Spinning raw wool into yarn involves preparing the fibers and using specific tools and techniques to twist them together.
The Basic Process of Spinning Wool
The fundamental way to spin raw wool is by first preparing the fibers and then employing a process that involves pulling apart the wool fibres to the desired thickness and then twisting them together to form yarn. This two-part technique is known as drafting and twisting.
- Drafting: This is the act of gently pulling a small amount of wool fibers away from the main mass of prepared wool. You control the thickness of the resulting yarn by how much fiber you draft at a time. Pulling fewer fibers creates thinner yarn, while pulling more creates thicker yarn.
- Twisting: As you draft the fibers, you simultaneously introduce twist. This twist is crucial because it binds the individual fibers together, giving the yarn strength and cohesion. Without sufficient twist, the yarn would simply fall apart.
Tools for Spinning
Spinning can be done using various tools, including drop spindles and spinning wheels.
- Drop Spindles: These are simple, portable tools consisting of a weight (whorl) on a shaft. The spinner drafts the fibers, attaches them to the spindle, and then spins or drops the spindle to create twist. Gravity assists in adding twist as the spindle turns.
- Spinning Wheels: These are more complex machines that allow for faster and more consistent spinning. A wheel is turned (either by hand or foot treadle), which rotates a spindle or bobbin mechanism. The spinner drafts the fibers and feeds them into the spinning wheel, which inserts the twist mechanically and winds the finished yarn onto a bobbin.
Both tools achieve the same result: taking prepared wool fibers and using the drafting and twisting process to transform them into continuous yarn. Before spinning, raw wool typically needs to be cleaned and prepared, often by carding or combing, to align the fibers and remove debris, making the drafting process smoother.
