Alpaca fiber is a natural, renewable resource. They are shorn once a year and are not harmed in the shearing process.

Overview of Fleece Characteristics of Huacaya and Suri

16 Natural Colors

White, Beige, Black and shades of Fawns, Browns, Silver Grey & Rose Grey

Eco-Friendly

Can be used without dyeing due to a large array of natural colors
Can be washed at lower temperatures without harsh chemicals

Considered to be hypoallergenic

Lack of lanolin

Uniquely low scale structure preventing prickle

Other Attributes

Moisture resistant in absorbency
Moisture regain 8%
Flame resistant
High tensile strength, but strength does not diminish as it becomes finer         Resistant to pilling
Stain Resistant

Handle

Scale structure
Smoother scale = better handle
Uniformity of micron
Products created with a very uniform micron will produce a more pleasing handle than their micron size indicates

End use suggestions based on micron

• 18-20 – underwear, high fashion fabric, suiting
• 20-23 – fine to medium knit-wear, men’s suiting, lightweight worsteds, hand knitting yarn
• 23-26 – woven outwear, machine and hand knitting yarns
• 24-29 – socks, fine felting, and heavy woven outerwear
• 30+ interior textiles, carpets, and industrial felting

Industry Considerations:

Produces a high yield of clean fiber after processing….80-85% versus 43-67% for wool
Most alpaca fleece does not have to be de-haired like cashmere, llama or camel
Easy to dye or over-dye using animal protein type dyes or natural dyes with mordants
Natural high sheen
Blends well with other natural fibers such as cotton, silk, bamboo, mohair & wool