Hello My Fellow Spinners
And welcome to my latest blog where I shall hope to convince you of the importance of fibre preparation!
We are approaching the end of January 2025 and my thoughts have started to wander to shearing time already. I found myself inspecting my sheep and their fleeces this morning with an eye on crimp and staple length and colour and imagined how they might look in five months time at shearing and made a mental note to book the shearer for June already.
And shearing leads to another part of the journey to spinning, the fibre preparation which includes skirting, scouring, carding and combing, but is all that really necessary I hear you ask.
My answer has to be a huge YES!
Hand spinning is a very creative and personal experience. We all spin slightly differently according to the fibre we use, whether that is from a raw fleece or commercially prepared, the technique we choose, the equipment we use and the project we have in mind, if indeed we do. And that is the joy of spinning, you decide what you want to do.
However, if one wants or needs to create the perfectly consistent yarn then the absolute key to producing that has to be fibre preparation. Let me explain why.
1. Consistency in Your Yarn
Producing a consistent yarn requires consistency and rhythm at every stage of the process, and many of you will have heard me say this so many time, because it is true! And beautifully prepared fibres is just one part of the process making it a far more enjoyable experience.
Raw fleece or unprocessed fibre often contains variations in texture, staple length, and debris. By carding, combing, or otherwise preparing the fibre, you can create a more uniform staple alignment and remove any tangles or clumps enabling your fibre to glide smoothly as you draft them resulting in more spun yarn which is crucial for larger projects requiring a consistent gauge.
2. Easier Drafting
Well-prepared fibre drafts effortlessly. When fibres are aligned and free from tangles, drafting becomes a smooth and enjoyable process. Poorly prepared fibre, on the other hand, can be frustrating to work with, leading to uneven spinning and unnecessary stress which is just not what we want when spinning. Taking the time to prepare your fibre properly can transform your spinning experience from a struggle to a delight.
3. Cleaner Finished Yarn
Raw fleece often contains vegetable matter, dirt, or grease (lanolin) that can remain in the fibre if not cleaned and prepared properly. Skipping fibre preparation may result in a yarn that still contains these impurities, which can detract from the appearance and feel of your finished product. Washing and processing your fibre thoroughly ensures a cleaner, higher-quality yarn. Be aware that there are health implications to using unwashed fleeces as well as contamination of your precious equipment so I always recommend thoroughly scouring your fibre routinely before spinning.
4. Customising Your Spinning Experience
Fibre preparation isn’t just a practical step—it’s also an opportunity for creativity. You can blend colours, fibres, or textures to create a unique spinning experience and a one-of-a-kind yarn. Preparing batts on a drum carder or blending rolags with hand carders allows you to experiment with colour gradients, texture, and fibre combinations. This personalisation adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your spinning.
5. Improving Spinning Efficiency
When I first started spinning many moons ago I was so eager to just spin the wool that I really didn't give much thought, time or effort to the preparation but experience has taught me just how important well prepared fibres are and how it helps to maximise your spinning time, which often is short in our busy lives. Spinning from unprepared or poorly prepared fibre can slow you down, as you may have to stop frequently to deal with tangles, clumps, or inconsistencies. By investing time in fibre preparation, you’ll save time and frustration later, allowing you to spin more efficiently and enjoyably.
6. Matching Fibre Preparation to Your Desired Yarn
Different spinning techniques and yarn types benefit from different fibre preparations. For example, combed top is ideal for smooth, worsted-style yarns with excellent stitch definition, while carded rolags are perfect for airy, woollen-style yarns with plenty of loft. Understanding and mastering fibre preparation gives you the control to match your fibre to your spinning goals.
Fibre preparation is a foundational step in hand spinning that can elevate your yarn and spinning experience. Whether you’re aiming for consistent, clean yarn or experimenting with creative blends, taking the time to prepare your fibre will pay off in the quality of your finished product. So, before you start your next spinning session, take a moment to prepare your fibre—your wheel or spindle (and your future self!) will thank you.
Where do you start?
If fibre preparation is still a bit of a mystery to you then I am here to help. I have a series of workshops dedicated to understanding and scouring fleeces, fibre combing, carding, blending and so much more. And I would be delighted to support you.
My first preparation workshop is Perfect Your Carding Techniques in which you will learn how to use hand carders and a drum carder to ensure that you feel confident to prepare your fibres at home. The next date is FRIDAY 24th JANUARY but other dates are also available. You can book your place by following the link below.
If you would like to browse my other workshops just follow this link https://www.thespinningbarn.co.uk/book-online
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