Alpaca wool is obtained from the natural fibers of alpaca. Alpacas are members of the camelid family. Their wool can be thick or soft, depending on the thickness and the way it is woven. This makes it suitable for a range of textile styles, such as alpaca throws. Alpaca wool is much smoother and more durable as compared with sheep wool.
Alpacas originate from South America. The Huacaya alpaca and the Suri alpaca are two breeds of this adorable four-legged mammal. For various purposes, the wool styles produced from each alpaca type are often coveted. Alpaca fleece has several interesting characteristics that make it different from other kinds of wools.
The Huacaya alpaca is the classic, fuzzy, funky, sheep-like animal producing a soft and silky fur. Alpaca hair does not have natural ridges and is therefore ideal for weaving. The Suri alpaca is famous for its bushy hair. Although they look as if they need a bath desperately, their fur could be thinner and healthier than those of their Huacayan kind.
The method of alpaca wool processing starts with cutting, also known as shearing. An alpaca can be sheared after its fur has reached a certain length. Alpacas are shorn once every year usually using a hand-used razor to minimize harm to alpacas. Usually, 2-3 people are required to shear an alpaca because these animals are resistant to this process. However, it is ensured that alpacas are not harmed during this process.
When the wool is acquired, it is carded, and the wool fibers are combed in a uniform direction. The wool can be spun into yarn after it has been carded.
The wool is cleaned to remove impurity until it has formed into a thread. Other non-toxic washing agents are used to clean the wool in more industrial circumstances before the fleece is spun or knitted. After washing and air-drying the fleece, it is ready to form into a finished textile product.
The fibers that are used to produce this type of wool are loaded with small air pockets, which provide optimized respiratory efficiency. Simultaneously, these strands have profound insulation; alpaca fleece is viewed as one of the warmest animal fibers. Moreover, this type of wool is very waterproof and also flameproof.
Alpaca fleece is one of the most luxurious wools. Since the alpaca texture is soft, it is as warm as cashmere but lighter. Alpaca fleece is easily washable and has significantly less shrinkage. This makes alpaca clothing a widely praised luxury.
The fiber is ordinarily hypoallergenic. The fabric is soft and removes irritation or skin inflammation as opposed to normal fur. It is incredibly light but simultaneously durable, and it has three times more insulation than sheep’s wool.
Other significant advantages include odor and moisture resistance. These properties make it the ideal fleece for beds and covers. It is environmentally sustainable and is a high-quality natural resource. It comes in different natural tones and shades. Compared with regular fleece, the fiber is smooth and abstains from tingling or skin disturbances.
Now you know that alpaca wool is obtained from natural fibers of alpacas, which are native to South America. Who doesn’t want warm clothes or accessories during winter? Alpaca wool fabric is a great thermal insulator, perfect for cold weather. We hope you found this information useful!
In Silkeborg Uldspinderi we are here to help you. You will have at your disposal many high quality products. If you want to buy any alpaca scarves, shawls, cushions or throws, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact page.
