Royal Alpaca

Royal Alpaca from Lana Grossa is a bulky yarn of 93% royal alpaca and 7% polyamide, with 109 yards (100 meters) in each 50-gram ball. Royal alpaca is the finest grade of alpaca fiber, and here it's made into a light, soft yarn that knits up quickly.

Alpaca is warm, drapey and gentle on the skin, and the small amount of polyamide helps the yarn hold together. Projects come out soft and lofty, with a fabric that moves rather than standing stiff. The color range covers clear shades like yellow and emerald alongside black, beige and light gray.

It suits knitters who want quick, warm accessories with a soft hand, and who want the comfort of alpaca in a bulky weight that doesn't feel heavy.

Best for

• Chunky hats and earwarmers
• Thick, drapey scarves and cowls
• Relaxed, oversized sweaters
• Quick gifts that still feel special

Working with it

The listing suggests US 11–15 needles. The stitch gauge isn't clearly stated, so follow your pattern and swatch to check. With bulky yarn on big needles, a small change in tension shifts the finished size noticeably, so measure over a wide swatch. Alpaca has little bounce, so ribbing may relax; a smaller needle for edges helps them hold. Our merino vs alpaca guide covers how alpaca behaves in garments.

Care

The merchant lists it as hand wash. Use cool water and a gentle wool wash, avoid agitation, then press out the water in a towel and dry flat. Don't hang it to dry, as alpaca can stretch under its own weight.