Why Choose Alpaca?
Softness, Warmth, Durability, Sustainability
When it comes to natural fibres, knitters and crocheters are spoiled for choice. Wool, cashmere, cotton, linen, silk, alpaca – each has its own character and charm. But in recent years, alpaca has quietly moved from being a rare luxury yarn to a serious favourite for makers who care about quality, comfort, and the planet.
Under a microscope, alpaca fibre appears much smoother than other fibres. This is because it has fewer scales on its surface and less crimp, creating a soft, luxurious feel compared to the distinctly scaly, interlocking structure of sheep wool that contributes to it's texture. This also explains why alpaca is so much less itchy than sheep.
Image taken from an article by Louisa Bilton
At Gorgeous Alpacas, we source our yarns from trusted British and Irish farms, and we’ve seen first-hand why alpaca deserves its reputation as a fibre worth celebrating. In this blog, we’ll explore four key reasons to choose alpaca – softness, warmth, durability, and sustainability – and show you why it might just become your yarn of choice.
The Magic of Softness
Alpaca wool is prized for its luxurious softness — often compared to cashmere, but with added durability. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fibres don’t contain lanolin, making them naturally hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin.
That makes alpaca ideal for babies, sensitive skin, or projects you’ll wear close to the skin — scarves, shawls, cowls, baby clothes, and more.
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| Check out our scarves, cowls and shawls | Check out our kits for babies and toddlers |
👉 Read more: Alpaca Wool vs Other Yarns: A Complete Comparison
Warmth Without the Weight
When winter arrives, alpaca really shines. Alpaca fibres are hollow or semi-hollow, which means they trap tiny pockets of air. This makes them brilliant insulators: alpaca garments keep you warm in cold weather, but also allow breathability in milder conditions.
Alpaca offers around 25% more warmth than sheep’s wool, gram for gram — perfect for staying cozy without heavy bulk. So if you want a lightweight cardigan or wrap that still feels cosy, alpaca is ideal. And unlike bulky wool jumpers, alpaca knits drape beautifully without feeling heavy.
What’s more, alpaca fibres naturally wick away moisture. If you’re knitting for outdoor wear, this makes alpaca an excellent choice – it won’t leave you clammy if you get caught in a light drizzle or a brisk walk.
👉 Read more: Health Benefits of Knitting – discover how cosy projects with alpaca can boost wellbeing.
Strength and Durability
Soft yarns often get a reputation for being delicate – but alpaca is different. It’s not only soft, but also surprisingly strong. In fact, alpaca has a higher tensile (tension) strength than sheep’s wool, meaning garments made with it are less prone to pilling, stretching, or losing shape.
If you’ve ever been disappointed by a favourite jumper looking tired after one winter, you’ll appreciate alpaca’s staying power. With good care (gentle washing, lying flat to dry), an alpaca sweater can last for years – even decades.
This durability makes alpaca a brilliant investment fibre. Yes, the initial skein may cost more than synthetic or lower-grade wools, but the longevity means better value over time. It also means fewer replacements – better for your wallet and the planet.
👉 Read more: How to store your high quality knits - including protecting them from moths
A Sustainable Choice
Today’s knitters and crocheters care about more than just the feel of their yarn – they want to know its story. Alpaca ticks so many sustainability boxes:
🌿One reason is that alpacas have soft padded feet (not hooves), which are gentle on pastureland. They graze without pulling up roots, so the land regenerates naturally.
👉 Read about the 11 reasons that alpaca is such a good sustainable choice
Locally sourced: At Gorgeous Alpacas, our yarn comes from British and Irish farms, helping us keep supply chains shorter and support smallholders.
For eco-conscious makers, alpaca offers a way to create beautiful projects without compromising on values. Every stitch becomes part of a bigger story: choosing fibres that are kind to animals, people, and the planet.
Why Alpaca Belongs in Your Stash
So – why choose alpaca?
Because it offers the softness of luxury fibres, the warmth of wool without bulk, the durability to last for years, and the sustainability to match your values. It’s not just a yarn – it’s a fibre that elevates every project.
Whether you’re making a treasured gift, a cosy winter accessory, or a garment to wear for years to come, alpaca has the power to make every stitch special.
If you haven’t tried alpaca yet, this may be the perfect time to explore the difference. With beautiful natural shades and a choice of blends, alpaca offers something for every maker — from the beginner to the pro.
Final Thoughts
Knitting and crochet are more than hobbies — they’re ways of slowing down, creating mindfully, and wrapping ourselves (and others) in warmth and comfort. By choosing alpaca, you’re not only treating yourself to luxury, but also supporting sustainability, small producers, and a more conscious craft movement.
Ready to cast on something wonderful? Pick up a skein of alpaca – and feel the difference for yourself!
