Luxuriously soft, incredibly warm, and beautifully lightweight — alpaca yarn is one of the world's finest natural fibres, perfect for garments, baby knits, and accessories that feel like a dream against the skin. Our alpaca yarn collection features premium options from 2 ply to 14 ply, including baby alpaca, suri alpaca, and stunning alpaca blends. From the ultra-fine Sesia Olivery and Lana Grossa Seta Suri 2 ply (perfect for advanced lace knitters or held double for the rest of us!) to the incredibly soft Alpaca Yarns Indiecita 14 ply, each yarn is chosen for its exceptional quality and beautiful performance. Stocked in New Zealand and shipped fast from Rangiora across NZ and to Australia.

What Makes Alpaca Yarn Special?
Alpaca is warmer than merino, silkier, and not itchy — making it perfect for people with sensitive skin, those going through chemotherapy, or anyone who is neurodivergent with texture sensitivities. Alpaca yarn is often a really popular choice for those who find other fibres uncomfortable. Because alpaca is lightweight, the meterage is often surprisingly long for the weight of the ball — a reminder to look at meterage over the weight of a ball or skein when selecting yarn. Alpaca is also incredibly durable, making it a great addition to sock yarns and perfect for knitting garments that will last for years. However, alpaca doesn't moisture wick like merino, so it's not the best choice for summer hats or activewear.

Understanding Alpaca Quality:
Not all alpaca is created equal. Baby alpaca is super special — it comes from the very first shear of young alpacas, so it's not a repeatable every-year yarn, which explains its exceptional softness. Suri alpaca is a type of alpaca and is considered higher quality yarn with a silky, lustrous finish. Some alpaca yarn can be scratchy (a lesson learned from a Peruvian jumper in the 1980s!), so quality matters. Alpaca is more expensive than merino because the yarn is harder to get — alpaca farming is still a very niche industry, most of the world's alpaca is farmed in South America, and alpacas are only shorn once a year. The quality is exceptional, making it worth the investment.

What You'll Find in Our Alpaca Collection:

• Sesia Olivery and Lana Grossa Seta Suri 2 ply — the softest to knit with, perfect for advanced lace knitters solo, or held double with another yarn for the rest of us. Seta Suri held with Alpaca Yarns Sportif creates an 8-10 ply mix that's super soft and snuggly
• Alpaca Yarns Indiecita 14 ply — incredibly soft and perfect for warm, snuggly but lightweight blankets and clothing
• Baby alpaca — from the first shear of young alpacas, exceptionally soft and luxurious
• Suri alpaca — higher quality with silky, lustrous fibres
• Alpaca blends — combining alpaca's warmth and softness with other beautiful fibres
• 2 ply to 14 ply weights — from delicate laceweight to chunky quick knits
• Beautiful for baby knits, sensitive skin, and neurodivergent knitters who need texture-friendly fibres

Common Questions About Alpaca Yarn:
What needle size for alpaca yarn? Needle size depends on the ply and weight of the yarn, so it's best to check your specific pattern. Always do a gauge test, especially if knitting something in alpaca when the pattern specifies merino or another fibre — alpaca behaves differently.

What crochet hook size for alpaca yarn? Hook size depends on the weight of the yarn and your pattern. Alpaca is a great option for crochet as it's lightweight and fluffy but not too fluffy.

Is alpaca warmer than merino? Yes! Alpaca is warmer than merino, which makes it perfect for winter garments and cosy accessories. However, alpaca doesn't moisture wick like merino, so it's not ideal for summer hats or activewear.

Is alpaca yarn good for babies? Absolutely! Alpaca is beautiful for baby knits — it's incredibly soft, warm, lightweight, and gentle on delicate skin.

Is alpaca good for people with sensitive skin or texture sensitivities? Yes! Alpaca is silkier and not itchy, making it perfect for people with sensitive skin, those going through chemotherapy, or neurodivergent individuals with texture sensitivities. It's often a really popular choice for those who find other fibres uncomfortable.

Why is alpaca yarn more expensive than merino? Alpaca is harder to get — alpaca farming is still a niche industry, most alpaca is farmed in South America, and alpacas are only shorn once a year. The quality is exceptional, making it worth the investment.

Can you use alpaca for socks? Yes! Alpaca is very durable and makes a great addition to sock yarns. Look for alpaca blends with reinforcing fibres for the best wear.

What is baby alpaca? Baby alpaca comes from the very first shear of young alpacas. It's not a repeatable every-year yarn, which explains its exceptional baby softness and higher price.

Where can I buy alpaca yarn in New Zealand and Australia? The Wool Shop stocks premium alpaca yarn in weights from 2 ply to 14 ply, including baby alpaca, suri alpaca, and beautiful blends. Fast shipping across NZ and to Australia from our Rangiora store, with most orders dispatched same day.

Whether you're knitting a luxurious jumper, creating treasured baby gifts, working on delicate lace held double, or making something special for someone with sensitive skin or texture sensitivities, our alpaca yarn collection offers the warmth, softness, and exceptional quality you need. From ultra-fine 2 ply to chunky 14 ply, each yarn is chosen for its beautiful performance and the stunning results it creates.