What We Make From Our Alpaca Fleece at Harehill Alpacas

Every alpaca fleece that comes off our animals at Harehill Alpacas has a purpose. Here in County Down, shearing is one of the most important moments in the farm year. It keeps the alpacas comfortable as the weather warms, and it gives us a beautiful natural fibre to sort, grade, and turn into useful products.

Alpaca fibre is loved for its softness, warmth, and light feel. It contains no lanolin, which makes it different from sheep’s wool, and it comes in a lovely range of natural shades, from creamy white and fawn to rich browns, greys, and black.

Our fleece journey begins with healthy, well-cared-for alpacas.

Fleece quality and grading

Once the alpacas are shorn, the fleece is carefully collected and separated. Not all fibre is the same, even from the same animal, so grading helps us decide what each part is best suited for.

The finest fibre usually comes from the blanket area, which is the main fleece across the back and sides. This is often the softest and most consistent part, making it ideal for items worn close to the skin.

During grading, we look at:

• Fineness How soft the fibre feels.

  
  

• Staple length The length of the fibre, which affects how it can be spun.

  
  

• Cleanliness How much vegetable matter, dust, or debris needs to be removed.

  
  

• Strength and consistency Whether the fibre is even and suitable for processing.

  
  

Coarser fibre still has value. It may not become a luxury scarf, but it can work well in practical farm and home products.

Careful grading helps us match each fleece to the right use.

What products are made from it

At Harehill Alpacas, we like to make the most of the fleece we harvest. The best fibre can be spun into yarn, which may then be used for knitting, crochet, weaving, or hand-crafted textile pieces.

Alpaca yarn is especially popular for:

• Hats

• Scarves

• Gloves

• Socks

• Shawls

• Baby garments

• Soft home accessories

  
  

Because alpaca fibre is warm without feeling heavy, it suits items that need comfort as well as durability. Its natural colours also mean it can look beautiful without dyeing.

Soft skeins of yarn show the natural shades of alpaca fibre.

Using the whole fleece well

We aim to waste as little as possible. Fibre that is not soft enough for clothing can be used in other ways, such as stuffing, felting projects, or garden-friendly products. Alpaca fibre can also be used in bird nesting material when prepared safely and cleanly.

This practical approach respects the animals and the work that goes into caring for them. Each fleece reflects a year of growth, good husbandry, and the character of the alpaca it came from.

From raw fleece to finished goods, each product begins on the farm.

A natural fibre with a local story

What we make from our alpaca fleece at Harehill Alpacas is shaped by the quality of each animal’s coat and by our wish to create useful, honest products. From soft yarn to practical fibre goods, every stage connects the farm, the alpacas, and the people who enjoy natural materials.

Alpaca fleece is more than a by-product. It is one of the most rewarding parts of keeping alpacas, and a lovely way to share a little piece of our County Down farm.

Discover how Harehill Alpacas in County Down grades alpaca fleece and turns it into yarn, clothing, gifts, and practical natural fibre products.