Spinning is an ancient, meditative craft that transforms loose fibers into usable yarn. For many, it's a gateway to a slow-paced, creative world. But how do you actually get started? What do you need? And how do you make those first meters of yarn?
In this article, you will find a clear overview for your successful start – clearly explained and immediately implementable.
Why spinning is an exciting hobby
Spinning combines creativity, craftsmanship, and slowing down in a unique way. In a hectic world, working with natural fibers offers a calming counterpoint. You experience the entire creation process of your yarn -from the delicate wool fleece to the finished thread.
At the same time, spinning is incredibly versatile: You can experiment with different fiber types, design your own yarns, and process your results further, for example, for knitting, weaving, or crocheting. It promotes an understanding of material quality, color effects, and structure.
Whether traditional or modern, spinning offers scope for individual creativity and is a hobby that grows with your own hands. And best of all, every thread tells your story.
1. Choose the right spinning mill
The first step into the world of spinning begins with choosing the right tool. You basically have two options: a hand spindle or a spinning wheel . Both have their advantages, but the spinning wheel offers more comfort, control, and creative possibilities right from the start - especially if you plan to pursue the hobby long-term.
Why a spinning wheel is a good choice:
A spinning wheel allows you to spin more evenly and relaxed , as the rotation is generated mechanically, allowing you to concentrate fully on the fiber flow. Pedaling with one or two feet frees your hands, allowing for greater control and precision, especially when drawing out the fibers.
In addition, modern spinning wheels offer numerous adjustment options, such as adjusting the draw-in force, different gear ratios, or changing bobbins. This allows you to create your own unique yarn: from thick single yarn to finely twisted lace yarn.
Another advantage: spinning wheels are ergonomic, quiet in operation, and, depending on the model, can even be folded or transported. For people with sensitive hands or wrists, spinning with a wheel is significantly easier on the joints than using a hand spindle.
For whom the spinning wheel is particularly worthwhile:
- If you want to spin regularly
- If you want to produce uniform yarns
- If you are looking for a flexible, durable tool
- If you want to try different types of fiber
- If you want to work ergonomically
Many entry-level models are designed to be very beginner-friendly, can be expanded later, and will accompany you for years - from the first meters of yarn to the fine art yarn.
If you are looking for a high-quality and durable spinning wheel, please take a look at our range at Berliner Spinnräder.
We offer proven models from renowned manufacturers, carefully selected for beginners and experienced spinners. All of our spinning wheels are manufactured in Europe and impress with their precision, quality, and smooth running. Shipping within Germany, Austria, and Switzerland is fast and reliable - and if you have any questions, we're happy to advise you personally:
2. The right fiber to get started
The choice of fiber is crucial for a successful start. Especially in the initial phase, the fiber should be as gentle and forgiving as possible - not too short, not too fine, not too slippery. Wool fibers, such as those from mountain sheep, Bluefaced Leicester, or Corriedale, are ideal. These fibers are easy to pull out and even forgive uneven hand movements.
Pre-combed combed tops or carded fleeces are recommended for beginners. They are already well-prepared, clean, and untangled. You can start right away without having to worry about washing, sorting, or fluffing beforehand.
Avoid at the beginning:
- very fine fibers (e.g. Merino) - they tend to felt or tear
- Plant fibers (e.g. flax, hemp) - they require special techniques
- Unwashed raw wool - it complicates handling and brings additional challenges
With the right fiber in your hands, you'll more quickly get a feel for drawing, twisting, and yarn development - a motivating sense of achievement right from the start.
3. Let's get started: Understanding the basic technique
Spinning essentially follows three steps: drawing out, twisting, and winding - these processes interact and determine the structure of your yarn.
Get undressed
When drawing, you loosen the fibers in a steady flow. This determines the thickness and length of the future thread. For beginners, the so-called long draw is recommended: Here, you hold the fibers firmly with one hand and pull them from a greater distance with the other.
Screwing in
The spinning wheel or spindle creates the necessary twist. This ensures that the drawn fibers bond together and stabilize. The more twist, the stronger and thinner the yarn becomes; the less, the softer and thicker.
Winding up
After twisting, the finished yarn is wound onto the spool automatically or manually. Make sure you give it enough twist before letting it thread through - otherwise, it will break or become unstable.
Tip: It's perfectly normal for the yarn to be irregular at first - take it as part of the learning process. With every meter, your sense of fiber and rhythm will improve.
4. Practice, be patient & stick with it
Getting started with spinning is a journey - not a technique you can "master" in ten minutes. It requires patience, composure, and repetition.
Your first yarns may be uneven, thick and thin, or break - that's completely normal. This is precisely the appeal: you learn with your hands, not just your head. Observe how the fibers behave, how they react to tension and twist. This way, you'll gradually develop a feel for them.
Many beginners soon find spinning meditative and relaxing. It's not a hobby focused on speed - it's more about craftsmanship, rhythm, and connection to the material.
Our tip:
- Practice in short, relaxed sessions
- Always work with sufficiently prepared fibers
- Make a commitment to work consciously, not perfectly
With a little patience, you'll soon be holding your first homespun yarn in your hands - and looking forward to each subsequent project with growing joy.
5. From spooling to finished yarn
When your first spool is full or you have spun enough yarn with the spindle, the moment has come: your first home-spun yarn is ready for finishing - an exciting and often underestimated part of the spinning process.
Unwind and measure yarn
First, unwind the yarn from the spool or spindle. A niddy noddy is ideal for this—a simple tool that allows you to wind the yarn into even strands. You can also measure the approximate length at the same time.
Twisting (optional, but recommended)
For greater stability and uniformity, you can twist the yarn, i.e., twist two or more individual strands together. This significantly changes the appearance of your finished yarn: it becomes more stable, rounder, and more suitable for knitting, crocheting, or weaving.
Tip: When twisting, twist in the opposite direction to the spinning direction (e.g. S-twist to Z-spinning direction).
Washing and fixing
After twisting (or even immediately after spinning), you should wash your yarn—not just to clean it, but primarily to lock in the twist. "Setting" the twist ensures that the yarn doesn't shrink or twist too much later. A quick soak in lukewarm water with a little wool detergent is usually sufficient.
The yarn is then squeezed out, not wrung, and dried flat or hanging. Many people use a light weight at the bottom of the skein to neutralize excess twist.
Ready to process
Now you can proudly use your first yarn—whether for knitting, weaving, or simply as a memento of your first attempt at spinning. No two yarns are the same; each one bears your signature, and it's precisely the small irregularities that make it so special.
Conclusion:
From the first skein to the finished skein, spinning requires attention, patience, and practice - but it also gives you peace, mindfulness, and the fulfilling feeling of having created something with your own hands. Your yarn isn't just material - it's an expression of your creativity.
