The first steps: How do you start spinning?

Spinning turns loose fibre into yarn you can knit, weave or crochet. It is a very old craft, and there is something deeply calming about it. Many people start because they want to make something with their hands, without any pressure. But how do you begin? What do you need? And how do you get your first metres of yarn onto the bobbin?

Here is an overview of the first steps, explained so you can get started straight away.

Why spinning is such a good hobby

Spinning brings together handwork, creativity and quiet. You work with natural fibres and follow your yarn all the way, from a soft cloud of wool to the finished thread.

It is also very varied. You can try different fibres, design your own yarns and then use them for knitting, weaving or crochet. Along the way you learn a lot about how material, colour and texture work together.

Whether you like things traditional or modern, spinning leaves plenty of room for your own ideas, and it grows with your hands. Every thread you spin carries a bit of you.

1. Choosing the right tool

It all starts with choosing your tool. You have two options: a hand spindle or a spinning wheel. Both have their merits. A wheel, though, gives you more comfort, more control and more possibilities from day one, especially if you plan to stick with it.

Why a spinning wheel is a good choice

On a wheel you spin more evenly and more comfortably. The twist comes from the wheel, so you can focus entirely on the fibre. Because you treadle with one or two feet, both hands stay free. That makes a real difference when drafting.

Modern wheels are easy to adjust: you can set the take-up, choose between several ratios and change bobbins in moments. You decide what kind of yarn you make, from a chunky single to a finely plied lace yarn.

There is more: spinning wheels are ergonomic, run quietly and, depending on the model, fold up so you can take them with you. If your hands or wrists are sensitive, a wheel is much kinder to your joints than a spindle.

Who a spinning wheel is especially good for

• You want to spin regularly
• You want to spin even yarns
• You are looking for a tool that lasts
• You want to try different fibres
• A comfortable posture matters to you

Many beginner wheels are built with exactly this in mind. You can add to them later, and they will stay with you for years, from your first metres to fine art yarns.

If you are looking for a well-made, long-lasting wheel, have a look at our range at Berliner Spinnräder.
We stock proven models from established makers in Europe, Canada and New Zealand, chosen for beginners and experienced spinners alike. They are well finished and run smoothly. We ship quickly, and if you have any questions, we are happy to advise you personally.

2. The right fibre to start with

Your fibre has a big say in how well you get started. At first it should be easy-going and forgiving: not too short, not too fine and not too slippery. Wool from mountain sheep, Bluefaced Leicester or Corriedale works very well. These fibres draft easily and do not mind if your hands are still a little uneven.

To begin with, choose combed top or carded batts. Both are already washed, clean and prepared, so you can start right away without washing, sorting or teasing the wool first.

At the beginning, it is best to avoid:

• very fine fibres such as merino, which felt or break easily
• plant fibres such as flax or hemp, which need a technique of their own
• unwashed raw fleece, which makes the work harder than it needs to be

With the right fibre you will get a feel for drafting, twist and yarn much sooner. And your first successes come earlier.

3. Let’s go: the basic technique

Spinning comes down to three steps: drafting, adding twist and winding on. They work together and decide what your finished yarn looks like.

Drafting
You pull the fibres apart evenly. This is what sets the thickness of your yarn. For beginners the long draw works well: one hand holds the fibre, the other draws it out a little further away.

Adding twist
The wheel or spindle puts twist into the yarn. That is what holds the fibres together. More twist makes a firmer, thinner yarn, less twist a softer, thicker one.

Winding on
Then the yarn winds onto the bobbin. Give it enough twist before you let it pull in, otherwise it will break or fall apart.

Tip: your first yarn will be uneven. That is completely normal and part of learning. With every metre you get a better feel for the fibre and the rhythm.

4. Practise, be patient and keep at it

Nobody learns to spin in ten minutes. It takes patience, a bit of calm and plenty of repetition.

Your first yarns may be thick and thin by turns, or break now and then. It happens to everyone. And that is exactly the appeal: you learn with your hands, not just your head. Watch how the fibres behave and how they respond to pull and twist. Little by little, you will find the right feel.

Many people soon discover how relaxing spinning is. It is not about speed. It is about working with your hands, at your own pace, with the material.

Our tip:

• Practise often and briefly rather than once for a long time
• Prepare your fibre well before you start
• Work with attention, not for perfection

With a little patience you will soon be holding your first handspun yarn. And looking forward to the next project.

5. From full bobbin to finished yarn

Once your first bobbin is full, or you have spun enough on the spindle, comes the next step: finishing your yarn. This part is often underestimated, but it makes a big difference.

Winding off and measuring

First, wind the yarn off the bobbin or spindle. A niddy noddy is ideal for this. It lets you wind the yarn into even skeins and roughly measure the length at the same time.

Plying (optional, but worth it)

If you twist two or more singles together, your yarn becomes stronger and more even. It gets rounder and is better for knitting, crochet or weaving.

Tip: always ply in the opposite direction to your spinning, for example with S twist if you spun with Z twist.

Washing and setting the twist

After plying, or straight after spinning, wash your yarn. It gets the yarn clean, but above all it sets the twist. Afterwards the yarn will not shrink up or kink much any more. A short soak in lukewarm water with a little wool wash is usually enough.

Then gently squeeze the yarn out without wringing it, and dry it flat or hanging. A light weight at the bottom of the skein helps even out excess twist.

Ready to use

Now you can use your first yarn, for knitting, for weaving or simply as a keepsake of how you started. No two yarns are alike. Each one carries your signature, and it is the small irregularities that make it special.

In short

From the first draft to the finished ball, spinning takes attention, patience and practice. In return you get calm and the good feeling of having made something with your own hands. Your yarn is more than material: it is your own work.

Buying guides: Single or double treadle: which spinning wheel is better? and Buying a used spinning wheel: checklist and alternatives