The Process Behind Alpaca Woven Blankets

The Process Behind Alpaca Woven Blankets

Alpaca woven blankets are known for their incredible softness, durability, and sustainability. The process of creating these blankets is a blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern techniques, making a high-quality product that’s luxurious and friendly.

Alpaca Fiber:

The journey begins with the alpacas, raised usually in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Alpacas are shorn once a year, usually in spring, to prevent overheating during the warmer months. Unlike sheep wool, alpaca is hypoallergenic, softer, and more lightweight, making it ideal for delicate and cozy textiles. Alpaca farming is sustainable because the animals have a low environmental impact.

Shearing the Alpacas: The shearing process is performed with care, to make sure animals are not harmed. A single alpaca produces around 5 to 10 pounds of fleece per year. The softest fiber comes from younger alpacas, usually called “baby alpacas”, from the first few shearings, not meaning that they are younger alpacas.

Cleaning the Fleece: The fleece is sorted into different grades based on quality. The finest and softest fibers are reserved for luxury products such as alpaca woven blankets. The raw fleece is washed to remove dirt, grease, and other impurities. This makes sure the fibers are ready for spinning and dyeing.

Spinning the Yarn: They align the fibers for spinning. Traditionally it was done by hand, but now it’s hand-spun and machine-spun. The spinning process transforms the loose fleece into long threads of yarn.

Natural Dyeing Process: Alpaca woven blankets have earthy tones thanks to natural dyes, extracted from plants, minerals, and insects. It creates a beautiful, subdued color and reduces an environmental impact.

Weaving the Blanket: It’s done on traditional looms. Peruvian artisans have been weaving alpaca wool for centuries. It requires great skill and patience. The process requires great skill and patience, as each blanket can take several days or even weeks to complete. Patterns are woven directly into the fabric, adding both aesthetic and cultural value.

Brushing for Extra Softness: The surface of the blanket is brushed to raise the fibers, giving it that incredibly soft and fluffy texture that alpaca blankets are famous for.

Final Quality Check: Before the alpaca woven blankets are sent out for distribution, they undergo a final quality inspection to ensure there are no defects in the weave or finish. After passing inspection, the blankets are folded, packaged, and prepared for shipping, often with a tag indicating their origin and the artisan or cooperative that made them.

The process of making alpaca woven blankets is a meticulous blend of traditional techniques and sustainable practices. From the careful shearing of alpacas in the Andes to the expert weaving by skilled artisans, each blanket is a testament to the quality and care that goes into its creation. By offering these blankets in your store, you’re not just selling a product—you’re sharing a piece of Andean culture and supporting ethical, eco-friendly craftsmanship.