50 Fun Facts About Alpacas And Their Wool

Breeding Alpacas. How are they raised? Have alpacas gone extinct? How big is the Alpaca population?

1.  Alpacas grow in their population

It was only half a century earlier; alpacas existed in the United States and were present in zoos. However, it was in 1984 that a smaller group of importers brought the initial carefully picked alpaca herd to Canada and the states, and they dotted the rural landscape. According to the Alpaca Owners Association, the North American herd had grown from a couple of all residing in zoos and private farms to more than 250,000.

2. The alpacas are raised high above the sea

The alpacas are the camelid species related to the llama and are closest to the vicugna. It arrives from the Andes with a chain of a mountain in South America being held in herds across the flat grasslands, as high as 4900 meters over the sea. 

3. Alpacas were almost extinguished due to the Spanish invasion

The Spanish conquistadors invaded Peru and South America during the 16th century during their hunt for Eldorado, the Golden city of the Inca Empire. These conquistadors had demolished everything they found in the Inca Empire while they were left with ruins except the city of Machu Picchu. They are located higher up the mountains; the city was hidden from the Spanish and left intact, where the town was rediscovered again by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer, in 1911.

4. 90% of alpaca farmers are known as the small farmers

The small farmers herd about 10 to 150 alpacas. They are using older production technologies, identical to the ones used during the Inca times, while they are honestly not the most efficient ones. The fiber quality could be more optimal due to the lack of proper nutrition or knowledge.

5. Alpacas are extremely productive animal

Keep in mind that it takes three cashmere goats for a single sweater. However, it would help if you always remembered to mix the number in the cases for the alpacas. At the same time, it takes only a single alpaca to create about three sweaters. Those that are softer and tenderer, whenever compared with the merino wool, are always the best choice in matters of cashmere.

Is Alpaca wool warmer? What is Alpaca wool known for? Does Alpaca wool catch on fire? Is Alpaca wool water-proof?

 6.  Alpaca wool is warmer than other wool

Astonishingly, alpaca wool is warmer than any other wool. The extra warmth brought about by the alpaca wool is related to the microstructure of the individual alpaca fiber. The interior of the alpaca fibers consists of microscopic air pockets, and the air pockets in the fibers trap air, preventing heat loss. As a result, the structure will make them warmer than any other wool.

7. Alpaca Wool is known for their Hypoallergenic properties

Alpaca fibers do not consist of any lanolin. It is the material on the list of common sensitizers to which people get allergic. Lanolin is the material that has delayed contact hypersensitivity. Therefore, there are greater times for a person to come in contact with lanolin, which is more likely to have allergic reactions. The lack of lanolin in the alpaca fibers is more likely to make them hypoallergenic compared to wool.

8. The fleece alpaca consists of antibacterial properties

If you are familiar with natural materials like sheep's wool, you might say, wait. But, at the same time, lanolin is the element that is mainly attributed to offering wools their anti-odor and antibacterial properties. Therefore, how would it become antibacterial when the alpaca wool lacks it? It is because alpaca fleece consists of another protein known as keratin. A couple of studies show materials that consist of keratin have antibacterial properties. But, it is vital to keep an extremely theoretical note.

9. Alpaca fibers are resistant to fire 

It is vital to note that while you are speaking about the fire properties or something that has its level of fire protection, we are not mentioning it as flameproof or when it does not catch fire. Instead, it means that it slowly ignites when compared with other materials. Furthermore, alpaca wool claimed to have a couple of self-extinguishing properties too. But, the fire is minor enough, and you will mainly never put out its modest-sized fire with the alpaca wool.

10. You can choose from 22 natural colors

Alpacas start across several shades ranging from white and light grey to reddish black and brown. There are about 22 natural base colors to select from, and you can start blending the natural colors with the massive possibilities. The alpaca fibers work adequately with the dye as you start thinking of every nuance to pick from while knitting.

11. The Alpaca yarns have longer fibers

The alpaca wool consists of longer fibers ranging between 10 and 20 centimeters. It depends on the way it starts spinning with the yarn that is lighter on the heavier side. The longer fibers make the yarn alpaca stronger, and the silkiness makes them softer on the skin while it is shinier. Alpaca is less elastic, and the garment in the alpaca wool drapes is a bit different from one knitted in the sheep wool compared to sheep wool.

12. Alpaca wool is resistant to water

The fleece of alpaca is resistant to water, and it is the same for sheep fleece; however, the wool of alpaca starts wicking away the moisture. Alpacas can share this quality with the merino sheep. It makes them best for outdoor knitting garments such as hats, sweaters, and shawls. It will help you stay warmer and dry better than any other fiber.

13. Alpaca is considered the fiber of royal

The alpaca breeders were dedicated to generating the finest quality wool during the Inca Empire. They accomplish this by getting 22 base colors and 250 nuances of yarn out of the alpacas. It consists of higher quality than what we are getting today; while it is considered a finer one, it was the only royals who were allowed to start wearing the alpaca fabrics.

14. The Alpaca fiber safeguards them from the north-eastern winters

The Andes Mountain is the native habitat for the alpacas. It adapts them to the harsh environment, while alpacas have developed a thicker insulating blanket comprising several fabulous fibers having smaller diameters. The shafts of hair have hollow cores trapping the insulating air.

15.  Alpaca fibers do not fade or bleed

The yarns of natural color will never fade or bleed since the color is inherent within the structure of the fibers. The Alpaca fibers take the dyes well and therefore involve minor fading as expected. Both synthetic and natural dyes work well if they are cared for properly, and the alpaca garments last several years without any signs of wear.

16. Age, sex, and level of nutrition determine the diameter of the fiber

In the mature alpaca, the fibers consist of greater or coarser micron values. The males, at times, have higher micron values than the females, with the level of complete nutrition significantly affecting the diameter of the fiber.

17. Alpaca wools & fibers are used for the handcrafted items

The luxurious, soft, farm-raised fleeces are made into handmade, beautifully finished alpaca shawls, socks, scarves, boots, and fingerless mitts for gifts, holidays, or special occasions. 

18.  Alpaca fibers come from alpaca native to South America

Alpacas live in extreme climates that help them in developing coveted coats. The alpacas are shorn explicitly during the spring, allowing them to have shorter hair in the warmer months, and the raw fleece is spun, felted, dyed, or woven. Alpacas were exported to various countries worldwide and living in the United States, Australia, and Europe, although native to Peru.

19. The fiber of alpaca is soft

The alpaca fiber has a softer, silkier feel while it is warmer in sheep wool as it does not have a similar potential of itchy nature. In addition, the alpaca fiber is softer naturally to the touch since it consists of several microns smaller in diameter like the merino wool giving them the features of softness.

20. Alpaca wools are used to create the knitwear

Alpaca wools are favorite among fiber enthusiasts, while alpaca yarn is the fixture of the hand-knitting community. Crocheters and knitters create alpaca cardigans, sweaters, and socks. There are various weights to the alpaca yarn, from lightweight or fingering yarn to medium or worsted weight yarn to chunky weight. The alpaca yarn is lightweight, or wool alpaca blend yarn that adds strength and softness to the fiber it is spun with.

21. Alpaca fibers are the best spinning fiber

The hand spinners start gravitating the alpaca wool, the best spinning fiber. Although several people do not, while it comes across several beautiful natural colors, lighter colors are dyed too. But, for dying and spinning, the guard hair, which is the hairs from the legs, gets removed as they are not turning or holding dye. It is assembled into the skin once the alpaca is dyed and spun while the entire length term of the yarn is organized into the coil.

22. Alpaca fiber is best for felting

Alpaca is the best fiber for felting, which involves condensing and matting the threads together, forming the felt. Soap and hot water are used to agitate the fibers while the process is done with a washing machine.

23. Fibers of Alpaca are considered a luxury

Alpaca is identical to cashmere due to its softness, luxurious feel, and fantastic lightweight and warmth. However, alpaca fibers are considered as it is regarded as luxury items, while alpaca is a bit more affordable and accessible than cashmere.

24. The Pre-Inca times used the alpaca wool

The Chiribaya people were examples of the civilization that ritually sacrificed the llamas and alpacas while including them in their weavings and tapestries. The fetus of an alpaca was discovered under houses and important buildings. It was a sacrifice to Mother Earth for blessing the building on top of it.

25. Alpaca wool was softer in the past than nowadays

Quite interestingly, irrespective of the fantastic high-quality fiber of the mummified alpacas found in the burial sites, it is considered the most sacrificed alpacas of lower quality than the fiber used for the fabrics. Offering the alpacas to the Incan Gods was considered one of the significant rituals. 

26. Alpaca wools are stretchy due to the elasticity determined by the scales

The Alpaca fiber scales are smoother and shorter when not locked together. The outcomes are that 100% alpaca yarns tend to start stretching, unlike wool, which does not shrink into place whenever washed. The feature significantly benefits crocheting or knitting the lace while the stitches open up readily and display the pattern.

27. Alpaca fibers can add luster to the yarn

You can add luster to the yarn by adding about 20 to 25% bamboo to the alpaca fiber, improving the yarn's appearance. The bamboo also adds a pleasing eye drape to the final garment. It is not a good blend for sweaters; however, they are best for scarves and shawls. The bamboo also causes the cross-dye effect since the cellulose fiber does not take the dye strongly, as alpaca is unique to the color of the yarn.

28. Alpaca Fiber has a magical effect

Alpaca hair is almost the most beautiful natural fiber present in the world. It is more delicate than cashmere, softer cotton, smoother silk, breathable thermal knit, and warmer than goose down. Yet, it never sounds like anything dreamy. It is the second strongest animal fiber since mohair which is the wool out of an angora goat.

29. The Incas used gilded Alpaca fabric in place of currency

The alpacas were domesticated together with the guanacos and llamas during that time. Llamas were domesticated descendants of the guanaco, and alpaca was a domesticated descendant of the earlier vicuna. The difference is evident for the Incas since they use them for their fleece, although llamas are pack animals.

30. Alpaca wool is similar to your hair

Like human hair, alpaca wool continues growing. People easily shear off whenever alpaca wool grows longer enough, and it does not hurt the alpacas. The wool is used for making blankets, scarves, and sweaters.

31. 5 to 10 pounds of fiber is produced every month by an adult alpaca

The alpaca fibers start selling from $2-$6 for every ounce of a raw fibre to $10 or more for every ounce in the finished garment. Next, fiber artists and the hand-spinners start buying raw fleece. Next, the crocheters, weavers, and knitters appreciate the quality of the natural fibers by purchasing the alpaca yarn. Finally, the fiber cooperatives start collecting the alpaca fibers and processing them on behalf of the producers.

32. The awn hairs of alpacas are thicker

These are the long straight hairs between the undercoat to ensure the fine coat does not turn out a matter. Therefore, you should never brush an alpaca as it would destroy the structure of the undercoat. The awn hairs are coarser than the fine undercoat while it is carded easily; however, they are sorted out. The last result of the sorting process is known as the baby alpaca.

 33. Alpaca coat is the latest fundamental

It is the kind of wool that does not itch and starts warding off the cold with pure luxury to every wardrobe. You might try the long swing coat or the shorter cutaway style, even if there is something new and stylish like the sweater coat. If you prefer the freedom of movement, select the poncho overcoat. It will start offering a similar amount of warmth and pleasure; however, it does not restrict the movement.

34. The raw material is used for several products

However, what is the alpaca wool used for? There is a massive variety of garments that you can start buying made out of this type of material, created mainly for bedspreads, sweaters, hats, gloves, rugs, and more. These products stand out for becoming shiny and silky even after washing them.

35. Alpaca wool or fiber is known for their natural elasticity

It can shrink or stretch even after washing, affecting the garment's size. There are greater chances of damaging the alpaca clothes, so you are not risking them or turning them to professional cleaners. Additionally, suppose your alpaca garment consists of a lining. In that case, it starts fading and eventually popping out from the hem and sleeves for the fabric to shrink. 

36. Alpaca wool fibers are very durable

It means you must replace only part of the garment as it will last several years. For a couple of years, you can google a few of the latest alpaca clothing artifacts found in Peru. Furthermore, whether you like them or not, they are passing down the alpaca woolen garments in Latin America through several generations without any signs of wear, even for several decades. Finally, mention the product life cycle across the consumer society.

37. Alpacas leave a smaller footprint

Alpacas are two-toed feet that are smaller and have a softer paddle that is not harming the soil of the precious grazing fields. The front teeth of the alpacas work like a mower by just cutting the grass instead of ripping them off the ground with the roots as the sheep and goats do. Therefore, the plant with the higher part of its stalks eaten can continue to grow. The alpacas are camelids that do not require water and grass. Consequently, they need less territory for the pastures; therefore, smaller family farms start growing.

38. Alpaca wool involves less maintenance

The core insulation and more refined pores of the alpaca fiber result in the fleece that never ages as it works as a healthier natural gloss. In addition, the threads of the alpacas are designed to become resistant to water leading to more excellent resistance to stains. The combination of these features, and alpaca fibers, does not have mat or pill results.

39. The Alpaca wools are antimicrobial and odor resistant naturally

The outdoors and the sports textile industries have observed increased interest in antimicrobial clothing products from customers searching for odor-resistant and antimicrobial clothing. The sector has principally addressed things in greater demand by treating fabrics using chemicals to inhibit the growth of bacteria. It is highly effective to help suppress bacteria on the clothing for the short term. However, in several cases, these chemicals vanish with time while the dress is washed and used, resulting in a complete loss of antibacterial qualities.

40. Alpaca fiber is warmer and stronger 

Alpaca fibers are three times warmer than wool and seven times more potent. It is one of the most muscular natural fibers available. Alpaca fiber is very soft, like cashmere, and has smoother outer cuticles that make this fiber appear smoother. It has to get done with the scaling structure present in the fiber shaft. The lengthier the distances present between the scales are brighter and smoother. There are barbs as scales join one another along the post, not sticking out as far as the other fibers present closer to this shaft. It offers a great feel to this fiber.

41. Alpaca fiber is entirely hollow

The alpaca fiber is hollow, whereas the wool only consists of air pockets. Therefore, alpacas have more significant benefits over wool due to the additional open spaces present in the fiber. In addition, the extra length creates greater thermal capacities, allowing warm air to fill the textiles and offering warmth over their woolen counterparts.

42. Alpaca fiber is free from lanolin

Alpaca fiber does not contain any natural oils and is hypoallergenic. Alpaca fiber is six times warmer than wool, three times stronger than wool, and more luxurious than silk-cashmere. The yarn does not pile and resists the testing. The fiber creates apparel that is lightweight and has high insulation values.

43. Alpaca wools are highly sustainable

Alpaca yarn is produced, which is sustainable. The herds can graze across regions where agriculture is not possible any longer. Softer hooves are the type of landscape, while their grazing methods are not overly taxed with their massive pastures.

44. Alpacas are highly affordable

Alpaca farms have started popping up like mushrooms after the summer rain all over central Europe and North America in recent years. As an outcome, alpaca yarn has recently become one of the most affordable luxury fibers available to knitters. But, unfortunately, the premium is often only within the range of 20 to 30 percent speaking from personal experience.

45. Alpaca displays moderately better definition for the stitches

It is the perfect idea for intense knitting stitch patterns benefiting from crisp stitches. The brioche stitch and voluminous stitches are the warmest and most fabulous options.

46. Alpacas can get felt, but pilling and shedding is an issue

Maialpacalpaca produces quite the uniformity of the staples. However, the yarn of the lowest quality will have a massive mix of fiber lengths and those behaving differently. Through normal wear and tear, the shorter fibers start migrating out of the twist and get released. The process is known as shedding or piling. At the same time, it is avoided to a certain extent by locating a reliable yarn producer.

47. Alpaca yarns can stretch

The alpaca yarn garments can easily stretch out after the initial wear. Therefore, knitting the good swatch and washing it while blocking it hanging with the amount of weight is the only way to find out whether knitting a sweater or hat with the specific yarn is a good idea.

48. Alpacas are shorn during spring once a year

After the shearing process, the fleece is roughly cleaned and sorted based on color. The dried wool is carded in this process, while the loose alpaca fibers get aligned into the strain of the alpaca fleece with the help of a carding machine.

49. Alpaca fiber can wick moisture

Tests conducted showed that alpacas could wick moisture away from the body in the woven and knitted fabric. Wool starts absorbing about 50% of the body weight in water; however, after this, there is a point of saturation and sweat sitting next to the skin, increasing the likelihood of blisters and discomfort.

50. Alpaca fiber comes from Huacaya and Suri

Huacaya produces the softer, denser, crimpy fiber appearing teddy bear-like and identical to the sheep-wool; however, it feels softer. About 80% of the alpacas in America are Huacaya. Suri, which accounts for the remaining 20% of the alpaca fiber, is very different. Suri fiber is softer and silkier, with longer pencil-like locks that resemble deadlocks without matted wool.

Conclusion

Alpacas are mainly raised as pets or for their fleece. They are friendly, clean, and intelligent animals that are affectionate with their humans. In addition, they have some unique quirks making them the ideal complement to the land. The facts I shared today about the modified ruminant are enjoyable to do!