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 

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.

RWS – Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a voluntary, global standard, which ensures the welfare of sheep and sustainable use of the land used for grazing. Introduced in 2016, by the non-profit organisation Textile Exchange, it aims to promote ethical and environmental practices in the wool industry.

Core principles of the RWS:

• Animal welfare: ensuring that sheep are kept in a manner correct for the breed. Amongst other things, this includes guaranteeing access to clean drinking water at all times and enough feed, appropriate for the age of the animals. Interventions such as mulesing and branding are strictly forbidden.
• Land management: Encouraging sustainable farming methods, to prevent the degradation of the land due to overgrazing and protect biodiversity. The use of pesticides is reduced to the absolute minimum.
• Fair working conditions: All companies along the production chain guarantee fair working conditions and appropriate pay. Exploitation and child labour are prohibited.

LAMBSWOOL

Our yarn LAMBSWOOL embodies these principles in every fibre – the entire production chain is RWS certified.

The wool originates from merino sheep at Congi Farm in Eastern Australia, which has belonged to the Field family for over a century. An exceptionally high quality of fibre is assured by employing the latest technology along with sustainable, certified management of the flock.

Processing is then carried out in Italy, by our partner for many years Botto Giuseppe, who have been producing high quality yarns and fabrics since 1876. What stands out as a true rarity: all production phases, from washing to combing, spinning and dyeing to finishing, take place exclusively in their own factories.

All stages in the finishing, including the dyeing process, are also certified Cradle to Cradle, which means that at the end of its life the yarn is completely biodegradable, under the right conditions, leaving no harmful substances.

With LAMBSWOOL, we offer you a yarn that is appealing for its superfine quality, and all the more so for meeting the highest ethical and ecological standards. So you can realise your knitting projects with a clear conscience, in the knowledge that you are acting positively to protect animals and the environment.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Textile Exchange – Responsible Wool Standard

Cradle to Cradle Certified™

RMS – Responsible Mohair Standard

At a time when sustainability and ethical production practices are increasingly important, the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is a valuable guide for eco-conscious consumers, laying emphasis on transparency and quality.

What is the Responsible Mohair Standard?

The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) is an independent and voluntary standard, developed in order to promote responsible mohair production. It ensures that mohair only comes from animals that are kept responsibly, in an appropriate way, thereby setting new standards in the spheres of animal welfare, soil management and social welfare. In addition, the RMS makes sure that the supply chain is transparent and reliable, it has created a benchmark across the sector for ethical and sustainable mohair production.

Main areas of interest for the RMS

The RMS covers six main areas:

1. Animals: species-appropriate care and shearing of goats.
2. Environment: sustainable land management.
3. People: fair and safe working conditions for workers.
4. Credibility: professional and independent certification.
5. Supply chain: traceability from the farm to the end product.
6. Stakeholder engagement: developed in collaboration with farmers, animal welfare experts, conservation specialists, brands and retailers.

You will find more information on the Textile Exchange website: Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) - Textile Exchange

MOHAIR 21

The entire production chain for MOHAIR 21 is RMS certified and 100 % transparent: all balls of MOHAIR 21 have their own QR-Code, which enables you to follow the individual ball back through all stages of production. Read more about "trace your yarn" here.

The name of the yarn comes, on the one hand, from the fibre content – it is composed of 58 % mohair and 42 % silk – and on the other hand from the extremely luxurious quality of the mohair used. The mohair fibres used for MOHAIR 21 have a diameter of 21 microns and are therefore amongst the softest and rarest fibres on the market, such fibres are otherwise used exclusively in the luxury sector. By way of comparison, the mohair fibres used for hand-knitting yarns usually have a diameter of 25–30 microns.

FARMING AND PRODUCTION OF MOHAIR 21

The mohair fibres for MOHAIR 21 all come from two farms, Rivervale and Glentara owned by Werner and GT Ferreria. These farms are situated in New South Wales, in southeast Australia, and have specialised in the production of high quality and eco-friendly merino and mohair fibres, which can be traced back to the specific flock and shear.

After shearing in southeast Australia, the fibres are brought to Italy, where the wool is combed. The entire production is carried out in Italy by our long-standing partner Lineapiù – from carding to dyeing, spinning, brushing and balling. The rich history of the industry in Italy, the special working methods, creativity and finishing skills make for innovative, high quality yarns.