Alpaca Yarn & Tension Squares

Make sure your new Alpaca Yarn gets the best care possible with our Yarn Care instructions! We also have information on our yarn weights and tension squares to ensure you get exactly what you need when ordering from us.

Hand washing: Use lukewarm water and a specialist wool detergent. Hair conditioner in the final rinse will add extra softness. When washing and rinsing squeeze the garment rather than rubbing. Gently squeeze out excess water before rolling in a towel. Lay flat to dry.

Washing machines: Modern machines with delicate programme at 20degC using a wool or delicate detergent. Can be spun at 400rpm but it is always advisable to check first by washing a tension square and then checking the final dry size.

Yardage / Meterage

1m equals 1.09 yards  //  1 yard equals 36 inches equals 0.914m.

  • 2/9 4-ply yarn runs out to
    450m per 100g (225m per 50g)or
    490 yards per 100g (245 yards per 50g)

  • 4/9 DK yarn runs out to
    225m per 100g (112m per 50g)or
    245 yards per 100g (122 yards per 50g)

  • Weights

    50g equals 1.76 ounces
    100g equals 3.53 ounces
    1 ounce equals 28g

Tension Squares (4″ x 4″ or 10cm x 10cm)

75% SuperFine Alpaca and 25% Wool

Band Colour: Yellow or White
Yarn Count: 4/9Nm DK
Blend: Alpaca/Wool

Needle Size (mm) 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
Stitches 28 25 24 21
Rows 36 34 33 27

75% SuperFine Alpaca and 25% Wool

Band Colour: Yellow or White
Yarn Count: 2/9Nm 4-Ply
Blend: Alpaca/Wool

Needle Size (mm) 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
Stitches 28 23
Rows 38 32

80% Baby Alpaca and 20% Tussah Silk

Band Colour: Blue or Black
Yarn Count: 4/9Nm DK
Blend: BabyAlpaca/Silk

Needle Size (mm) 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
Stitches 25 21 20 29
Rows 33 28 27 25

80% Baby Alpaca and 20% Tussah Silk

Band Colour: Blue or Black
Yarn Count: 2/9Nm 4-Ply
Blend: BabyAlpaca/Silk

Needle Size (mm) 2.75 3.00 3.25 3.50 3.75 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
Stitches 30 28 25 23
Rows 40 36 34 32

Blocking

We would suggest that before sewing up any pieces, place them in lukewarm water. Once wet, squeeze out excess water and roll the pieces in a towel to absorb as much water as possible.

Then place the pieces on a blocking board and pin to size. If for example, you are doing a jumper place sleeves on top of each other and the back over the front or visa versa. This will ensure they match when you pin to size.

Once pinned, leave to air dry and then sew pieces together.