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Spinning is the process of creating Yarn (or thread, rope, cable) from various raw fiber materials. PROCESS In spinning, separate fibers are twisted together to bind them into a stronger, long yarn. Characteristics of the yarn vary, based on the material used, fiber length and alignment, quantity of fiber used and degree of twist. Twist and ply The direction in which the yarn is spun is called twist, and yarns are characterized as Z-twist or S-twist according to the direction of spinning (see diagram). Tightness of twist is measured in TPI (twists Per Inch Or Turns Per Inch) Kadolph, Sara J., ed.: ''Textiles'', 10th edition, Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2007, ISBN 0-13-118769-4, p. 197 Two or more spun yarns may be twisted together or plied to form a thicker yarn. Generally, handspun single plies are spun with a Z-twist, and plying is done with an S-twist. ''Plying Yarn with a Spinning Wheel'' , The Joy of Handspinning Handspinning wool A tightly spun at any time, but is often dyed before carding due to convenience. A common method to dye wool, inexpensively, is to boil wool in vinegar water with Kool-Aid or food dye. HISTORY The earliest spinning probably involved simply twisting the fibers in the hand. Later a stick, called a Spindle , was used to add the twist and hold the twisted fiber. Usually a whorl or weight stabilizes the spindle. The spindle is spun and twists the fiber until it becomes yarn. The spindle may be suspended or supported. Later the Spinning Wheel was developed which allowed continuous and faster yarn production. Spinning wheels may be foot, hand or electrically powered. The hand-turned spinning wheel called a Charkha was prevalent in India and was used by Gandhi and his followers. , UK.]]Modern powered spinning, originally done by Water or Steam Power but now done by Electricity , is vastly faster than hand-spinning. New techniques including Open End Spinning or Rotor spinning can produce yarns at rates in excess of 40 meters per second per spinning head. Hobby or small scale artisan spinners spin their own yarn to control specific yarn qualities and produce yarn that is not widely available commercially, but can be found online and in many local yarn stores. Handspinners also may spin for self-sufficiency, a sense of accomplishment, or a sense of connection to history and the land. In addition, they may take up spinning for its meditative qualities. CONTEMPORARY HAND SPINNING Within the recent past, many new spinners have joined into this ancient process, innovating the craft and creating new techniques. From using many new applications of dyeing before spinning, to mixing in random elements (Christmas Garland, eccentric beads, money, etc.) that would not be in a traditional yarn, to creating new techniques like coiling ''Toil, Toil, Coils and Bubbles'' , Knitty Magazine , this craft is constantly evolving and shifting. MATERIALS Yarn can be made from a wide variety of materials:
IN MYTHOLOGY In Greek Mythology , Clotho spins the thread of life from her Distaff onto her spindle. SEE ALSO NOTES RESOURCES Books
Instructional Sites
EXTERNAL LINKS
Wool Festivals
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