Alpaca Blanket & Throws (2024)

FAQs

Are alpaca blankets worth it? ›

Alpaca wool is well known for its exceptional warmth properties, which surpass normal wool and even cashmere. Alpaca wool is actually warmer than sheep's wool because its fibers have a hollow center, which helps them retain heat better while still being breathable.

There are around 200,000 registered alpacas across 19 different countries according to the Alpaca Owners Association. While the number of sheep is estimated to be well over 1 billion. This means that the fibres alpacas produce are more limited than other wool fleeces, and baby alpaca wool fleeces are rarer still.

Alpaca isn't a high maintenance fiber. It does not pill and is water-resistant.

With the proper care, your alpaca throw surely will last decades.

The colour of an alpaca doesn't affect its temperament, of course, but white fleeces are more flexible for fibre production. Multicoloured animals make great pets but they're not as good for wool because it comes out more than one colour. Whereas a white or solid-coloured animal's fleece can be dyed.

Alpaca wool is simply warmer

But the fine 14 micron wool costs a lot of money and takes a long time to process. In comparison, Baby Alpaca wool or Vicuña is also 14 microns or less in thickness, meaning a warmer, more comfortable item can be produced in a fraction of the time and at a much better price.

As previously mentioned, Alpaca wool wicks moisture and does not retain smells or dust, making them resistant to odors and dirty. Laying your blanket in the sun can greatly freshen it; however, restrict sun exposure to no more than 15 minutes because the sun might cause fading.

Lay the alpaca item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel. Do not put it in the dryer! Expedite drying alpaca garments by laying the item flat on a clean towel. With the item in its original shape, roll it up in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove excess water.

A small amount of shedding is normal for a new woven alpaca item and will decrease with time. If desired, you can “fix” the fibers to the item quickly using a gentle machine or hand wash and rinse in cold water using light detergent. Line/air dry.

100% alpaca blankets will generally recommend dry cleaning. Alpaca blend blankets and throws can be hand washed with cool water and gentle baby shampoo. After washing, remove excess water by rolling in a towel, then lay flat to dry. Check product tags for recommendations specific to your product.

Can I use Woolite on alpaca? ›

Alpaca sweaters may be hand washed in cool water with a gentle detergent. Woolite is not recommended. Do not use chlorine bleach. Do not agitate or wring.

Royal Alpaca wool does not feel itchy to most people. It's important to consider that people with sensitive skin might perceive itchiness differently. What is itchy to one person can feel soft to another. However, to most people, Royal Alpaca wool does not feel scratchy against the skin.

Alpaca wool care

For 50% to 100% alpaca wool sweaters, washing must be done by hand and in cold water. For sweaters that are made up of less than 50% alpaca wool, you can wash your sweater in a washing machine, but in cold water and on a delicate cycle and, ideally, in a washing bag.

It lacks the scales that are present in other types of wool. These scales can irritate the skin and cause itchiness. In addition, alpaca wool is softer and finer than other types of wool, which makes it less likely to cause irritation.

Fiber tests show that alpaca is at least three times warmer than merino wool, however, both are very warm.

A sweater made of baby alpaca wool, in terms of softness and strength, wins over cashmere. Cashmere fibers are four centimeters long, while alpaca fibers measure between eight and twelve centimeters. This means that alpaca fiber garments are more resistant, therefore long-lasting and less prone to pilling effect.