Alpaca is a type of South American camel that looks like a small llama. It is raised mainly in the Andes of South Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and northern Chile. They are bred specifically for their fiber, which is used to make knitted and woven items including, sweaters, gloves, hats, ponchos, socks and bedding.  It comes in more than 52 natural colors.

They are also bred in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand specifically to make good quality fleece. This is because when it comes to textile fibers,  the ‘cream of the crop” when it comes to blankets is Alpaca fiber.

There are actually types of alpacas that produce fibers for blankets. These are the Huacaya, which produces a dense, crimped sheep like fiber, and the Sure, which produces a thinner, silkier fiber.  Of the two breeds of Alpaca Suri fleece produces a lighter, airier blanket.  Huacaya fibers produce a weightier blanket

Alpaca fleece is known for being silky, lustrous and soft. It is similar to sheep’s wool but it does not seem to cause as many allergies.  The fiber is also warmer and does not prickle the skin.

Wool contains lanolin which is thought to be source of allergic reactions and alpaca does not. However that means that Alpaca Fiber is less water repellent than wool as well.

Alpaca fiber is very glossy and sometimes compared to human hair. The process used to make alpaca fiber is similar to that which is used to make will and involves the carding, spinning and weaving process of lamb’s wool.

As a natural plus Alpaca is naturally fire-repellent which means that if you are going to choose a blanket to nestle up in front of the campfire with than one made out of Alpaca is not such a bad idea.

The fiber also has a natural crimp to it, which makes it perfect for knits. It is soft, spongy and naturally cozy and luxurious.  Still despite its apparent silkiness it is also a lot stronger than wool yarns.

The natural colors of alpaca fleece are quite nice as Alpacas have fleece that range from being blue black to brown to cream to white. However the fibers can be dyed any color that you like.

Any blanket made with Alpaca Fiber hardly ever seems to ever get a hole in it, no matter what you to do it. It also does not retain water so you can sweat in it all you want. You can take it camping and it will whisk the water away from your skin.

Also it is very rare to find a fiber that actually gets better with age!  As it ages the fibers in the blanket get thicker, cozier and more comfy. No wonder so many people are now choosing Alpaca Fiber blankets over wool ones.