Quick answer: For a sofa or one-person lap blanket, buy a throw (about 50 x 60-70 in). For a bed, match the mattress: twin ~66 x 90 in, queen ~90 x 90 in, king ~108 x 90 in. When you are between sizes, go up one step so the blanket drapes over the edges rather than stopping short.
Alpaca blankets are an investment piece, so it is worth getting the size right the first time. The dimensions below reflect common weaving standards for handmade Peruvian alpaca blankets. Sizes vary a little by maker because these are woven by hand, so always check the exact listed measurements before you buy.
Alpaca blanket size chart
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel / lap | 40 x 60 | 100 x 150 | Planes, cars, one person seated |
| Throw | 50 x 60-70 | 127 x 152-178 | Sofa, armchair, foot of the bed |
| Twin | 66 x 90 | 168 x 229 | Twin bed, tall single sleeper |
| Queen | 90 x 90 | 229 x 229 | Queen bed, generous couple's throw |
| King | 108 x 90 | 274 x 229 | King / Cal-king bed, full drape |
Throw vs blanket: which do you actually want?
Most people who buy their first alpaca piece want a throw, not a bed blanket. A throw is the versatile choice: it works draped over a sofa, wrapped around your shoulders in a reading chair, or folded at the end of a bed as an accent layer. It is also the most giftable size because it fits any home regardless of bed size, which is why throws top our list of alpaca gifts that ship well internationally. If you are buying for a specific bed, then the mattress size dictates your choice, which we cover next. See our alpaca blankets collection for both throws and bed sizes.
How to match blanket size to your bed
A bed blanket should cover the mattress and hang over the sides enough to tuck or drape. That overhang is why the blanket is wider than the mattress:
- Twin bed (38 in wide): a twin blanket at 66 in gives about 14 in of drape per side.
- Queen bed (60 in wide): a queen blanket at 90 in gives about 15 in of drape per side.
- King bed (76 in wide): a king blanket at 108 in gives about 16 in of drape per side.
If you like a blanket that hangs low or tucks deeply, size up one step. If you want a lighter top-of-bed accent that shows the duvet underneath, a throw or the mattress-matched size is enough.
Sourcing note
Because Peruvian alpaca blankets are handwoven, listed dimensions can vary by an inch or two, and heavier reversible weaves shrink slightly on the loom. Buy from a seller who lists exact measurements per item rather than a generic "queen size" label. For how to verify authenticity before you buy, read our guide to identifying authentic alpaca.
Baby alpaca vs regular alpaca for blankets
Grade matters as much as size. Baby alpaca is the finer, softer fiber (it refers to fineness, not the animal's age) and is the grade you want for anything that touches your skin, like a throw you wrap around yourself. Standard alpaca is slightly coarser and more affordable, and it is perfectly good for a bed blanket used over sheets. For the full breakdown, see baby alpaca vs regular alpaca. Whichever grade you choose, alpaca gives you more warmth for less weight than sheep's wool, which we compare in our alpaca vs merino guide.
Keeping your blanket the right size
A correctly sized blanket only stays that way if you care for it properly. Alpaca can shrink if it is exposed to heat and agitation, so hand wash in cool water and dry flat. Our guide on whether alpaca shrinks covers exactly how to wash and dry it so a queen-size blanket stays queen-size for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size alpaca blanket should I buy?
For a sofa throw or single-person lap blanket, choose a throw size around 50 by 60 to 70 inches. For a bed, match the mattress: a queen alpaca blanket runs about 90 by 90 inches and a king about 108 by 90 inches. When in doubt, size up one step so the blanket drapes over the edges instead of stopping short.
Is a queen alpaca blanket big enough for a king bed?
It can work as a top layer but it will not drape evenly. A queen blanket is about 90 inches wide while a king mattress is 76 inches wide plus overhang on both sides, so a queen leaves little to tuck. For proper coverage on a king bed, buy a king-size blanket at roughly 108 inches wide.
What is the difference between a throw and a full-size alpaca blanket?
A throw is a smaller decorative and functional piece, usually 50 by 60 to 70 inches, meant for a sofa, chair, or one person. A full-size or bed blanket is sized to a mattress (twin, queen, or king) and is meant to cover a sleeping surface. Throws are the most popular first alpaca purchase because they suit any room.
Are baby alpaca blankets warmer than regular alpaca blankets?
Baby alpaca refers to fiber fineness, not the animal's age, and it is softer and finer than standard alpaca. Warmth per weight is similar because both are alpaca fiber, but baby alpaca feels lighter and smoother against the skin, so it is the preferred grade for blankets used close to the body.
How do I care for an alpaca blanket?
Hand wash in cool water with a wool-safe soap, never wring or tumble dry, and lay it flat to dry. Alpaca is naturally odor-resistant, so airing it out usually refreshes it between washes. Stored folded in a breathable bag with cedar, a quality alpaca blanket lasts for many years.