Our blankets measure 2.30 × 1.55 m and suit a full-size bed; they are not queen size. On a bigger bed they work as a throw at the foot of the bed or for the sofa. They are 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic, cost from US$29.25 (up to US$35.50) and are hand-washed in cold water, dried flat.
This article is written by Alpaca. Here is what our blanket measures and what it is made of, so you know whether it works for you before buying it.
Real size: 2.30 × 1.55 m
The blanket measures 2.30 meters long by 1.55 meters wide. It is a size designed for a full-size bed. If you are looking for a "queen alpaca blanket," this is not it: it is not queen size. We prefer to tell you now and not after it arrives.
| Where you want to use it | Does it work? |
|---|---|
| Full-size bed | Yes, it is the size it was designed for. |
| Queen bed or larger | It does not cover it fully to the sides. Use it as an extra blanket or at the foot of the bed. |
| Sofa | Yes, as a throw for the sofa. |
| Gift | Yes, if you know the person has a full-size bed or wants it for the sofa. |
If you are unsure about the recipient's bed, ask first or choose a shawl (180 × 60 cm).
What it is made of
The blankets are 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic. They are not pure alpaca. According to Wikipedia, alpaca fiber insulates against cold even when wet. Acrylic, for its part, is a synthetic fiber that does not tolerate heat. If you want a full explanation of the difference, it is in pure alpaca vs. acrylic blend.
We make the blankets with artisan families in Peguche, next to Otavalo. You can learn more in our story.
What it costs and how it arrives
- Price: from US$29.25 to US$35.50 depending on the model. They change; check the store.
- Shipping across Ecuador by Servientrega: US$5.50 (US$4.99 in Quito and valleys).
- Time: what you order one day ships the next day and arrives a day later. You order on Monday, it ships on Tuesday, it arrives on Wednesday. There is no dispatch on Sundays and holidays. More in the shipping policy.
- It comes in a gift box. If it is a gift, with no prices inside.
You can see the models in the Blankets collection, for example Andean Light Blue and Root of the Sky. A customer wrote to us: "Good afternoon! Thank you very much for the delivery, the blanket is very good."
How to wash it without it losing shape
A blanket is big and gets very heavy when wet. That is why it is worth supporting it well and not hanging it while wet. Alpaca's official care, applied to a blanket, is this:
- Wash it rarely. Air it in the shade and, if it has a small stain, press with a damp cloth and cold water before thinking of washing the whole thing.
- Hand-wash it in a tub, with cold water and mild detergent (preferably one for wool). Without rubbing and without wringing.
- Rinse with cold water until no bubbles remain. To get the water out, press; do not wring it.
- Dry it flat in the shade on towels or sheets and do not hang it while wet.
- Turn it over when one side is dry.
- No dryer or hot water.
A washing machine is possible only on a delicate cycle, with cold water, in a mesh bag and with the buttons closed, but a big blanket does not fit comfortably in a mesh bag. That is why we prefer hand washing. The full guide, with fringes, pilling and storage, is in how to wash an alpaca poncho, and on the page how to wash and care for your poncho.
Real photo from the Peguche workshop: the threads arranged on the warping frame before moving to the loom.
How to store it
- Clean and dry, always. Wikipedia says that moth larvae can eat acrylic when it is blended with wool or dirty.
- Folded, in a dry, ventilated place.
- If you store it for months, change the folds from time to time so they do not leave marks.
Who is a blanket good for?
- For someone with a full-size bed who wants an extra blanket for cold nights.
- For someone who wants it on the sofa, to watch a movie or work with their legs covered.
- For a gift for the home: the blanket comes in a gift box, and if you mark it as a gift, with no prices inside.
It is not the best option if your bed is queen or larger and you expect a blanket that hangs down on all sides, or if you are looking for pure alpaca.
Before you buy: three things worth knowing
- It is not queen size. We already said it, and we repeat it because it is the most avoidable return.
- It is not pure alpaca. If you are looking for that, we are not your option.
- If it is not what you expected, you have 30 days from receiving it to return or exchange it, with the item unused (refund, exchange or credit). The return shipping is paid by whoever returns it, unless there is a defect or a mistake on our side. Details in the exchange policy.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Alpaca's alpaca blanket?
2.30 × 1.55 m.
Does it work for a queen bed?
No. It is designed for a full-size bed. On a queen it works as a throw at the foot of the bed.
Is it pure alpaca?
No. It is 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic.
How do I wash an alpaca blanket?
By hand, with cold water and mild detergent, without rubbing or wringing, and dried flat in the shade. Do not use a dryer or hot water.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to arrive?
From US$29.25 to US$35.50. It ships the day after your order and arrives a day later; shipping across Ecuador costs US$5.50.