What is Alpaca | What Can You Sew from Alpaca | Fabmall

Alpaca is a fabric for patchwork and interior decoration. Translated from the Indian language it means “dog”. To produce the fabric, they use the wool and skin of animals that live in the highlands of the Andes. Thanks to a special processing technology, the yarn does not fall into lumps and, accordingly, does not roll down. Alpaca is considered the warmest wool of the animal. Alpaca products are very soft and warm. The fabric drapes beautifully, and thanks to the high density of the fabric, you can sew any product.

The expensive plain or twill weave wool fabric was named after a domestic animal that belongs to the camelid family. Alpacas are bred in South America - in the Peruvian Andes. These beautiful and intelligent creatures were tamed by local residents several thousand years ago.

• In the distant past, their unique and high-quality wool even played the role of currency .
• However, later the Spaniards arrived in their habitat and preferred to raise sheep.

The alpaca returned to its former glory as recently as 1984, when these animals began to be transported from Chile to America. Today, Peru is considered the most famous and largest supplier of wool raw materials. This area has the most suitable conditions for alpaca breeding. The condition and smooth structure of the wool is influenced by the ambient temperature, nutrition with certain mountain herbs, processing technology and even air density.

• The number of tons of alpaca wool per year reaches about 4000. It is important that the animals are sheared only once every two years, so such a large amount of raw material sounds impressive.

Secrets of alpaca production

Alpacas are bred for the purpose of trimming their hair. Despite the fact that it is often impossible to shear these animals, you can get a maximum of three kilograms of wool from one adult alpaca per shearing. The blended fibers are hand-sorted to ensure the finished fiber is of incomparable quality.

After sorting, the threads go through a cleaning stage: craftsmen remove grains of sand, dirt and grass. Next, the spinning process itself begins. Then the finished fabric needs to be washed to remove previously unnoticed debris or greasy stains. The next stage is considered optional: the fabric can be dyed with high-quality dyes or left in its natural form.

• Dyed fabrics may fade when washed , but it all depends on the type and quality of dyes.

Nutrition

Most of all, the alpaca loves young, fresh grass, but in general the animal is unpretentious in food.

Like other calloused animals, the alpaca's upper lip is forked. Alpacas eat almost the same food as horses. These animals graze high in the mountains. When searching for food, alpacas move very slowly, carefully exploring high mountain areas in search of food suitable for them. Small herds of these animals move from place to place, looking for the most tender and most nutritious plants.

High in the mountains, alpacas can only rely on themselves, so if necessary, they are satisfied with simple food. Only a few wealthy farmers allow alpacas to graze in meadows covered with grass, alfalfa or clover. During the day, alpacas feed in the meadows, and at night the animals sleep. In the evening they chew the food they have eaten during the day. Alpacas require regular watering. To obtain high-quality wool, livestock breeders give their animals mineral supplements. One acre can feed 6 to 10 alpacas, but breeders tend to supplement their diet with hay and minerals.

Composition, properties, characteristics

Warm, expensive and pleasant to the touch, the fabric combines the softness of llama wool and the healing properties of camel hair. Alpaca wool fibers are suitable for a wide range of weavings as they do not retain their shape. Alpaca is not usually dyed as the wool is available in 22 luxurious natural dyes from white, pearl to brown, coffee and deep black.

These woolen fabrics are stain-resistant, do not pill, do not lose shape, do not stretch or wrinkle. In addition, they can be used for sewing products for allergy sufferers: the fabrics do not cause dangerous allergic reactions. It is comfortable to wear clothes made from alpaca wool in both hot and cold weather. The fabric adapts perfectly to any weather conditions.

• However, for many, the price of this wool may seem too high, which makes this fabric inaccessible to ordinary people.

How does alpaca wool differ from llama wool and from sheep wool?

The main differences between alpaca wool and sheep wool :

• It is seven times more warm than sheep's wool and three times more durable.
• It has extraordinary lightness, but it is more difficult to process than sheep.
• Alpaca wool does not absorb moisture as much and also dries faster.
• At the same time, yarn made from sheep wool fibers is more durable.

Difference between alpaca and llama :

• The first one is much thicker and also longer. Alpacas have hair that grows from their head to their hooves.
• Llama wool is coarser, while alpaca wool is soft and delicate.
• One adult alpaca produces much more wool than a llama.

History of the origin of animals

Alpaca wool was known to the ancient Incas six thousand years BC. It was used as a local currency. Animals were domesticated and actively bred. When the Spanish colonialists brought sheep to the continent, alpacas were forgotten for several centuries. At the end of the last century they regained popularity. In the eighties, wool began to be actively exported to the USA.

Their ancestors were considered to be the guanacos, the same as the ancestors of the lamas. Recently it became known that they originated from vicuñas.

Types of alpaca fabric

There are two generally accepted ways to vary alpaca wool, thanks to which you can easily choose the fabric you need for your purposes. The first of them is based on the type of alpaca, and the second indicator is based on the thickness of the fiber.

Depending on the breed of animal

The difference between the fabrics is obvious depending on the alpaca breed. Suri and Huakaya are considered the most popular and in demand. The first type of alpaca is quite rare, so the cost will be much higher. This wool is considered the best in the whole world.

By fiber thickness

Alpaca is distinguished depending on the size of the fiber:

1. The Royal Alpaca is considered the finest. Its fibers are 19 microns thick.
2. Baby Alpaca. Fiber diameter is approximately 22.5 microns. It is considered one of the highest quality.
3. Very soft. This fabric is made from fibers 25.5 microns thick.
4. Adult alpaca. Fiber diameter – 32 microns.

Range, habitats

Peruvian Indians began domesticating the alpaca's ancestors about 6 thousand years ago. According to legend, the fleece of animals (who valued even their dung for fuel) received the allegorical name “fiber of the gods.”

And in our time, alpacas, the vast majority of which inhabit Peru, remain an important source of income for modern Indians. In addition, the animals live in northern Chile, Ecuador, western Bolivia and Argentina. Alpaca herds roam the Peruvian highlands (800 m above sea level) and graze in the highlands of the Andes (at an altitude of 3.5–5.0 thousand m), reaching the border of snow with sparse vegetation.

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Premium wool - what products are made from alpaca

Particular attention is paid to sewing alpaca coats. Lightweight, wear-resistant elite fabric is suitable for both warm winter and cooler demi-season models. Not only does it retain heat well, but it is also not afraid of bad weather conditions. It will delight you with excellent condition both on the front and back for many years!

• The silky threads of alpaca wool are also loved to create cozy sweaters or jumpers.

Determining the quality level of the material

The quality of wool is difficult to determine by eye to a person far from the world of the textile industry. However, the authenticity and high level of production of the canvas can still be indicated due to the following factors:

Buy fabric or yarn only from trusted suppliers. TISSURA has been collaborating with time-tested brands for many years. Such companies do not hide information and are ready to share it upon request, so if desired, you can track the full fabric production cycle from processing raw materials to creating the finished product.

• High price. Fabric made from 100% alpaca or blends with other elite wool fibers cannot be cheap if first-class raw materials, modern technologies and many years of experience of professionals in their field were used to create them.

You can distinguish it from a fake using a simple experiment. Take the alpaca thread and set it on fire; when it burns, it will smell like an animal, not something burning or resinous.

A product made from natural alpaca will not be too hot or uncomfortable. This fabric does not create a greenhouse effect, unlike fakes made from other materials.

Pros and cons of fabric

The obvious advantages of wool fabric are:

• Lightness and subtlety.
• High breathability, which is characteristic of all natural fabrics.
• Hypoallergenic. A suitable option for allergy sufferers.
• Excellent thermoregulation. Suitable for both cold and warm seasons. Alpaca products are never too hot or too cold. The body in such clothes is always comfortable and comfortable.
• It is considered the warmest wool fabric. At the same time, as mentioned above, you will not sweat in clothes made from this wool, because alpaca does not create a greenhouse effect.
• Does not accumulate static electricity.

Not without its drawbacks:

• High price. This fact is not at all surprising, since transporting raw materials to other countries from South America is an expensive and time-consuming process. In addition, the processing of these raw materials is carried out by real professionals in their field.
• The fabric requires careful handling. Be sure to study the rules for caring for alpaca wool before performing any manipulations.

Cost of fabric per meter

The TISSURA Fabric House presents original alpaca wool, delivered to us straight from Peru. Baby alpaca can be bought in our store from 7,300 rubles per meter. Italian Loro Piana coat fabric made from a mixture of alpaca and Australian merino wool is available at a price of 9,100 rubles per meter. The design of the latter is presented in several pastel shades: the Windsor check is available in grey, burgundy and beige. Read more detailed description on our website. The most expensive alpaca fabric costs 89,900 rubles per meter. This fabric from the Swiss brand Jacob Schlaepfer features elegant floral embroidery along the edges, imitating lace.

You can purchase fabrics online in an online store or in our Fabric House, where our experienced employees will advise you. Come visit us, because this way you can not only look, but also touch the canvases, evaluate in person the softness of their surface, check how dense they are, as well as how well the color, pattern or design meets your expectations. In TISSOURA you will find not only alpaca, but also other luxury wool fabrics from leading European brands: angora, vicuna, llama, cashmere and camel hair. For the lining, our staff will help you choose elegant silk options, both plain and printed, for example, striped.

Natural enemies

The natural enemies of callouseds include mainly large pumas and leopards. Alpacas fight off small predators by using their forelimbs and their signature weapon, spitting. When defending themselves, animals make sounds to warn their comrades of danger.

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Application

For many years, the unique features of this fabric have been appreciated by many people around the world. In the distant past, alpaca products were available only to a certain class, but today everyone can experience luxury, even though it is not cheap. Alpaca wool yarn is often used not only for making finished fabric, but also for needlework. Popular products that can be sewn from alpaca fabric:

1. Outerwear: coats, jackets.
2. Accessories: caps, scarves and hats.
3. Casual clothing: socks, dresses, sweaters, tracksuits. Particularly convenient are double-sided products that can be turned inside out and worn that way.
4. Interior items, a set of home textiles: rugs, bedspreads and carpets. For this category of items, manufacturers often resort to wool raw materials obtained from old alpacas.

The high cost of this wonderful material is justified by the unsurpassed characteristics of natural raw materials. Excellent thermoregulation, durability and excellent aesthetic qualities make clothing made from alpaca wool truly versatile and suitable for wearing all year round.

Warmth, beauty, style

Exquisite, smooth and warm, exotic wool has been attracting the attention of fashion designers for decades.
Warm and light coats, suits, and dresses are made from it. Cozy and elegant alpaca clothing, especially the suri variety, is synonymous with sophistication, high style and elite quality. Representatives of show business and famous movie stars often appear in such discreet but sophisticated outfits. These clothes last a very long time, so their cut is usually simple and elegant. Fans of ethnic style really appreciate things made in Peru. They will not only reliably protect you from bad weather, but are distinguished by bright colors, unusual patterns, and allow you to look bright and original. In addition, alpaca grown in Peru is considered the best. The unique thermoregulating properties of this wool make it indispensable for sportswear. One more feature of this fiber should be noted - it is so gentle that it does not irritate the skin at all, and products made from it do not need either a lining or a T-shirt worn underneath.

Recommendations for care and washing, protection against moths

Rules to follow if you want to extend the life of your favorite woolen product:

Alpaca requires care not only in care, but also in the method of storage. Wool made from such fibers does not like mothballs: if you want to get rid of moths, turn to alternative methods of protection of natural plant origin - lavender or cedar. Do not use synthetic repellents.

1. Wash. Before any manipulations, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations. Depending on the type of item and its density, you should wash the item in a washing machine or only by hand. Very thin things that become completely thin at the slightest stretch should never be trusted in a machine. Alpaca is washed in cold water (about 30 degrees) with detergents that are specifically designed for this material. Avoid using harsh substances like bleach. You can use dry cleaning services. We recommend washing the item every seven to eight wears to prevent rapid wear.
2. Drying. You should not squeeze them, it is better to let the water drain on its own by hanging the product horizontally. Dry away from heating devices and scorching sun. Remember to return the item to its original shape when drying so that the fabric does not become deformed in the process. You can return the pile to a presentable appearance using a brush or a not very hard sponge.
3. Ironing. Carefully, on a delicate setting, iron through a damp cloth.