns. These yarns are prized by artisans and crafters around the world for their exceptional softness and versatility. Whether used for knitting, crocheting, or weaving, alpaca yarns offer a unique blend of warmth, softness, and durability, resulting in stunning creations that bring the delicate touch of the Andes to homes and wardrobes across the globe. Whether you're creating a cozy sweater, a luxurious shawl, or even a delicate baby blanket, baby alpaca yarns add a touch of Andean elegance to your projects.The neutral colors greys and browns are sorted directly from the fur and not dyed which gives those colors a slight extra softness. Melanges (mixes of colors) are dyed in the fiber state then mixed together. Fabric is then woven, fringes are made - they get washed, pressed and sometimes brushed. It doesn't pill which makes it durable and long lasting.

Come visit Alpaca Outlets and experience the softness of our baby alpaca garments, crafted in the Andes mountains.

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