Generically, llama fiber is “wool”. But llama fiber is a medullated fiber (technically considered hair because of its hollow core), and therefore not really wool. Wool is a solid fiber. Llama fiber is clean, odorless, lightweight provides remarkable warmth with outstanding insulating capabilities without bulk and is 90% lanolin-free (lanolin is grease usually found in wool). Because of its tensile strength and durability, llama fiber also shrinks very little during washing or processing. And being hypoallergenic, llama fiber can be worn by infants and others who can’t wear sheep’s wool.

Although llamas were originally bred as beasts of burden, their owners valued their fiber to make warm clothing in unforgiving climates. Llamas offer a broad range of natural colors from white and beige to light and dark brown, to grays, blacks, and reds and many color blends.

Llamas are shorn 1 time per year and have an average fiber growth of 4 inches per year. An adult coat yields 3 to 8 pounds of fiber yearly. Shearing encourages the highest yield as opposed to brushing. But brushing has advantages as well when done in moderation it promotes healthy skin and aids in circulation. While brushing is a much slower way of harvesting you are able to get into the undercoat of the llama, where the best fleece is found and leave the guard hair behind. Shearing has other benefits as well. In warm climates, animals are cooler during the hot seasons and more comfortable resulting in less stress to the animal. “Happy & Healthy Fibery Friends”

Most llamas are a two-coated animal. The outer coat of crimp-less guard hair acts as a moisture barrier, repelling rain and snow. The downy undercoat is the insulator that provides warmth against the elements. This downy undercoat has more crimp and more elasticity than the outer coat. Excellent diet, selective breeding practices, climate control and stress-free husbandry practices have improved the fiber of many llamas. Some llamas exhibit an increase in fineness and length that rivals the alpacas single coat fiber.

We at Head & Heart fiber farm raise both double and single coat llamas. Being a fiber artist I believe that there is no un-usable fiber so I spin the guard hair and use the coarser fiber for making lead ropes, rugs and outerwear utilizing the moisture barrier properties that the guard hair provide, while saving the under-coat or single coat llama fiber for sweaters, underwear, baby layettes and next to the skin garments.

Every fiber type and fiber llama has its own purpose in our herd and we are truly blessed to be given this phenomenal exotic fleece to offer you from Head & Hearts Llamas to your Luxury creations.

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A basket of my Hand Spun all natural 100% Llama Yarn. Some of these skeins were entered into competition and placed nicely. When judging a hand spun skein of yarn the judge will look for 1st the Preparation or wt. requirements for the competition. Then the Quality of the fiber, Appearance and Luster, Fineness of hand & uniformity of Spinning Technique or Twist. Lastly, the overall impression and Eye Appeal.