Question on Blocking Alpaca.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nutty4Knitting on February 7, 2012 at 1:54pm

Elaine, all fibers stretch more when wet than when dry, but what makes it necessary to be so careful with alpaca is the fact that it doesn't have memory, or elasticity, like wool, which means it won't go back to a smaller size/shape once it has been stretched out.  Thus, you have to be very careful when taking it out of a wet bath, supporting all of the weight of the item fully, and then being careful to not overstretch it in the blocking process.

For this reason, if you have the ability to steam block, I would recommend that method.  You can more carefully block it to the right size while dry and then set it with the steam.

Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on February 7, 2012 at 7:42pm

I have wet-blocked alpaca with no problem, but the only alpaca I have used is Huacaya alpaca, which has substantial crimp, similar to wool. If you're using Suri alpaca (by itself, not mixed with wool or other fiber), I have read that it can stretch and sag. I haven't used Suri by itself, though.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on February 7, 2012 at 11:13pm

I leave it to Nutty and Peggy's advice!

Permalink Reply by Elaine Wenger on February 8, 2012 at 5:57am

Thanks Nutty and Peggy. I believe I will go with the steam blocking. I have knit this jacket on size 8 needles. Since it is knitted from the top down, it is knitted all in one piece with no seams. Therefore it is going to be quite heavy when completed, especially if it was all dripping wet. It is special to me since I know the animals that the fleece came from. They are Huacaya Alpaca from a nearby farm. I would be very sad if I ruin it.

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on February 8, 2012 at 6:49am

Keep us posted on how it turns out, Elaine, please! With pictures?

Permalink Reply by Nutty4Knitting on February 8, 2012 at 12:39pm

Yes!  Yes!!  Pictures would be wonderful to see!  That will be a very special sweater indeed when you know the animals personally! =)

Permalink Reply by Elaine Wenger on February 8, 2012 at 12:48pm

Thanks again for much needed help. I'm over halfway knitting it.  I promise to send pics when done. I'm trying my best.

Permalink Reply by Nutty4Knitting on February 8, 2012 at 2:02pm

Elaine, we can be patient.  Enjoy your knitting process, alpaca should not be hurried through!!   =))

Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on February 8, 2012 at 9:45pm

Ditto!