Spinning Wool Prep Basics
Introduction
Yarn is a wonderful thing, and if you're getting into spinning your own yarn, it's even better. However, if you have absolutely no idea what "spinning wool prep basics" are or how to prepare for them, this article will help you get started!
Woolen and Worsted Spun:
Worsted yarns have a tighter construction, which gives them a smoother appearance. They're also more consistent in size than woolen spun yarns.
Woolen and Worsted Spinning: We'll cover the most basic terms you need to know about spinning wool, including the many different ways it can be done.
Carded vs Combed Top
There are two types of wool that you can spin: carded and combed. Carded wool is composed of fibers all in the same direction, making it easy to spin with a drop spindle or hand spindle. Combed top, on the other hand, has been processed so that all or most of the fibers run parallel (or nearly parallel) to each other. Because these fibers aren't as easily processed by hand tools like drop spindles and hand spindles, they're generally spun with a spinning wheel.
That said, there are some people who prefer spinning carded tops instead of combed because it's easier to get started with less equipment investment—but if you prefer not having to learn how to double drive your spinning wheel or use an extra tool like a whorl while creating your yarns (and don't mind having wavy yarns), then carding may be for you!
Puni vs Roving
Roving vs. Puni:
When you begin to spin, you might be confused by the terms "puni" and "roving." These two types of prepared wool are very similar, but they're not identical. We'll take a look at both types and their differences here!
Puni is wool that has been combed to remove shorter fibers, but not carded. I generally think of them as rolled into small cigar shaped tubes which are great for “woolen style” spinning because the fibers are already aligned into a spiral. Roving is wool that has been carded (combined) and then combed to remove shorter fibers; it's longer than puni with a flatter texture.
In general I suggest using roving over puni because it's easier to handle when spinning with a drop spindle or spinning wheel (but if you really want to try rolling your own rovings instead of buying them pre-made on Etsy. or with us.. why not? You'll get bragging rights). I like puni's they are like small rolags which are fibers rolled in to cigar shapes with the fibers already going into a spiral. This makes them great for woolen style spinning. Roving and batts are probably what I use most often. These fiber preps have fibers all laying perpendicular to each other vs in a spiral. I find that these are great for woolen and worsted style spinning. This combination of techniques and preps results in what some people consider " semi style yarn" These are probably my favorite types of yarns to spin. Don't let anyone convince you that following the "rules" is the only way to enjoy yarn spinning
How to buy wool for spinning.
There are several ways to buy wool for spinning. You can:
Buy from a local farmer or spinning guild. Most sheep farms have fleeces for sale, and many spinning guilds offer classes where members bring in their own fibers to spin with others in the group. If you're looking for something specific, like a certain breed of sheep or a particular kind of wool (such as alpaca), this is one way to find it!
Buy from online sources like Etsy, www.mylocalwool.com or www.craftyhousewifeyarns.com
Buy from local yarn shops—but remember they'll only carry what sells best locally (and sometimes even internationally) rather than having everything available at all times; if there's something special enough that isn't selling well near your area yet then check other stores nearby first before heading into town each week just hoping someone else has picked up stock since last month's visit!
How to prepare wool for spinning.
Carding is the first step in preparing wool for spinning. This process makes the fibers lie parallel to one another, making it easier to spin and more consistent in quality.
Combing was traditionally done with a hand carding tool, but machine combers can also be used. This step removes short fibers and helps separate longer ones so they're ready for spinning. It's important to comb enough that you don't have too many long fibers or else your yarn will be too coarsely spun.
Blending two or more different types of fleece together creates a custom-made blend that results in unique colors and textures within each skein of yarn you make from them (and often, unique patterns). The fleece should all be prepared according to steps 1-3 above before blending will work well; if not, carding/combing may still help--just know that some blending will occur anyway during this process!
Woolen, Worsted, roving , combed top, wool, yarn ,
Woolen and Worsted Spun
Woolen spun yarns have a rough texture and are usually softer than worsted spun. The wool fibers look like they are not aligned in any particular direction. A woolen yarn will be uneven, which makes it great for projects like felting or knitting mittens. On the other hand, worsted spun yarns look smooth with an even twist to the strand of fiber that has been twisted around itself by a spinner on a spinning wheel (or in this case, drum carder). It produces strong, durable fabric that can be used for other projects such as rugs or blankets.
Carded vs Combed Top
When purchasing top for spinning make sure you know whether you are getting combed top or carded top before making a purchase! Combing involves pulling out short fibers from the longer ones to produce shorter lengths of fiber which then can be carded together into roving or batts (batting). Carding involves passing shorter length fibers through one another to create longer lengths which can then be spun into roving or batts. Products made from these two different types of preparation methods will both yield different types of yarns so it is important to pick based upon what kind of project you want your finished product too become!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to understand the basics of spinning wool. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns that you may have!
