Handspinning wool

When handspinning wool, there are two techniques that you can use to make alpaca yarn. The type of technique you use will depend on what you want to do with your finished yarn.

The first technique we will look at is spinning woollen yarn. This yarn is a soft, bouncy yarn. This type of yarn is great for knitting sweaters, or you can use it for making items that you knit and felt like purses or rugs. Because short fibers are used, this type of yarn will have more of an "itch" factor to it and is best for garments that will not be worn next to the body.

Prepare the short fibers of your alpaca wool by carding them on a drum carder into batts or use handcarders to make rolags. Your fibers will go in different directions instead of parallel. This will traps more air into the yarn giving it that bouncy, soft, airy property.

The handspinning technique used to create this type of yarn is called the long draw method. To see this technique in action, view the video below.

The second technique we will look at is spinning worsted yarn. This yarn is stronger and smoother than woollen yarn. Items made from worsted yarn can be worn close to the body as it will have less of an "itch" factor than woollen yarn. Worsted yarns are used warp in weaving. Because the yarn is so strong, it can be used for making projects that need more strength to last such as blankets and rugs.

To prepare the fiber for worsted spinning, it should be combed so that the fibers are parallel. The combing will, also, remove shorter fibers. If you send your fibers out to be prepped, you will want it made into tops.

The technique used to spin a worsted yarn is called a short draw. It is much more controlled than spinning woollen yarn. You use your thumb and forefinger to flatten the wool and get the air out. In woollen yarn you are trying to get air into the yarn, but with worsted you are trying to keep the air out of the yarn as you are spinning and to keep the yarn smooth.

To see the worsted technique, view the video below:

You may find that you prefer one type of yarn over the other. We suggest you try both methods. We find spinning really relaxing. We spin more of our yarn with the worsted method because we prefer less of the "itch" in our hats and scarfs.

Give handspinning wool a try. It can be done in front of the TV or listening to music, or even in a car if you drop spin for portability. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can spin up yarn once you get the hang of it.

Return from handspinning wool to alpaca yarn

Return from handspinning wool to owning alpaca home page.