Get Started Spinning Your Own Yarn for Craft Projects
Any knitter can vouch for the importance of a good yarn. It makes projects turn out better and gives them the desired weight and texture. There are lots of yarn options out there, but what if you can't find one that suits you perfectly? Well, you could spin your own.
Spinning yarn is not a complicated process. You can do it with a spinning wheel or a drop spindle. Spinning wheels are larger, quicker and more expensive, while using a drop spindle is slower, but they are smaller and cheaper.
Both do a fine job at creating yarn, so which one is best for you will depend on your budget and preferences.
One other advantage of drop spindles is that with a little practice and a good set of instructions, you can often figure them out on your own. Spinning wheels, on the other hand, require a great deal of coordination and concentration, especially when you're starting out. If you have trouble, spinning classes are available in most areas.
Selecting and Preparing Your Fiber
Besides your spinning wheel or drop spindle, you'll need some fiber. Wool is generally regarded as the best fiber to start out with. You can find it in craft stores, on eBay, or from online craft suppliers. These places often sell wool that has already been carded, which means that all knots have been worked out and it's ready to use.
Fiber that comes straight from the animal will need to be washed first. Dishwashing liquid and hot water should get it nice and clean. The wool should not be agitated, just soaked in the water and dish soap for about 30 minutes. After that, add some cold water, let it soak again, then remove and press the water out without rubbing the fleece together.
If you use fiber that you've gotten straight from the animal or buy fiber that hasn't been carded, you'll need to card it before you begin. This can be accomplished most easily with an electric carding machine. Paddle carders require more work on your part, but they are less expensive and work just fine.
Time to Start Spinning
Once you've prepared your wool, you can start learning how to spin it. There is a learning curve with either method, but once you've gotten the hang of it, it's like second nature. If you'd like to get a feel for things before spinning from scratch, you could spin two yarns together to create plied yarn.
Spinning yarn is an age-old process, and one that is mostly done in factories these days. But doing your own spinning can be quite rewarding. It allows you complete control over your yarn, making your finished products turn out better. Why not give it a try?
For easy and fun knitting projects, have a look at Knitting Essentials
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