Yarn Spinning for Beginners Tips
Hey there, fellow yarn lovers! It’s Kaci here from Young Folk Knits, coming at you with a bit of a twist on our usual knitting chatter. In the last few years, I’ve tumbled headfirst into the mesmerizing world of spinning, and let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure. So, grab your cup of tea (or coffee, I don’t judge), and let’s talk about turning fluffy fibers into beautiful yarn.
The Beginning of a Spinning Journey
Knitting has always been my go-to craft, but the allure of spinning my own yarn was too tempting to resist. Imagine knitting a piece with yarn you’ve spun yourself — it adds a whole new layer of personal touch, doesn’t it?
That thought nudged me into the spinning world, even though, let’s be real, starting was a tad intimidating. With no spinners in my neck of the woods here in rural Arkansas and no local classes, I relied heavily on the internet to kickstart my spinning saga.
Starting Small (and Simple)
You might think you need a fancy spinning wheel to start, but I’m here to tell you, that’s not the case. My first spinning tool was a humble, inexpensive spindle. It’s a great way to dip your toes in without breaking the bank. Spinning on a spindle might feel slow, but it’s an excellent way to grasp the basics without a hefty investment.
Drop spindle
Graduating to a Spinning Wheel
Eventually, I craved the speed and efficiency of a spinning wheel. There’s a dizzying variety of wheels out there, but for beginners, I’d recommend something straightforward and user-friendly, like the Ashford Kiwi 3. It’s a dream for newbies, easy to set up (and even easier on the wallet if you go the unassembled route), and it’s got everything you need to get started without feeling overwhelmed.
Choosing Your Fiber
Now, onto the good stuff: fiber. It’s tempting to dive straight into those gorgeous hand-dyed fibers you see all over Instagram, but hold your horses. Starting with something less expensive and easier to handle, like undyed wool, can save you a lot of frustration (and money). Once you’ve got a handle on things, go ahead and treat yourself to those beautiful, colorful fibers. You’ll appreciate them even more.
Wool
Online Classes to the Rescue
I won’t lie, YouTube can be a goldmine for learning, but sometimes you need something a bit more in-depth. That’s where online classes come in. I found a couple of fantastic courses on Craftsy that really leveled up my spinning game. They covered everything from drafting techniques to understanding how to create yarn that’s perfect for knitting.
- Craftsy classes: https://www.craftsy.com/class/drafting-from-worsted-to-woolen (https://www.craftsy.com/class/drafting-from-worsted-to-woolen)
- https://www.craftsy.com/class/ply-to-knit-spin-the-yarn-you-really-want
(https://www.craftsy.com/class/ply-to-knit-spin-the-yarn-you-really-want)
https://www.craftsy.com/class/foundations-of-spinning
(https://www.craftsy.com/class/foundations-of-spinning)
A Few Handy Tools
As you get more into spinning, you’ll find a few tools can make your life a lot easier. A niddy-noddy helps you wind your yarn into skeins, extra bobbins mean you can work on multiple projects at once, and a control card can help you keep track of your yarn’s thickness. Trust me, these little gadgets are worth their weight in wool.
Niddy noddy https://paradisefibers.com/products/kromski-niddy-noddy?variant=27111865798 (https://paradisefibers.com/products/kromski-niddy-noddy?variant=27111865798)
My Spinning Reflections
I’ve spun quite a few skeins of yarn now, each with its own quirks and learning experiences. From battling with tough fibers to figuring out the best way to ply, every skein has taught me something new. And yes, while my first few attempts were far from perfect, they were incredibly rewardin
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To New Spinners
If you’re curious about spinning, I say go for it. Start small, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the process. It’s a fantastic journey, filled with endless possibilities and the joy of creating something truly unique. And hey, the spinning community is one of the most welcoming out there — we’re always here to help each other out.
Beginning Spinning Tips
Check out my video on spinning tips for beginners:
Wrapping It Up
Thanks for joining me on this little detour into the world of spinning. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter looking to expand your horizons or a crafty soul drawn to the magic of making your own yarn, I hope this peek into my spinning journey has inspired you. Remember, every twist and turn of the fiber is a step towards something beautiful. Until next time, happy spinning (and knitting) y’all!
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