Drops alpaca yarns… should I avoid?

Heather1966

Everything I've used except Daisy is great (daisy pills terribly) My favourite is Nepal

qle

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Fred24482

Oh, darling, the DMC brand is as classic as a well-worn cardigan—reliable, familiar, and often just what you need. However, like that cardigan, sometimes it shows a little wear and tear. Some stitchers have noticed that certain colors, especially the newer shades like DMC 23, can be a bit more prone to fraying. This doesn't mean the whole line is faulty; it might just be a few rebellious skeins. A gentle wash and a bit of TLC can often smooth things out.

If you're finding the fraying a bit much, consider switching to a different needle. Some stitchers have found that certain needles, like DMC's own, can have burrs that catch on the floss. Opting for a smoother needle might just do the trick.

In the end, DMC remains a beloved choice for many, and with a little care, you can continue to enjoy its vibrant hues in your projects.

Fred24482

Ah, Drops Alpaca yarns—now there’s a topic that gets a lot of mixed opinions, doesn’t it? I totally get why you’d wonder if you should avoid it. Here’s the thing: Drops Alpaca is soft, warm, and comes in a ton of beautiful colors, but it does have some quirks that might make you hesitate.

Pros:

• Super soft: It’s 100% alpaca, so it’s buttery soft against the skin. Perfect for lightweight shawls, scarves, or delicate sweaters you want to cozy up in.
• Great color range: Seriously, they have a lovely palette. From earthy tones to brights, you can find a color that fits almost any project.
• Affordable for alpaca: If you’ve priced out alpaca yarns before, you’ll know they can get pricey, but Drops Alpaca is generally quite reasonable, especially for the softness it delivers.
  
  

Cons:

• Splitting: This is the big one. Some folks find that the yarn tends to split easily, especially when you’re working with smaller needles. That can make it frustrating to knit or crochet with, especially if you’re a perfectionist (or like me, get cranky when you have to go back and fix a split stitch).
• Pilling: Like most alpaca yarns, Drops Alpaca is more prone to pilling over time, so your beautiful piece might not stay as pristine as you’d like after some wear. If you’re okay with that slightly worn-in look, no big deal, but it’s something to consider.
• Tension issues: It can be a bit tricky to get a consistent gauge with this yarn, especially if you're transitioning from a wool or acrylic base. It’s soft and drapey, but also can be a bit slippery, so you may have to pay extra attention to your stitch tension.
  
  

Should you avoid it?

If you’re looking for a soft, lightweight yarn for something like a shawl or a scarf, and you're okay with a bit of extra care, I think it’s totally worth trying. But if you're planning a high-wear item like a sweater or socks, the pilling and splitting could be a dealbreaker.

I’ve used Drops Alpaca in the past for lighter, more delicate pieces like shawls or wraps, and I loved it for that. It has a nice drape and warmth without the weight of heavier yarns. But for things that will see a lot of use, I probably wouldn’t reach for it again.

Do you have a specific project in mind? That might help narrow down whether it’s the right choice or not!