All spinning is quite simply the mixing of fibre and twist…there’s no magic ingredient! The ability to draw out a long thread means controlling the balance between twist and fibre. We start by doing this by hand to get the correct ‘feel’ and once this is established we move onto a wheel or drop spindle. If you’re new to spinning, don’t feel overwhelmed as, at our meetings, you will be helped and encouraged in every aspect. Getting started:
Take a single lock of fibre
Hold the lock with both hands half way down the staple (length) so the tips and cut ends are free.
With the left hand, gently pull away and twist with the fingers for about 6 turns
With the right hand, gently pull out (draft) about six inches which forms a ‘roving’…don’t worry about the lumps at this stage.
Continue to twist with the left hand and gently pull with the right and the thread will get finer and finer and the lumps disappear.
There, we told you it was simple…now all you need is to practice and enjoy!