Alpaca fiber is one of the earths splendid pleasures! Soft, warm, versatile, and easy to care for. Its no wonder ancient civilizations and modern alike prefer it when it comes to spinning, knitting, weaving, and garment manufacture.

Alpaca fiber retains certain characteristics specific to alpaca which differentiates it from other wool. The most important of these characteristics are:

1) Degree of fineness-the diameter or micron of fiber staple. The lower the micron the finer the fleece. Alpaca micron diameter usually averages between 16-45 microns.

2) Handle or memory-alpaca fiber has less elasticity than sheep wool. The fiber is smooth, it has lower scale heights on the individual strand, therefore giving it a soft feel with little or no scratchiness.

3) Medulation-Alpaca fiber strands contain a core that can be partly to completely hollow as opposed to the solid core in sheep wool. This gives the fiber a warmth and lightness in weight relevant to fibers of solid cores.

4) Staple length-versatile staple length. The shorter fibers under 3" can be used for carding and the longer-over 3" fibers can be used for combing. This provides more versatility in the end results desired. Alpaca staple length ranges from 1-6 inches long.

Alpaca Fiber for Sale!

Lots of colors. Raw fleeces, rovings, and commercial spun yarn.

E-mail for availability and pricing. gealpacas@wildblue.net