Alpaca Soft DK

Alpaca Soft DK blends 70% virgin wool and 30% alpaca into a soft, warm DK. Each 50 g ball holds 136 yards. Rowan describes the blend as extrafine and superfine merino with baby alpaca.

It's plush from the first stitch, with no break-in period. The wool keeps stitches clear and springy, and the alpaca adds warmth and a gentle softness. Rowan notes it really shines in cable patterns, where the rounded stitches show well.

It's a good fit for sweaters that will be worn next to the skin and for anyone who finds pure wool a little scratchy. For more on how the two fibers compare, see our merino vs. alpaca guide.

Best for

• Cabled sweaters and cardigans
• Everyday pullovers worn next to the skin
• Hats, mitts and scarves
• Children's knits that need to be soft

Working with it

Rowan recommends US 6 needles at 22 stitches and 30 rows to 4 inches, a standard DK gauge that makes it easy to substitute into many patterns. It knits smoothly and evenly. Alpaca has less memory than wool, so wash and dry your swatch before you measure, and choose a slightly firmer gauge for ribbing so it doesn't relax too much.

Care

Rowan lists hand wash cold, dry flat in the shade, and no tumble drying. Use cool water and a wool wash, avoid agitation, and dry flat so the alpaca doesn't stretch.