How to Ply Yarn

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A plied yarn is stronger, more consistent, and more stable than the singles from which it is made. Also, in the ply structure, more of the individual fibers are covered and protected from abrasive wear, light and chemical damage. Whether you’re learning for the first time, want to weigh the benefits of single- vs. multiple-ply yarn, or want tips for plying on a drop spindle, Interweave's free eBook is packed with helpful tips for spinners of all skill levels.

The book contains tips from Maggie Casey, Judith MacKenzie, Rita Buchanan and other spinning masters. The free eBook contains a wealth of information for the beginning spinner and experienced spinner.

Supported Spinning Tips

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Sandy W. has given supported spinning demonstrations several times at Guild meetings.

Interweave recently published some tips on supported spinning for those who would like more information or need a refresher on the process.

Spindle Storage

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Need something to store drop spindles to keep them contained and safe from breakage when traveling or simply for easier portability?

Simply Notable shares a tutorial on making a travel case to contain a drop spindle and roving.

October Show and Tell - Spinning

Sandy W. spun the yarn and then dyed the four hanks
 into a teal gradient. 

Sandy W. spun a luscious yarn with a bit of sparkle added

Sandy W. displays a hank yarn that she spun and plied.

Sali A. showed the members some yarn she had
prepared for the Fiber Fest. The yarn was the result
of combining fibers on a blending board, spinning
the fibers and dyeing them.

Sandy W. used her supported spindle to spin during the meeting

Bedazzle Your Spinning

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"Mom" on Simply Notable shares how she added beads to her spinning. While her technique is explained using a drop spindle, it may be possible to adapt it for other types of spinning as well.

I hope someone will try this idea and share the results at a Fiber Guild meeting.

Information on this technique can be found here.

Supported Spinning Demonstration

Sandy W. explains a spinning
technique that she has tried since the
Maggie Casey weekend in September

During the Show and Tell segment of the Saturday Guild meeting, Sandy W. explained a spinning technique that she has been enjoying: supported spinning. She said that anything can be used to support the spindle, but that she has found that her favorite support has an enamel center which allows her to spin more quickly.

Sandy's favorite "support" has an enamel
center which allows her to spin faster. 

The yarn produced by this technique is very fine.

Sandy did a quick demonstration of the supported spinning technique for the members. Click on the center of the video to see this interesting technique.

More information about supported spindle spinning can be found here.