Spinning Education

New to spinning or just want to brush up on different techniques, you are in the right place.

What is spinning? I am so glad you asked. Spinning can come in different forms such as using a spindle or spinning wheel. Suffice it to say spinning is the art of transforming fur, wool, and other fibers into a usable material to create clothes, handbags, rugs, and more. This material is called yarn.

Here are some videos about different techniques you may use when dying fiber or spinning those same dyed fibers into yarn.

Basic Spinning

The process of drafting fibers while adding twist to create a continuous strand of yarn.

To do this, hold your fiber supply (such as roving) in one hand and use the other to draft, or gently pull, fibers out. At the same time, use a spinning wheel or drop spindle to add twist, which travels into the drafted fibers and holds them together. Aim to keep a steady rhythm between drafting and twisting to produce an even yarn.

To get started, choose a beginner-friendly fiber like wool roving, and practice drafting without twist first. Then introduce twist slowly, focusing on consistency rather than speed.

Core Spinning

A technique where fiber is wrapped around a central core thread to create textured, durable yarn.

Begin with a strong core thread held under steady tension. Feed fiber onto the core at an angle while spinning, allowing the twist to wrap the fiber around the core rather than twisting it into a single strand. You can vary how much fiber you add to create thick or thin sections.

To get started, use a smooth, sturdy thread as your core and practice feeding small amounts of fiber consistently before experimenting with bulkier textures.

Center Pull Ball

A way of winding yarn so it can be pulled from the center, allowing smooth and controlled use.

Wind yarn into a ball while leaving an accessible strand in the middle. As you use the yarn, pull from the center instead of the outside so the ball stays in place and feeds evenly.

To get started, you can wind by hand by wrapping yarn around your fingers and building a ball, or use a ball winder for a more uniform shape. Practice keeping the tension even so the yarn doesn’t tangle.

Plying

The process of twisting two or more strands of spun yarn together to create a stronger, more balanced yarn.

Feed multiple singles together and add twist in the opposite direction of how they were spun. This balances the yarn’s energy, reducing kinks and improving durability. Adjust tension and speed to control how tightly the strands twist together.

To get started, spin a few singles first, then try plying two together at a slow pace. Focus on even tension and consistent twist before experimenting with more strands or creative effects.

Starting Chaining

A method of chaining or looping yarn before plying to keep it organized and tangle-free.

Take your spun single and form a loose crochet-like chain by pulling loops through each other. When you’re ready to ply, pull the chain free gradually as you feed the yarn into your wheel or spindle.

To get started, practice making even, loose chains that are easy to undo. This helps control tension and prevents knots during plying.

Ply with Hand

A technique for controlling yarn feed and tension when plying from a single ball.

Wrap sections of yarn around your hand or fingers, spacing them so they don’t overlap too tightly. As you ply, allow the yarn to unwind smoothly from your hand while guiding it into the twist.

To get started, experiment with different wrapping patterns on your hand to find one that feeds evenly without tangling or pulling too quickly.

Ply with Beads

A decorative plying method that incorporates beads into the yarn.

Thread beads onto one strand before plying, or add them as you go. As you twist strands together, slide beads into place so they are caught securely between the plies. Control spacing to achieve your desired design.

To get started, choose beads with holes large enough for your yarn and practice placing them at consistent intervals while maintaining even tension.

Ply with Two Strands

Twisting two singles together in the opposite direction of their original spin to create balanced yarn.

Hold one strand in each hand (or feed from two bobbins) and allow them to come together as you add twist in the reverse direction. Keep both strands under even tension so they combine smoothly without one dominating the other.

To get started, spin two similar singles and practice plying slowly, focusing on matching their thickness and feed rate.

Kitchen Dyeing Presentaition

The process of adding color to wool fiber or yarn using dyes.

Soak the wool thoroughly, then apply dye using methods such as immersion (for solid colors) or hand painting (for patterns). Heat the fiber with an acidic solution to set the dye, then rinse and dry carefully to avoid felting.

To get started, use acid dyes or beginner-friendly natural dyes, and practice on small samples to learn how colors absorb and blend.