{"product_id":"lana-gatto-naturalpaca-italian-chunky-alpaca-wool-cotton-yarn","title":"Alpaca Merino Cotton Yarn, LANA GATTO NATURALPACA, Italian Chunky Weight Chainette Yarn, 75m\/50g","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSometimes the most luxurious yarn doesn't need color, sparkle or decoration. It just needs extraordinary fibers.\u003c\/strong\u003e LANA GATTO NATURALPACA brings together \u003cstrong\u003e46% Alpaca, 32% Wool and 22% Cotton\u003c\/strong\u003e in a chunky Italian chainette that feels wonderfully substantial in your hands — soft, warm and beautifully natural.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBut look closer. This isn't a conventional heavy-spun chunky yarn. Its chainette construction builds volume from an airy knitted structure, while nearly half Alpaca creates a soft bloom around the strand. The result is exactly what modern winter knitting calls for: \u003cstrong\u003ebig stitches, strong silhouettes and wonderfully tactile fabric without relying on an extremely dense yarn.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAnd the colors are part of the story. LANA GATTO developed NATURALPACA in the natural greys, browns and beiges characteristic of Alpaca itself — a quiet, sophisticated palette that makes the yarn particularly beautiful for contemporary oversized winter knitwear. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e▣ Product Specifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Manufacturer: LANA GATTO \/ Filatura Tollegno 1900, Italy\u003cbr\u003e• Article: NATURALPACA\u003cbr\u003e• Fiber Content: 46% Alpaca, 32% Wool, 22% Cotton\u003cbr\u003e• Yarn Weight: Chunky\u003cbr\u003e• Meterage: 75m \/ 50g (82yd \/ 1.76oz)\u003cbr\u003e• Equivalent: 150m \/ 100g (164yd \/ 3.52oz)\u003cbr\u003e• Yarn Structure: Airy chunky chainette with a soft Alpaca bloom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• Format: Original factory-wound 50 g \/ 1.76 oz balls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended Needle Size: 5 mm \/ US 8\u003cbr\u003e• Suggested Gauge: 14 sts \/ 10 cm (4 in)\u003cbr\u003e• Origin: Made in Italy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ A YARN YOU CAN COME BACK TO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNATURALPACA isn't a one-season yarn you need to rush through. It is part of LANA GATTO's continuing collection, which means I can reorder it as needed — particularly important when you are planning a larger sweater, jacket or matching pieces.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eStart with a hat or scarf. Fall in love with the fabric. Then come back for the oversized bomber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ My First Impression\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis yarn feels \u003cstrong\u003every self-sufficient\u003c\/strong\u003e to me. I wouldn't automatically add another yarn to make it warmer, softer or more substantial — NATURALPACA already has all of that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eWhat I notice immediately is the construction. It feels like a beautiful chunky cord rather than a dense traditional yarn, with Alpaca fiber already beginning to bloom around it. With \u003cstrong\u003e46% Alpaca\u003c\/strong\u003e, I expect that surface to become even more expressive after washing and blocking as the fibers relax and open.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt is extremely soft, but it isn't weightless. The Cotton gives the yarn a certain substance in the hand, while Wool contributes structure and the Alpaca gives it that unmistakably soft, warm surface. To me, that balance is one of the most interesting things about NATURALPACA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAnd this should be an \u003cstrong\u003eeasy, satisfying knit\u003c\/strong\u003e. The yarn already has character; you don't need complicated techniques to make it look expensive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ What Can I Make \u0026amp; How Much Should I Buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Hat — \u003cstrong\u003e2 balls \/ 100 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Cowl — \u003cstrong\u003e2–3 balls \/ 100–150 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Chunky Scarf — \u003cstrong\u003e4–7 balls \/ 200–350 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Vest — \u003cstrong\u003e7–10 balls \/ 350–500 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Women's Sweater, M — \u003cstrong\u003e10–12 balls \/ 500–600 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Cardigan or Bomber, M — \u003cstrong\u003e11–14 balls \/ 550–700 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Oversized Poncho — \u003cstrong\u003eapproximately 12 balls \/ 600 g\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe last figure isn't merely an estimate: LANA GATTO's official NATURALPACA poncho uses \u003cstrong\u003e12 balls \/ 600 g\u003c\/strong\u003e and 7 mm needles. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Garment size, length, ease, gauge and stitch pattern will change actual requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ MADE FOR THE OVERSIZED WINTER KNIT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is where I think NATURALPACA becomes especially interesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eI can immediately see it in a \u003cstrong\u003echunky bomber, oversized cardigan-jacket, relaxed hoodie, substantial vest or big winter pullover\u003c\/strong\u003e — the kinds of silhouettes where the yarn itself needs enough presence to create shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAnd you are not limited to the manufacturer's 5 mm recommendation. LANA GATTO itself takes NATURALPACA all the way to \u003cstrong\u003e7 mm needles\u003c\/strong\u003e in its official poncho, producing a gauge of only \u003cstrong\u003e12 sts × 16 rows per 10 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThat gives you considerable room to experiment. Knit it closer for more structure, or open the gauge for a softer, more relaxed fabric with larger stitches and more room for the Alpaca to bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ NATURAL COLOR IS PART OF THE YARN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is a reason NATURALPACA looks so beautifully quiet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eLANA GATTO describes the yarn as \u003cstrong\u003e“green by nature”\u003c\/strong\u003e and specifically explains that its grey, brown and beige palette comes from the natural shades typical of Alpaca. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThat makes these colors particularly appealing for minimal winter pieces where texture, silhouette and fiber become the design — oatmeal jackets, stone-colored oversized sweaters, natural brown bombers, substantial scarves and neutral accessories that don't depend on seasonal color trends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThis isn't a yarn that needs to shout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIts luxury is in the fiber and the texture.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ OR — BREAK THE RULES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNATURALPACA doesn't \u003cem\u003eneed\u003c\/em\u003e a companion yarn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eBut that doesn't mean you can't give it a completely different personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eI particularly like the idea of playing against its very natural, understated character: \u003cstrong\u003enatural Alpaca + a tiny flash of glamour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eCarry a very fine strand of Mohair for additional haze. Add an ultra-fine grass or eyelash-style effect yarn and let little fibers escape from the chunky Alpaca surface. Or introduce a very fine Lurex or occasional sequins against the natural beige, grey or brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe contrast is the interesting part: \u003cstrong\u003eearthy, natural yarn underneath — unexpected light or texture on top.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor a soft luxury combination, a fine \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/products\/lana-gatto-silk-mohair-luxury-italian-lace-10325033124151\" title=\"LANA GATTO Silk Mohair – Luxury Italian Mohair Silk Yarn | iDOKNiT\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLANA GATTO SILK MOHAIR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e can add another layer of airy fiber without substantially changing the construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWant to take NATURALPACA in a completely different direction?\u003c\/strong\u003e Carry a fine strand of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/products\/rigo-cristallo-italian-cotton-lurex-tweed-cocoons-yarn\" title=\"RiGo CRISTALLO Cotton Lurex Effect Yarn – Italian Carry-Along Yarn | iDOKNiT\"\u003eRiGo CRISTALLO — Italian Cotton Lurex Tweed Cocoons Yarn\u003c\/a\u003e for irregular little cocoons, texture and flashes of Lurex against the soft natural Alpaca. The contrast is the design: \u003cstrong\u003equiet, earthy Alpaca underneath — unexpected light on top.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAnd if you want sparkle to be barely there rather than obvious, use the finest possible companion and let NATURALPACA remain the dominant yarn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ ONE YARN — TWO VERY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat is what I particularly like about NATURALPACA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eLeave it alone and you get \u003cstrong\u003equiet Italian winter luxury\u003c\/strong\u003e: natural color, chunky stitches, soft Alpaca bloom and clean oversized shapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eAdd a tiny effect yarn and suddenly the same natural base can become \u003cstrong\u003efashion knitwear\u003c\/strong\u003e — furry, sparkling, textured or slightly extravagant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe base yarn stays simple. The personality is yours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ Knitting \u0026amp; Crochet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe manufacturer's starting recommendation is \u003cstrong\u003e5 mm \/ US 8\u003c\/strong\u003e, with approximately \u003cstrong\u003e14 stitches per 10 cm \/ 4 in\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor structured pieces such as hats, bomber-style jackets and substantial cardigans, I would begin around that range and swatch from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eFor oversized scarves, ponchos and softer outer layers, larger needles are absolutely worth testing. LANA GATTO's own poncho demonstrates that NATURALPACA can successfully move to \u003cstrong\u003e7 mm \/ approximately US 10.75\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eSimple stockinette will emphasize the chainette and Alpaca bloom. Ribbing gives the chunky yarn beautiful architectural definition. Garter stitch is another particularly good choice — LANA GATTO itself created an official \u003cstrong\u003eGarter Stitch Scarf\u003c\/strong\u003e specifically for NATURALPACA. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e✦ OFFICIAL LANA GATTO PROJECT INSPIRATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLANA GATTO currently shows both a \u003cstrong\u003eGarter Stitch Scarf\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003ePoncho Design\u003c\/strong\u003e made specifically with NATURALPACA. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe poncho is especially useful as a technical reference: \u003cstrong\u003e12 balls, 7 mm needles, 12 sts × 16 rows \/ 10 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. It demonstrates how dramatically this chunky chainette can open when given more room than the standard 5 mm recommendation. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lanagatto.it\/en\/collection\/naturalpaca\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"LANA GATTO NATURALPACA – Official Yarn \u0026amp; Knitting Patterns\"\u003eLANA GATTO NATURALPACA — Official Yarn \u0026amp; Patterns\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⫯ Weaving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause NATURALPACA is a soft, bulky chainette with significant Alpaca content, I see it much more naturally as an \u003cstrong\u003eexpressive weft yarn\u003c\/strong\u003e than as a hardworking warp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eIt could create beautiful winter scarves, wraps, blankets or textural panels where the natural color and fuzzy surface become part of the cloth. For warp, I would choose something smoother and stronger and sample NATURALPACA first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e➤ Complete the Project\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNATURALPACA is a particularly good yarn for experimenting with needle size because a relatively small gauge change can transform its character from structured chunky knit to open, oversized winter fabric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eExplore \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/collections\/yarn-by-brand-chiaogoo-china\"\u003eChiaoGoo knitting needles, \u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/collections\/yarn-by-brand-chiaogoo-china\" title=\"ChiaoGoo Knitting Needles \u0026amp; Accessories | iDOKNiT\"\u003einterchangeable\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca class=\"decorated-link\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/collections\/yarn-by-brand-chiaogoo-china\"\u003e sets and accessories\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e for your project. I would consider swatching from the manufacturer's \u003cstrong\u003e5 mm \/ US 8\u003c\/strong\u003e upward, depending on the silhouette you want.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⟳ Care Instructions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Hand wash gently in lukewarm water\u003cbr\u003e• Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate natural fibers\u003cbr\u003e• Do not rub, twist or wring\u003cbr\u003e• Gently press excess water into a towel\u003cbr\u003e• Reshape and lay flat to dry\u003cbr\u003e• Do not tumble dry\u003cbr\u003e• Store finished garments folded\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lana Gatto, Italy","offers":[{"title":"31137 OFF-WHITE","offer_id":53040529965367,"sku":"31137-NATURALPACA-IVORY","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"31138 GREY MELAGNE","offer_id":53040529998135,"sku":"31138-NATURALPACA-GREY","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"31139 DARK GREY MELANGE","offer_id":53040530030903,"sku":"31139-NATURALPACA-DARK GREY","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"31140 BEIGE MELANGE","offer_id":53040530063671,"sku":"31140-NATURALPACA-BEIGE","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/9054\/5207\/files\/naturalpaca.png?v=1790222849","url":"https:\/\/idoknit.com\/products\/lana-gatto-naturalpaca-italian-chunky-alpaca-wool-cotton-yarn","provider":"iDOKNiT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}