Spinning Yarn

I find that spinning yarn is a very relaxing and enjoyable hobby. You can create different types of yarn by varying the texture, tightness, and ply.

Spinning Methods

The best way to spin depends on the type of fibers you are working with. Course fibers stick together more and have a higher micron count.

Fine fibers are more slippery, so they need more twist. They also have a lower micron count, which allows you to get more skeins from a pound of fiber. A shorter staple or fiber length requires more twist.

Woolen

Best for carded fibers, not necessarily wool. The trapped air makes a warmer yarn, but it will pill more and wear out faster. Woolen yarn is spun with a long draw.

Worsted

Best for combed fibers that are parallel. The yarn is less fuzzy and more durable. Worsted yarn spun with a short draw. Please don't confuse this type of spin with the word "worsted" as it's also used to describe a yarn size.

The techniques can be blended to create a yarn somewhere in the middle. For example, I prefer to spin carded fibers using a worsted short draw method.

It's even more satisfying to make something using your own handspun yarn! Carding fiber before spinning will produce a clean, smooth yarn. It will also help to evenly distribute the natural texture and color variations.

Most raw fiber needs to be combed or carded. Carding wool prepares it for making wool roving and ultimately for spinning.

Carding straightens out the fibers and fluffs them up. It will also remove more dirt, even from wool that has been washed.

It may look clean, but more tiny bits of dirt will fall out of the fiber when you card it. Try to do your carding over a towel that you can shake outside at the end and easily wash when you're done.

Types of Fiber Used for Spinning Yarn

I am amazed at how many different types of fiber there are for making yarn. They can come from plants, animals, or man-made synthetics. Regardless of the source, each type has unique properties and a way of being processed into something usable.

It's magical how these simple fibers can turn into such amazing pieces of clothing and other useful items.

More to Explore