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Have you ever wondered how to process llama fiber? I know I have! At last year’s Spin Off Autumn Retreat, I asked Karen Kinyon of Double K Diamond Llamas and Fiber how to work with a freshly shorn llama fleece. It turns out it’s not that complicated!
Step 1: Dehair
The dehairing process is simple and goes a long way towards making your yarn soft and supple. Like some dual-coated sheep breeds, llamas have guard hairs which can make yarn prickly. To remove them, simply grasp a staple on from the cut end, grasp the longer guard hairs with your other hand, and pull. The guard hairs will come out, and you can set these aside.
As you’re removing guard hairs, you can also remove other bits of debris and second cuts. Karen sorts each fleece into first, second, and third qualities. The highest quality fibers are for spinning, and the second- and third-rate fibers (usually from the belly and neck) are used for rugs and felted items such as dryer balls. Once dehairing and skirting are complete, it’s time for step two!
Silky llama locks from Misty Morn Llamas. Photo by Matt Graves
Step 2: Wash
Karen shared that llamas and alpacas don’t have lanolin in their fleece like sheep do. Instead, they roll in dirt or dust to clean and polish their fleece. While that works for the llamas and alpacas, once they’re shorn we’ll want to wash that fleece for an easier spinning experience.
Luckily since there’s no lanolin, washing llama and alpaca fleece is a little bit simpler than scouring a sheep’s fleece. You just need lukewarm water and a mild soap! Note that llama fiber will felt, so you don’t want very hot water or too much agitation. Rinse, then air-dry on a drying rack.
Step 3: Ready to Prep and Spin!
Once you’ve dehaired, washed, and dried your llama fiber, it’s ready to prep and spin with your favorite method, whether it’s combing, carding, or spinning straight from the lock. Enjoy!