Sweaters & cardigans
Create soft, warm layers with modern volume and a comfortable, wearable drape.
Wool and the Gang | Alpachino Merino
Soft, squishy chunky yarn with a naturally luxurious feel
Bring extra softness to sweaters, cardigans and winter accessories with Alpachino Merino: a smooth chunky yarn blending warm merino wool with silky baby alpaca. It feels beautiful in the hand, knits up satisfyingly quickly and creates modern pieces you will want to wear.
- 60% merino and 40% baby alpaca for softness, warmth and drape.
- Chunky and beginner-friendly for enjoyable, fast-progress projects.
- 100 metres per 100g ball with a gently twisted, smooth finish.
- Made for knitting or crochet across garments and accessories.
60 / 40
Merino and baby alpaca blend
100g
Ball weight
100m
Length per ball
Chunky
Quick, satisfying progress
Soft texture, clear stitches
Why Makers Love It
A premium natural-fibre yarn that is easy to enjoy
Merino gives Alpachino Merino comfortable warmth and bounce, while baby alpaca adds its distinctively soft, silky touch. Together they create a smooth yarn that feels special without making the knitting experience difficult.
The chunky weight makes each row feel rewarding and helps simple stitches look beautifully intentional. Use it for cosy wardrobe staples, thoughtful handmade gifts or a first larger project when you are ready to move beyond scarves.
- Warm yet comfortable to wear
- Smooth and easy to handle
- Lovely in simple textures
- Ideal for quick chunky makes
- Suitable for beginners
- Soft enough for next-to-skin accessories
One yarn, plenty of cosy possibilities
Beanies & bandanas
Make quick accessories that put the merino-alpaca softness close to the skin.
Scarves & cowls
Let garter stitch, moss stitch or ribbing show off the yarn's plush, gently twisted texture.
Mittens & gifts
Chunky weight makes smaller projects especially satisfying when you need a beautiful handmade present.
Patterns Designed for This Yarn
Choose the project, then select your colour
These Wool and the Gang patterns are designed specifically for Alpachino Merino, taking the guesswork out of yarn weight, needle choice and ball quantity.
Beginner | Sweater
Audrey Sweater
A relaxed chunky roll neck with roomy sleeves and a modern, cosy shape.
- Yarn: 8-11 balls by size
- Needles: 8mm
- Sizes: 1-6 (NZ 6-28)
- Estimated time: 28 hours
Intermediate | Hat
Hero Hat
A soft, textured chunky hat combining 1x1 rib and moss stitch for a quick cold-weather make.
- Yarn: 2 balls
- Needles: 5mm circular and 8mm straight
- Size: One size
- Estimated time: 6 hours
Beginner | Sweater
Sunrise Sweater
A confidence-building first sweater made from four simple garter-stitch rectangles.
- Yarn: 8-10 balls by size
- Needles: 8mm
- Sizes: 1-4 (NZ 6-20)
- Estimated time: 20 hours
Project planning tip: choose your pattern and size
before ordering yarn, then buy the full quantity in one colour to help
keep your project consistent. Always knit a tension swatch before
beginning a fitted garment.
Everything you need before casting on
| Brand | Wool and the Gang |
|---|---|
| Yarn | Alpachino Merino |
| Weight | Chunky |
| Composition | 60% merino wool, 40% baby alpaca |
| Ball size | 100g |
| Length | 100m / approximately 109yd |
| Suggested knitting needles | 6.5mm (US 10.5) and 8mm (US 11) |
| Suggested crochet hook | 8mm |
| Tension | 13 stitches x 18 rows over 10 x 10cm |
| Works well with | Moss stitch, stocking stitch, garter stitch and double crochet |
Helpful answers for choosing your yarn
Is Alpachino Merino suitable for beginners?
Yes. Wool and the Gang describes it as smooth and easy to knit with, and its chunky weight makes progress easy to see. The Sunrise and Audrey sweater patterns are both beginner level.
Can I crochet with Alpachino Merino?
Yes. The suggested crochet hook is 8mm, and the yarn works well for double crochet as well as chunky crochet garments and accessories. Check the tension required by your chosen pattern.
How many balls will I need?
It depends on your pattern and size. The Hero Hat uses 2 balls, the Sunrise Sweater uses 8-10 balls, and the Audrey Sweater uses 8-11 balls. Follow the quantity for your selected pattern size.
Which stitches suit this yarn?
Moss stitch, stocking stitch, garter stitch and double crochet all suit Alpachino Merino. Ribbing also creates a cosy, stretchy finish for hats, cuffs and neckbands.
Can I machine wash it?
No. Alpachino Merino is hand wash only. Use cold water no warmer than 25°C, handle gently and dry the finished piece flat.
Make Something Worth Wearing
Pick your colour and start your next cosy project
Explore the matching patterns, or discover more yarn and knitting supplies available from Direct Sewing in New Zealand.