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The transformation of fibre into a yarn is a very satisfying
process. Once the techniques have been mastered, it
is very gratifying to watch a yarn form on the hand
spindle or spinning wheel bobbin.
 There is an abundance of information available for
beginners. The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners
and Dyers is an excellent place to start.
Local Guilds have a diary of events that include workshops
and demonstrations. Information about local Guilds and
their programme can be found on The Association
of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
web site.
Another good place to learn how to spin is through
books. Fibrecrafts offers
books about learning how to spin on a spindle
and a spinning wheel which contain step by step
instruction and clear illustrations or photographs.
There are also the
magazine
titles which include The
Journal and Spin
Off.
 The
Fibres
Yarn can be spun directly from fleece which needs to
be cleaned and carded into a roving. Roving is the pencil
thin length of fibres from which the fibres are fed
onto the spindle. Synthrapol
can be used to degrease the fleece and wool
combs are used to open out the fibre.
Drum
carders can be used to prepare the fibre
into what is known as a batt, ready for splitting down
into a roving, while
hand
carders are used to create a rolag for woollen
spinning. Hand carders and drum carders are also useful
for blending different types and colours of fibres,
adding variety to spinning and feltmaking.
 Pre-prepared
natural and dyed fibres are readily available and can
be parted easily into a roving. Wool fibres are usually
sold as tops which is a hand width length of fibres.
Silk, cotton and hair fibres are also available as tops,
depending on the width. The prepared cotton and silk
fibres are usually referred to as sliver which is about
a quarter of the thickness of a top.
The choice of prepared fibres
is extensive and a beginner spinner will have no difficulty
identifying a long staple fibre such as Shetland
or Merino
for their first experience of the craft. Shorter or
slippery fibres such as cotton or silk sliver will be
a challenge for the beginner.
The integrity of the yarn is determined by the amount
of twist. Learning how to regulate this twist is the
key to a well balanced yarn.
Spinning Equipment
 Hand
spindles come in different forms and sizes.
A tiny spindle called the Tahkli
is used for short fibres to create a fine yarn.
 The
High or Low Whorl spindle can be used to spin most fibres
and the thickness of the yarn will be determined by
the weight of the spindle, the amount of twist and the
feed of the fibre. The High and Low Spindles offered
on this site are ideal for the beginner as they weigh
60-70gm and produce a medium thickness yarn.
 With
the Low
Whorl spindle (also known as the Drop Spindle)
the whorl sits near the bottom of the shaft and the
spun yarn is wound around the shaft. The whorl on the High
Whorl spindle (also known as Top Whorl Spindle)
is attached to the top of the shaft and has a hook screwed
into it which is used to secure the developing yarn.
The yarn is then wound around the shaft.
The spinning wheel was invented in the 1500’s
to speed up the process and along with spindle spinning,
has become a therapeutic past-time. Further information
about spinning wheels can be found in the Fact
File.
Here are a couple of web pages from other sites that offer
further information about how to spin:
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