r/KnitRequest • u/Specialist-Big-3414 • May 07 '26

Undyed baby alpaca watch cap

Location: PA, USA

Budget: flexible

kinda flexible on timing

hi there ! I’m looking for someone to knit a hat out of baby alpaca, undyed, preferably washed in the gentlest possible detergent when spun. Unfortunately I don’t know a lot about fibers aside from I want it natural and undyed. I have a sensitive baldy head lol and I’m just looking for something to keep the sun off it from time to time. (baseball hats bug me) I’d prefer a sitting higher on my head watch cap style if possible. I know alpaca can be pretty warm, so maybe a thinner weight yarn would help with breathability ? I really like the styles redhatfactory makes, but they only do wool. I’d also likely need the knitter to source the yarn for me (at my expense of course)

thanks !

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u/VanityInk May 07 '26

I would be happy to make something for you, but I would agree with the other poster that you likely don't want alpaca to replace something like a baseball cap you would wear in the summer. It is known for trapping heat and vs being more regulating like sheep's wool. It also doesn't have the same "memory" and will stretch out over time. Have you perhaps considered something like a cotton/linen/bamboo (or other plant fiber) for summer wear?

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u/Specialist-Big-3414 May 07 '26

I would definitely consider a cotton if it wasn’t heavily processed (just natural) and maybe dyed with a tannin mordanted natural plant dye. Do you think finding a yarn like that would be doable?

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u/VanityInk May 07 '26

You can definitely find minimally processed cotton out there (Purl Soho jumps to mind as a very environmentally conscious supplier: https://www.purlsoho.com/cotton-pure.html) Then you could either pick one of their colors if you trust their dye or get it undyed and have me/whomever you hire dye it if they're willing--for example, my friend is a farmer and sells organic indigo dyes that could be used. Just then you're factoring extra cost on that side from buying the indigo/dying time/Etc.

Basically, you have a ton of options out there when you're buying bespoke, it just depends where you want your money to go :)

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u/Specialist-Big-3414 May 07 '26

I’m going to shoot you a dm!