Alpaca Fiber And Its Uniqueness
                          By Elyse Arnow

Many qualities about alpaca fibers make them unique among the many natural fibers available on the market today. These characteristics, along with the relative scarcity of alpaca fibers make them sought after and appreciated by both industrial processors and individual fiber artists.

Alpaca fibers are measured in microns. A micron measurement of less than 18, is classified as "royal", and would be highly prized. Micron measurements between 18 and 20 are classified as "super-fine" and would compare with cashmere. Fine fibers are defined as those with micron measurements between 20 and 25. Medium fibers are those that measure between 25 and 30, but are not suitable for the manufacture of garments. Those fibers that measure above 30 microns are considered strong, but like medium fibers, they are not suitable for apparel.

There are two major types of alpaca fleece: huacaya and suri. Huacaya fleece has a natural wave called "crimp" that enables yarn made from it to retain its shape over time. Suri alpaca fleece is a premium fiber because it possesses a natural luster that does not diminish when it is processed or dyed, and makes visually attractive - almost radiant - garments. Because it lacks a natural crimp, suri alpaca may be blended with another fiber, like merino wool, to add crimp.

Alpacas are sheared once per year, and fibers from the first shearing will produce fine fleece. As the animal ages, the micron measurements of its fleece will likely change. An animal that retains a low micron measurement over time is thought to have good genetics. Genetics do play an important role in determining the fineness of an animal's fleece, but diet, environment and hormones can also affect the fleece's diameter. For this reason, alpaca fibers are measured annually.

Unlike sheep, alpacas do not produce lanolin. This tends to keep the fleece cleaner and makes it easier to process. Additionally, alpacas do not have a coarse outer coating. The lack of lanolin and the relative uniformity of the fibers make them both hypoallergenic and soft. They also reduce the processing needed to create clean fiber.

A single alpaca can produce between 3 and 10 pounds of fleece annually, but more typical yields are between 4 and 8 pounds. The fleece from a mature alpaca is normally between 3 and 6 inches in length. The yield from one alpaca is usually enough to make a single sweater.

Alpaca fleece is strong and will not tear. Fine fibers possess the same strength that larger fibers do, which adds to the unique qualities of alpaca fibers. Unlike wool, alpaca fiber does not require strong chemicals to clean it. Scrubbing and abrasion will not damage the fibers and alpaca fleece does not hold a static charge.

An alpaca fiber is hollow. The air pockets within the fiber act as an insulator, making alpaca fleece five to seven times warmer than sheep's wool. At the same time, alpaca fleece weighs less than other animal fleeces, making alpaca more practical for warm, yet lightweight garments.