Wool

• Elasticity — springs back, holds shape, forgives uneven tension.
• Warmth — traps air in its crimped scales.
• Moisture — absorbs up to 30% of its weight without feeling wet.
• Felts — the same scales are what let it felt.

Alpaca

• Drape — heavier, smoother, wants to hang.
• Warmth — hollow fibers, warmer per ounce than wool.
• Softness — very little prickle, gentle on skin.
• Less elasticity — garments can grow if too loose.

When to blend

An 80/20 wool-to-alpaca blend keeps the memory of wool with the softness and slight halo of alpaca. A 50/50 blend drapes beautifully for shawls. Pure alpaca is heavenly for cowls and stoles, less ideal for structured sweaters unless the pattern accounts for its lack of spring.