Common Fiber Types for Spinning

Fiber Type Characteristics Best Uses
Wool (Merino, Corriedale, Romney) Soft to medium staple length, elastic General purpose yarns, garments
Alpaca Silky, warm, less elastic Soft, warm yarns
Cotton Short staple, strong Lightweight yarns, summer garments
Silk Lustrous, strong Luxury yarns, blends
Linen (Flax) Smooth, strong, less elastic Durable yarns, textured fabrics
Synthetic (Nylon, Acrylic) Durable, easy care Blends, durable yarns

Essential Spinning Tools

Tool Purpose Notes
Drop Spindle Hand spinning fiber into yarn Portable, good for beginners
Spinning Wheel Mechanical spinning Faster production
Niddy Noddy Skein winding tool For measuring and skeining
Lazy Kate Holds bobbins for plying Essential for multi-ply yarns
Hand Cards Fiber preparation Aligns and cleans fiber
Spinning Chair Comfortable seating Optional but recommended

Spinning Techniques

Technique Description Best For
Woolen Spinning Lofty, airy yarn with more air Warm, soft, bulky yarns
Worsted Spinning Smooth, strong yarn with parallel fibers Durable, smooth yarns
Chain Plying Creating balanced yarn by plying singles in a chain Unique texture, decorative
Navajo Plying Three-ply yarn plying from a single strand Matching singles plying
Supported Spindle Spindle supported on surface for fine spinning Thin, delicate yarns

Fiber Preparation

Method Description Use Cases
Carding Aligns and cleans fibers Wool, alpaca, blends
Combing Removes short fibers, aligns fibers Worsted spinning
Pre-drafting Loosening fibers before spinning Easier drafting, smoother yarn
Washing & Dyeing Clean and colour fiber Prepped fiber for spinning

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem Cause Solution
Uneven yarn thickness Inconsistent drafting or twist Practice drafting, adjust tension
Yarn breaks easily Over-twisting or weak fibers Reduce twist, use stronger fibers
Slippery fiber Fiber type or too much oil Wash fiber before spinning
Spindle slows down Too much twist or tension Adjust tension, loosen twist
Over-twisted yarn Too much twist during spinning Ply yarn or let twist relax

Yarn Finishing Tips

Step Description
Set Twist Soak yarn in warm water, then hang to dry with weight
Blocking Shape yarn or finished projects to even out fibers
Storage Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Avoid Moisture Prevent mold and fiber damage

Yarn Weight & Uses

Yarn Weight Description Typical Uses
Lace Very fine yarn Delicate shawls, lacework
Fingering Lightweight yarn Socks, baby garments
Sport Light yarn Lightweight sweaters, accessories
DK (Double Knit) Medium-light yarn Sweaters, hats, scarves
Worsted Medium yarn General purpose projects
Bulky Thick yarn Warm sweaters, blankets
Super Bulky Very thick yarn Heavy blankets, quick projects

Resources & Learning

Resource Type Description Notes
Books “The Spinner’s Book of Yarn Designs” by Sarah Anderson Comprehensive guide
Online Tutorials Video courses on spinning basics Free and paid platforms
Local Guilds Fiber arts communities Hands-on workshops and support
Fiber Festivals Events with vendors & classes Great for learning and sourcing