A Lesson On Alpaca Fiber

Here is a collection of some fun and odd facts about Alpaca Fiber from three alpaca owners who have more than 35 years of experience. You will be reading insights below are not based on science but instead on years of first hand experiences.

• If you are purchasing a naked alpaca check out distinct marks from the shear like the one on the picture below. It is a sign that the fiber is thick and will produce a good crimp.

• No grooming or washing needed - Blow drying your alpaca will get them ready for shearing day. By starting low on your animal and working your way up, pick out the small debris and blow dry the smaller ones lightly.

• Super fine and yet strong fiber – Even super fine fiber is strong and when used for clothing and other products, it will last longer, hold its shape and will not pill.

• Full of micro pockets of air – This is the reason why the alpaca fiber is lightweight. The micro pockets of air allow it to retain more heat than wool making it an ideal material to use for clothing.

• Fire retardant fiber – No special treatment needed because it is naturally fire retardant.

• Water resistant fiber – Although it is not waterproof, it will repel raindrops and spills making it stain resistant as well.

• Fiber stays smelling fresh – Use a dryer sheet to keep the moths away and the fiber smelling fresh. Put one sheet in each bag.

• More sought after color: white or natural colors – Show judges acknowledge 22 natural colors. You get paid more by commercial buyers for white fiber but artisans prefer a wide range of colors. No matter what color of fiber your alpaca produce, you will always be able to make money on it!

• Shear that cria – This is a story has been passed on from one alpaca owner to the next. Alpaca owners should shear their young cria within a few months after birth since this is when the coat has the most valuable color and curl. If the owner is an artisan this would be the perfect fiver to create a work of art. While this is the most difficult time to shear the animal it will also help future fiber to grow with good length and crimp. Never miss this important step!

More people are becoming involved in investing time and money into producing different kinds of products using this fleece. The market for Alpaca Fiber is booming.

By: Alan Stables

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Alan Stables organized the International Alpaca Congress in Madrid in 2010, and is well versed in alpaca farming . Alan has also written an ebook on how to start a successful alpaca farm, covering topics such as how to choose your foundation alpacas to how to make alpaca farms profitable.