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Original poster

Is alpaca wool itchy?

15 replies

LeoandBoosmum · 30/09/2013 15:45

Saw a nice sweater with a high % of alpaca...wondering how gentle it would be on sensitive skin...
Thanks

OP posts:
ElizabethBathory · 30/09/2013 16:01

I don't think so, I knitted a snood in alpaca last year and it's the softest thing ever! Softer than some of the cashmere I've felt recently.

ananikifo · 30/09/2013 16:03

No, it's much less itchy than scratchy wool.

ananikifo · 30/09/2013 16:04

What I mean is, sheep wool can be soft or scratchy, and alpaca is never as scratchy as sheep's wool can be. It's as soft as nice merino and should be very warm as well.

Original poster
LeoandBoosmum · 30/09/2013 16:09

Thanks Grin

OP posts:
WhatHo · 30/09/2013 16:10

no no NO, it's absolutely not. I could bore you with why but basically the fibres all face the same way so it's lovely and smooth to wear. Check what the other % is though.

starfishmummy · 30/09/2013 16:15

Some people suggest that alpaca can be used where a person is sensitive to wool but I have not put this to the test as I am ok with wool.
I have knitted with alpaca a few times for gloves and found that one brand was a coarser knit than others and I wouldn't fancy a garment in it but he others were lovely and soft

Original poster
LeoandBoosmum · 30/09/2013 16:29

WhatHo,

Thanks! The sweater is made up of the following:
60% baby alpaca, 25% wool, 15% nylon
Does that sound non-irritating? Thanks :)
Starfish, I think I'll order and return if it bothers me... I like it a lot:)

OP posts:
WhatHo · 30/09/2013 16:53

sounds lovely, go for it. Baby alpaca is the first shearing when they're about 6-9 months old, so it's the softest fur.

WhatHo · 30/09/2013 16:54

not fur, wool. My dad would slap me round the head if he read that.

ouryve · 30/09/2013 16:58

I find alpaca incredibly itchy. Most of it is soft, but it often contains thick, short guard hairs, which are the itchy culprits. I can't wear it next to my skin, at all.

Original poster
LeoandBoosmum · 30/09/2013 17:12

Thanks, WhatHo... I might as well give it a shot :) If it does turn out to be itchy as ouryve says I think it'll have room underneath for a thin layer.
Thannks again!

OP posts:
GobblersKnob · 30/09/2013 19:30

I have a alpaca jumper that I love, but it is intensely itchy, even though an underlayer. I still wear it though.

WhatHo · 30/09/2013 21:18

ouryve good quality alpaca wool should have the guard hair removed before spinning, and baby alpaca shouldn't have that problem. I'm beginning to sound geeky aren't I?!

spanishring · 01/10/2013 12:47

Whatho how come you know so much?! I was going to say about the course thick hairs that are like scratchy hay too, but now I know the answer!

WhatHo · 01/10/2013 12:54

My dad is an alpaca farmer. I know it sounds like the punchline of a joke, but it's true Grin

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