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Some basics on Spinning:

You can spin wool that is washed or is still "in the grease" (unwashed). It is easier for beginners to spin wool that is washed.

When spinning, don't be upset if your yarn is knarly or twisted. If your yarn looked spun by machine, nobody would believe you spun it.

1). First, set up your drop spindle or spinning wheel with a "lead" (an already spun piece of yarn that you can attach your spinning to). Preferably this is some hand-spun that you've done, which you can "spin" on your lap.

2). Always spin the wheel or the drop spindle clockwise. Place your non-dominant hand closest to the wheel or spindle on the fleece, and your dominant further back and closer to you. Your dominant hand will "draw out" the wool, while your non-dominant holds the twist from escaping up the un-spun fiber. Overlap the unspun and spun fiber (on your wheel or drop spindle) about 4-5 inches, and hold it securely with your non-dominant hand. Turn the wheel clockwise, and it will naturally twist. Draw the wool out, and slowly move your hands toward your body (or upward in the case of a drop spindle.) Add more wool as you need it. (Stopping to do this in the beginning will be necessary.)

3). If working on the drop spindle, after creating a stretch of yarn that is so long that it no longer feels comfortable, wind it onto the spindle. In the case of a wheel, allow the wheel to slowly take it up by easing up on your tension.

4). When you are first starting, four things will probably happen. Firstly, the twist will escape beyond your hands. Secondly (in the case of a wheel) the spinning will either seem to refuse to be taken up by the wheel, or it will seem like the wheel is trying to eat your yarn and your hands alive. Thirdly (in the case of a wheel) it will seem impossible to keep the wheel turning AND focus on your hands. Fourthly, your yarn will break. A lot. This happens to all of us. My yarn still breaks on a regular basis, and it happens to everyone! Relax and remember that practice is what makes a good spinner. No one sits down at a wheel or takes up a drop spindle for the first time and can spin perfectly.

5). Once you have filled your spindle or bobbin, unwind the thread and make a skein by wrapping it around your hand and your elbow (like you would a rope or cord). Tie this skein at intervals with acrylic yarn.

6). You have to set the twist on your yarn, or it will come unraveled. The best way to do this is to thoroughly soak the skein in hot water (remember: DO NOT AGITATE) and hang the skein through the top of a plastic hanger from your showerhead to dry. Setting the twist is accomplished by hanging something heavy from the bottom of skein while drying. In the past, I've found placing 20 metal washers on a piece of acrylic yarn and tying it on the bottom works well. If you don't have washers, take some change in sandwich bag and tie this around the bottom. You want the weight to pull down on the skein (pulling it taut) but you don't want to hang an anvil from it and break your threads either.

7). You're done spinning and you have your first skein!

Learn more about this author, Grace Olivia Nordberg.
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