Yak / Llama / Camel

In the world of natural fibres for knitting, there are unique materials that offer a superior quality experience, both to the touch and in the final result. Among them are three textile treasures from cold, high-altitude regions: yak wool, llama wool and camel wool. These animal fibres belong to the camelid family and are valued for their insulating properties, natural softness and unrivalled strength.

Yak wool is obtained from the undercoat of the animal, especially the Tibetan yak. It is surprisingly soft, warm and light, comparable to cashmere but more resistant. Its natural colour is dark brown, although it also comes in greyish or beige tones. It is ideal for fine warm garments, scarves and elegant hats that require thermal insulation without excessive weight.

Llama wool comes from South America, mainly from the Andes. This fibre is characterised by being lightweight, hypoallergenic and with a good drape, making it an excellent choice for comfortable garments that do not irritate the skin. It is often confused with alpaca, but llama produces longer and slightly more rustic fibres, although equally warm and durable.

Less well known but equally valuable, camel wool is extracted from the undercoat of the Bactrian camel, native to Central Asia. It is an exceptional thermal fibre, widely used in extreme climates for its ability to regulate body temperature. Its natural shade varies from golden beige to light brown, and it is rarely dyed, preserving its organic aesthetic. Camel wool is ideal for sweaters, blankets and winter accessories with a sophisticated and eco-friendly touch.

These three fibres have something in common: they come from animals raised in freedom, in natural habitats, using a respectful and, in many cases, artisanal production process. Using them means choosing quality, sustainability and ancestral textile tradition.

Yak wool is considered one of the most luxurious fibres in the world due to its incredible softness, reminiscent of cashmere, and its excellent thermal insulation properties. It comes from the finest undercoat of the yak, a species of bovine that inhabits the high plateaus of Tibet and Mongolia. It is harvested by hand during the animal's seasonal moult, ensuring an ethical and sustainable process.

In addition to its technical performance, yak wool has a deep, elegant natural colour, perfect for projects that value both aesthetics and comfort. It is ideal for knitting scarves, hats, fine jumpers or light outerwear, especially in pieces that require a soft, warm texture without adding too much volume. It also works very well in both knitting and crochet.

Native to the Andes, llama wool is a fibre that combines lightness, softness and strength, with the added advantage of being naturally hypoallergenic, as it does not contain lanolin. Its structure makes it highly breathable and pleasant to the touch, making it an excellent choice for people with sensitivities or allergies.

Although often compared to alpaca wool, llama fibre tends to be slightly more rustic and robust, giving it its own unique character. It is perfect for knitting ponchos, large shawls, outerwear, light blankets and decorative pieces, in both traditional and modern styles. By retaining its natural colour or being dyed with soft dyes, it offers an authentic, natural and handcrafted look that is highly valued in the world of slow knitting.