Spinning wool into thread (yarn) is a three-step process that transforms raw wool fibers into a continuous strand suitable for various textile crafts. This process relies entirely on twist to create a stable and strong thread.
The Three Steps of Spinning Yarn
According to experts, the process of spinning yarn is straightforward and involves distinct stages:
Step 1: Creating Singles
The first step involves taking the prepared wool fibers and spinning them into a continuous strand. These initial strands are known as "singles." If you're a knitter or familiar with commercial yarn, you might know this stage as "single-ply." This is the fundamental unit from which finished yarn is constructed.
Step 2: Winding the Singles
Once the singles are spun, they are wound into a ball. This step is preparatory, making the singles manageable and ready for the next stage where multiple strands are combined.
Step 3: Plying into Finished Yarn
Finally, you'll "ply" the singles together to create the finished yarn. Plying involves taking two or more singles and twisting them together in the opposite direction from which they were originally spun. This adds strength, durability, and structure to the thread.
Yarn holds together through twist alone. The tension and direction of the twist are critical in each step to ensure the fibers bind together effectively and the resulting yarn is cohesive and strong enough for its intended use.
