Most beginning spinners will find a coarser wool fiber such as Romney easier to draft and spin. Also try our Corriedale Cross on the same page. Very fine wool fibers such a Merino also tend to be a little more slippery, so that controlling the twist might be difficult for a beginner.

I am a beginning spinner. What do I need besides a spinning wheel and fiber?

Most spinning wheels offer three or four bobbins, which are used for plying yarns. Three bobbins are the minimum you should have, enabling you to make a two ply yarn. Many spinners keep a lot more bobbins than that on hand so that they can go back and forth from one spinning project to another.

A Niddy Noddy is necessary to wind your spun and plied yarn into a skein. Doing so will allow you to count the yards of yarn you have spun and will enable you to spin the correct amount for your project. It is also possible to set the twist of the yarn while it is on a Niddy Noddy with the help of a hand held steamer.

Don't forget most of all a "How to spin" book or video such as "Hands on Spinning" , that will come in handy in answering many of your questions.

Do I need a distaff for spinning flax?

No, a distaff is only needed for long line flax. These flax fibers are extremely long (up to one yard) and require careful preparation and dressing on a distaff before spinning. You can however spin commercially prepared flax top without a distaff. It can be spun dry for a slightly "hairier" effect, spun wet for a smooth yarn with a subtle sheen. Linen yarn will get softer and more pliable with wear.

How much fiber will I need for?

Socks: 4 ounces
Vest, medium: 16 ounces
Sweater, medium:24 to 32 ounces.
Please remember that these are just estimates and that the fiber amount you will need vary greatly from one fiber to another. Design features of your garment such as size, length or knit cables can also add to the amount of fiber you will need to complete your project.

Spinning How-To

Pre-draft your fibers so that they are easier to handle.

This is especially true for beginning spinners or for a "thick" roving. Take a strip of roving or combed wool top about one yard in length and split it length wise two or three times. Firmly grip one strip of wool top with two hands held apart about 6 to 10 inches. Gently tug on the fiber until you feel them slip past each other. Move your hands along the length of the fiber and repeat. Remember that you want to "loosen" the wool fiber without tearing the sliver into bits. Careful pre-drafting will result in a more even spun yarn.

Handpainted wool fibers can be spun in several way to achieve different color results:

Spin pre-drafted thin hand painted wool tops and ply at random for the most colorful "barber pole like" effect.

Ply the same wool fiber with itself using the Navaho plying technique for yarns that will change color every few inches.

Always spin a few yards of sample yarn,

ply it, and critically review it. Is it what you had in mind? Is your yarn even and the yarn diameter right for your gauge? Perhaps a knit sample swatch is called for? Take the time to inspect your yarn, and possible revise it. It might save you a lot of time in the long run!

Selecting a Spinning Wheels

When selecting a spinning wheel remember that the wheel has to suit YOUR needs, not anybody else's. The spinning wheel that your friend cherishes may or may not be right for you. Consider the following before purchasing a spinning wheel:

Portability: spinning wheel

Do you want to take the spinning wheel along to classes, spin-ins etc. If so, portability might be the key and the most important point for you. Is space a consideration as well? Where will the spinning wheel be stored when not in use? Does it have to fit in a closet or do you have enough space so that it can grace your living room or den?

Kromski Masurka Spinning Wheel

Comfort and Availability:

Does the spinning wheel you are about to purchase feel comfortable to YOU when you spin on it? Does it treadle quietly? Is changing bobbins easy? Will you be able to "upgrade" your spinning wheel in the future? For example can you purchase a fast flyer or whorl for high speed spinning for your wheel? Will there be replacement parts available should you need them?

Esthetics: spinning wheels

No, you are not vain wanting a wheel that is absolutely beautiful to you...you will be the spinner and if looks bother you from the start, chances are that you might not use your wheel as often as you had planned. Spinning on your wheel should not only be a manual process, but also a visual joy.

Kromski Polonaise Spinning Wheel

Single Treadle Versus Double Treadle

A lot has been said and written about this topic. A double treadle wheel will be a definite plus if you plan to spin for long periods of time. The double treadles demand that you sit upright in front of the wheel, (no slouching allowed!), thus giving you better posture and saving your back. A double treadle wheel also will help a beginning spinner to "get the wheel going", something that may help overcome the sometimes frustrating first steps in spinning. So then, are double treadle spinning wheels better? By all means no! If you have learned on a single treadle spinning wheel and are comfortable with it, stick to it. Personal preference is the key here and what should matter most to you!

Louet S 51 Spinning Wheel

Other Accessories and what they can do for you

Skein Winders

Used to wind skeins of yarn, typical 2 yard, but adjustable skein winders can wind other circumferences as well. Skein winders wind yarn quicker than a Niddy Noddy, so if you have larger amounts of yarn that is in need for winding this is the way to go. Adjustable skein winders can also be used to wind off a skein of yarn so that it can be wound into a ball with ease.

Swifts

Umbrella swifts are designed to hold skeins of yarn, so that they can be wound easily into balls. These adjustable devices come in a range of sizes and either metal or wood.

Ball winders

Mostly used along with a swift or skein winder, ball winders make center pull balls that are stackable. This makes the yarn a lot more manageable for knitting, crocheting etc. It is also a good way to empty up spinning wheel bobbins for new projects. Once the ball is wound it can be slipped on a Lazy Kate and plied as usual.

Flickers, Handcards and Combs

If you raise your own fiber producing animals you will have to process the fiber before it can be spun. You can use

            Flickers: The least expensive of all fiber preparation tools these, Flickers or Flick Cards are perfect for preparing smaller amounts of fibers. They will align all the fibers so that they are parallel.

            Handcards: These come in pairs. They work similar to Flickers, but can hold more fibers. They will align all the fibers so that they are parallel. This will allow you to spin a lofty soft and fluffy yarn. Drawback: Carded fibers still contain most second cuts, noils and some debris, so it might not wear as well as a combed wool.

            Combs: These come in pairs. This will also align the fibers so that they are parallel, but at the same time remove all second cuts, noils and debris. The result is a superior combed top that will wear really well and is less likely to pill. Knitting stitches will have more definition and combing can bring out the luster in some wools. Drawback: combed yarns are not as lofty as carded yarns.

Drumcarders

Bring out the big guns. For many spinners this is the only way to go. They process fiber quick and operate similar to handcards. But remember that you have to use a drum carder in order to make it worth your while. Perhaps sharing a drumcarder with a spinning fried or guild will bring the cost down for everybody.

Learn how to use wool combs

Assembly instructions for Polonaise spinning wheel

Assembly instructions for Mazurka spinning wheel

Any Questions? Drop us a line and we will try to help!

Bridget