The brushed alpaca traps warmth and gives the finished fabric a soft, cloud-like surface.
Crucci Aella 12 Ply
Cloud-soft chunky warmth that grows quickly on your needles
Crucci Aella 12 Ply blends 30% New Zealand alpaca with 70% Australian merino to create a lofty, warm yarn with a soft brushed halo. The thicker 12 ply construction makes satisfying progress while the natural-fibre blend keeps finished pieces lighter and more elegant than their cosy appearance suggests.
- Quick-knitting 12 ply weight makes visible progress on 5.5mm needles.
- Brushed alpaca halo adds softness, warmth and a luxurious surface.
- Merino structure and bounce support ribbing, cables and garment shape.
- Six versatile colours move from natural neutrals to deep greens and blues.
Six rich colours
30% NZ AlpacaSoftness, halo and warmth
70% MerinoAustralian merino wool
75mApproximately per ball
50gChunky / NZ 12 ply
Fast progress without sacrificing softness or polish
Aella 12 Ply is made for knitters who want the satisfaction of a faster project and the refined finish of a premium natural-fibre blend. Alpaca brings airy warmth and bloom, while merino gives the fabric useful elasticity and definition.
A 12 ply yarn on 5.5mm needles builds rows quickly for sweaters, scarves, hats and chunky accessories.
Merino helps ribbing recover and keeps larger textures visible under Aella's softly brushed finish.
A one-strand statement fabric
Chunky warmth with a softer, more elevated finish
Where a smooth chunky wool can look bold and structured, Aella softens the outline with a delicate halo. That makes it especially effective for simple modern shapes, generous scarves and garments where the fibre itself provides the visual interest.
- One yarn provides both body and brushed softness
- Simple stitches gain depth without added complexity
- Natural fibres create warm, breathable winter layers
Chunky speed.
Alpaca halo.
Merino heart.
Alpaca halo.
Merino heart.
Aella 12 Ply is the quicker, thicker companion to Aella 8 Ply, with the same 30% alpaca and 70% merino blend.
Choose your Crucci Aella 12 Ply colour
The six-colour range is intentionally focused: three wearable neutrals and three deep, saturated shades. Every tile below uses the exact photograph assigned to that product variant.
1500Natural
1501Grace
1502Oatmeal
1504Hunter
1506Prussian
1507Cadet
Select using both the shade number and name. Screens and lighting can display yarn colour differently.
Swatch after the halo blooms
Build the right chunky fabric
Crucci recommends 5.5mm needles and a reference tension of 17 stitches and 23 rows per 10cm. A brushed fibre can relax and bloom after washing, so the dry, washed swatch is the best guide to finished size and surface.
- Begin with the pattern's recommended needle size
- Swatch in the project's main stitch pattern
- Wash gently using the planned care method
- Measure and judge the halo only when fully dry
Warm pieces with satisfying momentum
Chunky sweaters
Create cosy pullovers and relaxed layers where lofty warmth and visible texture matter.
Cardigans and vests
The merino component provides useful structure while alpaca softens the finished silhouette.
Scarves and cowls
Simple ribbing, moss stitch or cables make excellent use of the brushed chunky surface.
Beanies and accessories
Smaller projects let you enjoy the colour, halo and quick progress of the 12 ply construction.
Design note: Aella's halo can soften tiny or highly intricate detail. Swatch when sharp stitch definition is central to the project.
How many balls will you need?
Read the pattern metreage
Use the required metres for your exact size, including any planned length or fit changes.
Divide by 75 metres
Each 50g ball contains approximately 75m. Divide the required metreage by 75 and round up.
Add a sensible allowance
Allow for the swatch and modifications, then order the full quantity together where possible.
Example: a pattern requiring 620m needs at least nine balls because 620 divided by 75 equals 8.27. Add more if your swatch or changes require it.
Crucci Aella 12 Ply details
| Brand | Crucci |
|---|---|
| Range | Aella 12 Ply |
| Yarn weight | Chunky / New Zealand 12 ply |
| Fibre | 30% New Zealand alpaca and 70% Australian merino wool |
| Ball weight | 50g |
| Length | Approximately 75m per ball |
| Recommended needles | 5.5mm, subject to pattern and gauge |
| Reference tension | 17 stitches and 23 rows per 10cm |
| Finish | Lofty with a soft brushed halo |
| Care | Gentle hand wash. Follow the ball-band instructions. |
| Suitable for | Sweaters, cardigans, vests, hats, scarves, cowls and other 12 ply knitting or crochet projects |
Keep your Aella project soft and beautifully shaped
Use cool water, minimal agitation and a detergent suitable for wool.
Hold the full weight of wet garments to avoid stretching the chunky fabric.
Return the project to its intended measurements and dry flat away from direct heat.
Clean before storage, fold rather than hang, and protect natural fibres from moths.
Important: Aella is specified for gentle hand washing. Do not treat it as machine washable.
Choose the Aella weight your pattern needs
Aella 12 Ply
Choose this version for chunkier fabric, quicker progress, extra loft and a reference gauge of 17 stitches per 10cm.
Aella 8 Ply
Choose the DK version for lighter layers, finer detail, more colour choice and a reference gauge of 21 stitches per 10cm.
View Aella 8 PlyCrucci Aella 12 Ply FAQs
What is Crucci Aella 12 Ply made from?
It is 30% New Zealand alpaca and 70% Australian merino wool. Crucci does not list a synthetic fibre in the blend.
Is 12 ply the same as chunky?
Aella 12 Ply sits in the chunky yarn family. Terminology can vary between patterns, so compare the required gauge and metreage rather than relying on the weight name alone.
Is Aella 12 Ply machine washable?
No machine-wash claim is made. Crucci specifies gentle hand washing, and the ball-band instructions should be followed.
Does this yarn have a fluffy halo?
Yes. Aella is softly brushed, giving the fabric a visible halo that can bloom further after gentle washing.
How is it different from Aella 8 Ply?
The fibre blend is the same, but the 12 ply is thicker, contains approximately 75m per 50g and knits at a chunkier reference gauge. The 8 ply contains approximately 100m per 50g and creates a lighter DK fabric.
Can I crochet with it?
Yes. Choose a hook that creates the intended drape and density, then make and wash a swatch before beginning the full project.
What needle size should I use?
Crucci recommends 5.5mm needles as a starting point. Follow your pattern and washed gauge swatch for the final choice.
Why might the colour look different on my screen?
Displays and lighting reproduce colour differently. Use the official photograph, shade number and shade name together when selecting.
Choose your Crucci Aella 12 Ply colour
Select your colour, confirm the pattern's metreage and order enough for the complete project so your dye lot and beautiful brushed finish stay consistent.
Explore the Colour Card