Have you had your alpaca fibers graded and sorted and still not sure what to do with your fiber or confused about all the terminology? Hopefully these charts and explanations can help you out a bit.
WL : Woolen recommendation for processing. Typically fibers under 3 inches in length. Makes lofty yarns with a fuzzy appearance. Woolen processed yarns are best used in sweaters and knitted garments where loft and insulation are desired
WR: Worsted recommendation for processing. Typically fibers 3– 6 inches in length. Makes smooth yarn with tighter twist, best used in weaving or lace weight.
Grade: a group of fibers that have a range of no more than 3 microns.
Below are charts for grades and classifications.
· Royal Baby: < 22 (microns)
· Baby Alpaca: 22.1 to 23
· Superfine: 23.1 to 26.5
· Seconds: 26.6 to 31
· Thirds: >31.1 to 33
Another chart says:
· Royal Baby < 20 microns
· Baby (BL) 21-23.5 microns
· Superfine (Fine) 25.1-30 microns
· Adult (Utility) over 30 microns
· Coarse Short- used to blend with other coarse fibers
AFCNA FIBER GRADES
GradeMicron1Royal baby<20
Royal baby<202Baby 20-22.9
Baby 20-22.93Superfine 23-26.9
Superfine 23-26.94Adult 27-31.9
Adult 27-31.95Strong >32
Strong >326Shorts any
Shorts any NAAFP Fiber Grades Chart:
Fiber Grades
(Range of 3 microns)
• < 20 Grade 1 Ultra Fine
• 20 – 22.9 Grade 2 Superfine
• 23 – 25.9 Grade 3 Fine
• 26 – 28.9 Grade 4 Medium
• 29 – 32.0 Grade 5 Intermediate
• 32.1 – 35 Grade 6 Robust
Hopefully these don’t confuse you any more than you might already be!
