Felted Alpaca Hat

There is something different in the way alpaca felts vs. wool...at least using these worsted weight alpaca yarns. The purl side has a nice bubble, almost boucle` look. I like it!

US 10 - 16" circular needle and/or DPs
3 Balls of Landscapes Alpaca (72 yds each) -or-
2 balls of Classic Alpaca (110 yds each)

With a SINGLE strand of yarn, CO 100 sts -
Join and knit 45 rows.
Turn your work inside out so the purl sts are facing you.
Knit 15 rows.

Next row: *K8, k2tog* repeat around.
Knit 2 rows.

Next row: *K7, k2tog* repeat around.
Knit 2 rows.

Next row: *K6, k2tog* repeat around.
Knit 2 rows.

Continue these three rows (changing to DPs when needed) knitting one less in the decrease sections until 30 sts remain. Knit the next two rows.

Last row: K2tog around. Pull thread through remaining sts and finish off.

Felt to desired size.

If this is your first felting attempt, measure you head and add about 1". That is the size you will look for. Trying on a wet hat is not fun. Throw the hat in a zippered pillow case protector or tie it up in an old pillow case and throw in with the regular wash. Classic Alpaca will usually felt fast...usually one load. The Landscape will generally take about three loads because of the silk...but not all colours felt equally! Check the hat often. Take the hat out and spread flat and measure. This is the outside measurement and will be slightly more than the inside measurement. If I want an inside circumference of 23", I felt until I get a measurement of 12" across the flat hat.

Let’s say you over-felted. Soak in a little hair conditioner and stretch the hat out on a pot or bowl with the circumference you want.

After you get the size you want, shape and dry out of the sun, usually 1-2 days.

Copyright 2003 by Janis Garwood a.k.a. WoolTales. sheepfreak2003 AT yahoo.com All rights reserved.