Yak – the animal

Yaks live in the high mountains of Asia and are perfectly adapted to extreme conditions. In Mongolia they have been kept for over 5000 years, in close symbiosis with nomadic families. Most of the animals are domesticated and provide everything necessary for survival in the highlands: milk, meat, leather, wool and even fuel in the form of dry dung. They can reach a weight of over a ton.

Yaks are the only cattle to have a multi-layered coat. It is made up of coarse outer hairs, a protective intermediate layer and a fine, warm undercoat. This natural construction preserves them from icy cold temperatures down to minus 40 degrees and is breathable at the same time, keeping the animal comfortable in summer. Long belly hairs offer additional protection on frosty nights, while short, powerful legs enable good grip in the steep mountains. In times of extreme cold, yaks even slow their respiratory rate to up to seven breaths per minute in order to save valuable energy.

In spring the yak loses its fine undercoat, which is carefully combed out and used for the production of yarn. This way of life not only makes yak wool of particularly high quality, but also more sustainable than many other exclusive fibres. Yaks graze in harmony with their environment, without tearing up roots or damaging soil.

Yak fibres – characteristics

Yak wool is one of the most exclusive fibres in the world. It is incredibly soft and light, yet very warm. The diameter of the fibre is 15 to 19 microns, which is comparable to cashmere. Combed out once a year, the fine undercoat yields about 300 to 500 grams of wool per animal once it has been separated from the coarse guard hairs.

Yak fibres owe their lightness and excellent thermal qualities to a hollow interior. This makes them especially good for warm, light, insulating clothing. The fibres are absorbent and at the same time they release moisture again quickly. Garments made from yak wool feel soft, have a smooth drape and are comfortable to wear. The natural shades, from dark brown to black, also give the wool a calm, elegant effect.

LANGYARNS – yarns with yak

YAK

A classic yarn composed of 70 % extrafine merino wool and 30 % yak. Splendidly soft, it is available in beautiful colours. Ideal for all who love the touch of pure elegance on the skin.

VAYA

VAYA is created from a chainette strand of cotton combined with extrafine merino fibres for warmth and dark yak fibres for depth and character. This mixture produces even stitch definition with a lively structure – for knitting and crochet pieces you can enjoy wearing all year round.

NOMAD

NOMAD is a little thinner than YAK and warmer than VAYA. The yarn has a soft, light haptic and is comfortable to wear. Due to its chainette construction the yarn is elastic but stable, knitting up to produce even stitches. The natural yak fibres give NOMAD a subtle grey-brown undertone that emphasises the original beauty and depth of the fibres.

Alpacas are part of the camelid family and descend from the smaller vicuñas. Over 4 million of the estimated 6 million alpacas live in the Peruvian Andes at around 4,000 metres above sea level (as of 2018). Unlike llamas, which were bred as pack animals, alpacas were domesticated specifically for their fine fleece used in textile production.

Farming and Shearing

In the Altiplano region, areas such as Puno, Cusco, Arequipa and Huancavelica are key centres of alpaca farming. Indigenous farmers keep these gentle, social animals in small herds of 50 to 150. Some herds live semi-wild in the Andes and are rounded up once or twice a year for shearing, where each animal produces between 3 and 4 kg of fleece. The alpacas graze on grasses and herbs without uprooting the plants, which helps protect the delicate Andean ecosystem. Their light step also prevents soil compaction.

Huacaya or Suri?

These elegant animals, with slender legs and long necks, belong to two main types: Huacaya and Suri. Suris are quite rare, making up only around 7% of the global alpaca population. Their coats grow in silky, curly locks that give them a distinct appearance. Huacayas grow a uniformly crimped fleece. Suri fibres, in contrast, are smoother and shinier. Both types have a soft insulating undercoat protected by coarser guard hairs. Fibre colours range from pure white to beige, through every shade of brown and reddish-brown, to grey and deep black – even multicoloured or spotted alpacas exist.

Fibre Properties

Alpaca wool is not only luxuriously soft; it also offers many other desirable features, comparable to Merino or cashmere:

• Temperature regulating & lightweight:
  the hollow core of the fibre makes it exceptionally light and helps balance body temperature.
   
• Moisture wicking:
  alpaca can absorb up to 25% of its weight in moisture while remaining dry to the touch.
   
• Odour neutral:
  naturally odourless and resistant to smells, it stays fresher for longer.
   
• Hypoallergenic:
  with little to no lanolin, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and requires less processing – saving energy and resources.
   
• Durable:
  strong and elastic, alpaca yarns are less prone to pilling and felting. However, garments may stretch slightly with wear or washing, so we recommend generous swatching when planning your project.
   
• Heat resistant:
  alpaca wool is flame retardant and only ignites at around 560°C.
   
• Versatile:
  it can be spun into many types of yarns – from strong, multi-ply sock yarns to soft laceweight fibres for elegant garments and accessories.
   

Fibre Classification

The softest fibres come from a young alpaca’s first shearing or from the back and shoulder area of adult animals. Alpaca is one of the most luxurious natural fibres, alongside vicuña, yak, camel, mohair and cashmere.

Our producers classify the fibres by micron count, and you’ll find these exact labels on our LANGYARNS and WOOLADDICTS alpaca products:

Royal Alpaca: under 19 microns

Superbaby Alpaca: 19 – 20 microns

Baby Alpaca: 21.5 – 22.5 microns

Alpaca / Alpaca Superfine: 25.5 – 26.5 microns

Mixed Pieces: 27 – 28 microns

Huarizo: 29 – 30 microns

Coarse Alpaca: over 30 microns

Baby Suri Alpaca: 22.5 microns

Suri Alpaca: up to 27.5 microns

Our Alpaca Yarns

Our alpaca yarns, made from premium Peruvian fibres, offer a wide selection – from sturdy sock yarns like ALPACA SOXX 4-PLY to ultra-soft beauties like SURI ALPACA and MALOU LIGHT, and timeless classics like BABY ALPACA. Fans of alpaca blends, tweed, or gradient colourways will also find plenty to love. All qualities combine softness with durability – the perfect choice for beautiful knitwear that stands the test of time.

Explore our full range here: Alpaca Yarns 

The Inspiration Behind the MIRA Scarf

The MIRA scarf is a true labour of love: designed by @letitbeknit, it bears the name of a loyal furry friend who recently took her final journey and will always hold a place in the heart. The name MIRA not only stands for "wonder" but also belongs to a shining star in the night sky. With its subtle shimmer from delicate sequins, it evokes a sparkling starlit sky or a distant galaxy. Thanks to the unparalleled softness of luxurious suri alpaca fibres and the memories of peaceful knitting moments MIRA is a project to lose yourself in – and a companion to hold dear.

What you’ll need

• 3 balls of SURI ALPACA
• 3 balls of PAILLETTES
• 6 mm knitting needles
• A tapestry needle for sewing in the ends
• The simple pattern you can find right here on our blog ⬇️

MIRA Scarf Knitting Instructions

Cast on 24 stitches with 6 mm needles, holding both yarns together.

k2, *k1, s1 purlwise with a yo*, repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain on the left needle, slip the last 2 stitches purlwise with yarn in front.

The scarf is knitted in brioche stitch. Repeat the following row until the scarf measures 180 cm or your desired length:

• k2, *k1 brioche stitch (= 1 knit stitch and its yarn over from the previous row), s1 purlwise with a yo*, repeat from * to * until 2 stitches remain on the left needle, slip the last 2 stitches purlwise with yarn in front.

Bind off all stitches loosely (Note: knit stitch + yarn over from the previous row count as 1 stitch.) and weave in the ends carefully.

Share Your MIRA Scarf

If you knit MIRA, we’d love to see your post on Instagram using the hashtag #LetItBeMira. Happy knitting!

Linen is a wonderful natural fibre for summer projects – breathable, durable, and pleasant against the skin. However, linen behaves quite differently from other yarns such as wool or cotton. To make knitting or crocheting with linen an enjoyable experience, we've put together some helpful tips.

1. LET THE YARN FLOW LOOSELY THROUGH YOUR FINGERS

Unlike wool, linen has little to no elasticity. This means the yarn should flow loosely through your fingers while knitting. If too much tension builds up, it can lead to cramping, pain or tightness in your hands. A relaxed grip and even working rhythm are especially important when handling linen.

2. CHOOSE WOODEN NEEDLES INSTEAD OF METAL

Linen is naturally a bit stiff. Smooth metal needles can make it difficult to control the yarn – it may slip too easily. Wooden or bamboo needles offer a clear advantage: their slightly rougher surface provides just enough grip to keep the yarn in check. This makes it easier to handle and helps your stitches stay more even.

3. WASH AND BLOCK YOUR GAUGE SWATCH – IT’S ESSENTIAL!

When working with linen, it's essential to knit a gauge swatch and to wash and block it. Why? Because the feel, size and especially the drape of the fabric can change significantly after washing. Linen often stretches and becomes more supple. What feels stiff and rigid at first may turn soft and fluid after washing – which is exactly why the washed swatch is so important for accurate sizing.

4. STILL FEELS STIFF AFTER WASHING? STEAMING HELPS!

Even after washing, linen can sometimes feel a little stiff. To make it more pliable, you can gently steam the finished piece – for example, with a steam iron held slightly above the fabric. This helps relax the fibres in a gentle way. And by the way: linen gets softer with every wear and wash – a real advantage for long-lasting garments!

5. LINEN YARN IS ALSO GREAT FOR CROCHETING

Linen is not only popular with knitters – crocheters also appreciate it, especially for firm stitches and textured patterns. The strong plant fibres provide excellent stability, making linen ideal for practical mesh bags, airy summer tops or crochet shirts that hold their shape.

CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE?

If you’d like to learn more about the characteristics of linen fibres and how linen yarn is produced, check out our article: FROM FLAX PLANT TO LINEN YARN

Cotton in soft, natural shades – and completely without dyeing!

BABY COTTON NATURALLY COLORED is the result of a sustainable project for the cultivation of cotton, the different earthy shades obtained directly from the types of cotton grown. A true natural phenomenon for your knitting projects!

Organic Cotton Colours – A project with heart

It all began in 1992, in North-Eastern Brazil, as Santi Mallorquí’Gou, the CEO of Organic Cotton Colours, realized his vision of sustainable cotton cultivation. Today, the project has grown to involve over 400 farming families, all working under fair conditions.

The OCC project is based on 100 % organic cultivation – which is socially, ecologically and economically sustainable. The cotton production is carried out without the use of pesticides or genetic engineering, and with pure rainwater. In addition, 10 % of the value of the cotton is reinvested in the community to improve production systems. Not only does this produce an environmentally friendly alternative to cotton that is produced conventionally, it also provides a valuable income for many families.

Naturally grown colored cotton – an almost forgotten natural wonder

Did you know? Cotton doesn’t only grow in white! In nature, there are strains of cotton flourishing in soft shades of green, ivory and brown. But with industrialisation and the high demand for white cotton, these naturally colored alternatives were almost forgotten.

Today we can celebrate the comeback of naturally grown colors with BABY COTTON NATURALLY COLORED – the plants are grown in a system of mixed regenerative agriculture, often together with as many as five other crops. So the soil remains healthy and fertile. And the best thing about it? No pesticides, no machines, no genetic manipulation – just pure nature. By avoiding artificial irrigation, this method of cultivation saves up to 90% of water, compared with conventional cotton production.

BABY COTTON NATURALLY COLORED – pure nature on your skin

Our BABY COTTON NATURALLY COLORED brings these original cotton colors directly to your knitting project. The color palette is composed of seven soft shades, created by plying together the base colors of green, ivory and brown. Because the cotton has not been dyed, having been processed in its natural color, the yarn is free of unnecessary chemicals. This makes it particularly skin-friendly – perfect for babies, children and everyone who likes to do something good for their skin.

Note: Due to the nature of the yarn, colors may fade if left in direct sunlight. To preserve the colors, avoid exposing balls of yarn or finished projects unnecessarily to direct sunlight.

Punto 83 – inspiration for you

Are you looking for ideas for things to knit with BABY COTTON NATURALLY COLORED? Then our PUNTO 83 is just right for you! Here you will find lovingly designed patterns to knit for babies and children, models to make the most of the natural yarn.

ANANAS

Yarn from pineapples: initially it may sound strange, but this is an impressive example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. With our new ANANAS yarn, we combine natural materials, eco-friendly production and stylish shades. But what lies behind this special material?

AnamPALF

The basis of our ANANAS yarn is the pineapple leaf fibre AnamPALF, developed by the certified B-Corporation Ananas Anam. This textile fibre is obtained from the leaves of pineapple plants – a material that would normally be discarded as waste and burned after the pineapple harvest. This creates CO₂, which is harmful to the environment.

Instead, the leaves are processed to produce fibres, saving up to 6 kg of CO₂ per kilo of fibres. This innovative use also means an additional income stream for the farmers, as they can now sell the leaves that would otherwise go to waste.

Sustainable production without compromise

Another advantage of AnamPALF is an environmentally friendly production process. The fibres are prepared without the use of bleach and an enzyme is employed during the washing process to remove impurities, so no harmful chemicals are required. The remaining stages in the process are fully mechanised, keeping the environmental impact minimal.

What is special about our ANANAS yarn?

For ANANAS, we combine AnamPALF fibre with lyocell, a similarly eco-friendly fibre. It’s this mixture that makes ANANAS so special:

• Pineapple fibres give the yarn a slightly rustic look with a natural feel that is nevertheless soft, and not scratchy.
• Lyocell ensures stability and adds a subtle, elegant sheen – perfect for light-weight summer projects.

Feeling inspired? Discover designs in ANANAS

In our newest publication, FATTO A MANO 284, you will find a variety of summery designs made with ANANAS. From a casual summer top to an elegant shawl – the models demonstrate the versatility of this unusual yarn. See how you can combine your creativity with environmental awareness by using sustainable materials such as ANANAS.