History of Alpaca Fleece Fiber

Alpaca are known to produce on of the most luxurious natural fibers in the world. Not only does it come in the widest range of naturally appearing colors, it is incredibly soft, and lighter, stronger, and warmer than wool. Not counting all the many variations and blends, Alpaca comes in 22 natural colors and is hypoallergenic.

Although they were once unique to the southern hemisphere, alpacas were domesticated for their wonderful fleece by the ancient Peruvians. This luxurious fiber was processed by British textile companies in commercial houses which they established in Peru in the 1820s. Shearing is the first step in the processing of alpaca fleece, a process that begins in Peru in November and continues through January. The fleece is then collected and bundled by classification, including white, light fawn, and colored. This process is conducted by master sorters, some of who have more than 30 years experience. There can be several different grades and colors of alpaca fiber from each fleece. This is why is takes an experienced professional to sort through the fleece. Most of the master sorters are woman who learn from watching their mothers sort and then continue the family tradition. A second sort is conducted after the first, putting the fleece into categories depending on color, quality, breed, and length. A fiber can be sorted as many as three times prior to becoming yarn. The final grading of the fiber is based on diameter measured by microns. The fibers are then weighed prior to making their way to an industrial manufacturing plant. Any vegetable matter is removed from the fleece as it goes through a combing machine. This machine also opens up the fleece. The fleece then goes through several different baths, the last three containing only clean water. After it is cleaned the fleece will either be kept in its natural state or dyed any imaginable color. Additional natural colors can be created by blending together natural fibers of different colors. The fleece, now clean and dyed, is then carded which aligns and elongates the fibers. The last part of the process it to spin the fibers into yarn.

The market for alpaca fiber in the US is still under development. The economic future of the alpaca market will be determined by the value of alpaca fleece. The annual fiber harvest from each animal is determined by the density and staple length of the fibers, so breeders pay particular attention to these qualities. Each alpaca will yield between 5 and 10 pounds of fleece annually, at an average price of $2 to $4 dollars an ounce. Some breeders choose to join a co-op which processes the fleece into finished products, such as yarn, sweaters, socks, etc., and then sells them back to the co-op members at reduced prices. Other options for breeders include processing the fibers themselves or using a fiber mill. Small businesses that focus on hand spinning and weaving often purchase the fibers.
 

Home page: Z Fleece Blankets || All pages pages:  Fleece and blankets

Bedding || Home furnishings || Home Cleaning || Shoes & clothing ||  More clothing