Baby Alpaca

Blue Sky Fibers Baby Alpaca is exactly what the name says: 100% baby alpaca in a sport weight, 110 yards (101 meters) to a 50-gram skein. It's a two-plied yarn, light and soft, with the smooth glide that makes alpaca a pleasure to knit.

Alpaca is warm for its weight and drapes rather than springs, so fabrics hang softly and feel gentle against the face and neck. The colors run from quiet basics like black to rich shades like emerald, red and a mustardy dijon, all with the soft surface alpaca develops as it's worn.

It's a good fit for knitters who want warmth without bulk, or who find wool too itchy. Small accessories take only a skein or two, which makes it an easy gift to knit.

Best for

• Hats and fingerless mitts
• Drapey scarves and small shawls
• Lightweight pullovers with a relaxed fit
• Gifts for people with sensitive skin

Working with it

The suggested needle is a US 5 for 6 stitches per inch. The yarn moves smoothly and evenly, so it's comfortable over long sessions. Alpaca has little elasticity, so ribbing won't snap back the way wool does: go down a needle size for cuffs and brims, or use a twisted rib to firm them up. Garments can lengthen over time, so swatch, wash, and let the swatch hang before measuring. Our merino vs alpaca guide goes into the differences in more detail.

Care

The catalog doesn't give care instructions. Alpaca is generally best hand washed in cool water with a gentle wool wash, then pressed in a towel and dried flat. Avoid hot water and rubbing, which can felt the fiber.