The Heritage Baby Alpaca Cardigan
The Heritage Baby Alpaca Cardigan is in stock and ships right away. If you're local, come by the farm in Duvall to try one on, or choose Farm Pickup at checkout.
A Cardigan Designed on Our Alpaca Farm and Handcrafted by Artisans in Our Family's Hometown in Peru
100% baby alpaca · Unisex sizes S/M, M/L, L/XL · Designed by Enchanted Farms · Made in Peru
What started on a small alpaca farm in Washington turned into a collaboration with artisans in our family's hometown in Peru, and together we created a 100% baby alpaca cardigan we're proud to put our name on. This isn't fast fashion. It's heritage made wearable.
The Story Behind the Cardigan
We spent a year designing a piece that brings together everything we care about: craftsmanship, comfort, heritage and small-batch design.
It began on our alpaca farm in Duvall, Washington, where families come to feed the alpacas, visit the donkeys and shop our blankets, and where visitors ask us almost every day: "Do you make clothing too?" After years of dreaming, planning and refining, the answer is yes.
David grew up visiting his family's town in Peru, in the heart of alpaca fiber country. When we began designing this cardigan, we knew exactly who we wanted to work with: the artisans who have been knitting there for generations. The cardigan represents two homes we love: our alpaca farm in Washington, and the Peruvian artisans who turn fiber into heirloom-quality knits.
How the Cardigan Was Made
Step 1: The Spark
We wanted a cardigan that feels timeless, cloud-soft, warm without bulk, flattering on everyone and made to last. We studied classic silhouettes and vintage-inspired knits, then blended them into a relaxed, modern fit that pairs with everything.
Step 2: The Fiber
After months of testing swatches and yarn weights, we chose 100% baby alpaca yarn (4/8) for its soft hand, breathability, gentle drape and durability. It's the kind of knit you reach for every morning.
Step 3: Sampling and Refinement
Our first prototype showed a lot of promise, but we wanted it right. We refined the sleeve proportions, shoulder width, collar shape, knitting tension, pocket size and placement, the seamless collar, elbow patch position, and the overall drape. We fit-tested on different body types and kept adjusting until everything felt right, then settled on three relaxed unisex sizes: S/M, M/L and L/XL.
Step 4: The Details
Every cardigan carries a woven neck label, an alpaca face flag tag, a matching care label, a genuine leather logo patch and warm gold fasteners. Even the buttons were chosen to complement the tone of the yarn.
Step 5: Hand-Knit in Small Batches
Our artisan partners in Peru knit each cardigan in small batches, then finish and check every piece by hand, using techniques passed down through generations. This is slow, careful, human work, not factory production.
Why 100% Baby Alpaca (and Why We Never Blend It)
Many sweaters on the market, even "luxury" ones, are blended with acrylic, nylon or lower-grade wool. Blends are cheaper to produce, but you lose what makes alpaca special. Our cardigan is pure baby alpaca: no wool, no synthetics.
Warm, soft and light
Alpaca fiber is partly hollow, so it traps warmth without weight. Baby alpaca is one of the finest grades of alpaca fiber, which is why it feels so soft against the skin.
Comfortable indoors and out
Alpaca breathes, so the cardigan keeps you warm outside without feeling stuffy when you come in. It's cozy, not bulky.
No lanolin
Sheep's wool contains lanolin, which some people find irritating. Alpaca fiber naturally has none, and baby alpaca is smooth, which is why many people who find wool scratchy find alpaca comfortable.
Made to last
Alpaca is a strong natural fiber. With gentle care, this cardigan holds its shape and stays beautiful season after season.
A heirloom-weight knit you can feel
The cardigan weighs about 3 lbs, not because it's bulky, but because it's dense, structured and knit from pure alpaca rather than air-fluffed blends. That weight gives it a dreamy drape and a cozy presence you can't get from lighter, mass-produced knits.
Fit Notes
The cardigan is designed to drape beautifully on every body. If you're between sizes or love a longer, cozier silhouette, size up.
On smaller frames and shorter torsos
It falls a little longer for a relaxed, lightly oversized look, with longer, luxurious sleeves. This is typically how it fits most women.
On broader shoulders and larger frames
It sits right at the hips with a clean, structured silhouette: true-to-size length, balanced shoulders, tailored without being tight. This is typically how it fits most men.
Size Guide
S/M: fits like XS/S
Relaxed fit for anyone who normally wears XS–S. Women: longer, cozy drape. Men: regular length, fitted silhouette. Between S and M? Size up.
M/L: fits like a true Medium
Relaxed fit for anyone who normally wears Medium. Women: longer, cozy drape. Men: regular length, fitted silhouette. Between M and L? Size up.
L/XL: fits like a true Large
Roomy and cozy, with more shoulder and sleeve space. Women: beautifully oversized. Men: regular length, comfortable structure. Wear a M+ or Large? Choose this one.
Craftsmanship and Origin
Each cardigan is handcrafted in Arequipa, Peru, the center of the alpaca fiber trade. It's small-batch work made by artisans who care about their craft. No shortcuts, no synthetics.
From Our Farm to You
We started Enchanted Farms out of love for animals, for handmade things, and for creating things that bring people comfort. This cardigan brings it all together: our farm, David's family's Peruvian heritage, small-batch craftsmanship and natural fiber. When you wear it, you're wearing a story.
— Nicole & David
Enchanted Farms, Duvall, WA
Explore the rest of the Heritage Collection: the Heritage Hoodie, scarves, fingerless gloves, mittens and the kids' beanie, all 100% baby alpaca.