In my opinion, this is one of the better tutorials available for beginning to spin with drop spindles. I especially like your way of storing the singles until you're ready to do something with them. Thank you for all the work you put into recording this.
Sometimes the best teachers are the people who are just learning it themselves. So many times I’ve seen experienced teachers fail because they assume the student is more knowledgeable than they are. You’re so clear and easy to understand. Thank you!
I had to smile at your Pink Roving. When I first started spinning years ago I tried to dye Roving Red. After many many tries I ended up with about 3 POUNDS of Pink Roving. I just couldn't get it to dye red. I quite literally perfected my drop spindle technique with pink roving. :) One thing I might suggest you talk about a little bit in future videos is that there are many different weights of drop spindles and that it might take a little experimentation to find the weight that works best for you personally and the type of fiber you are using. When I first started I really struggled because the spindle was just too heavy for me. Once I switched to a smaller lighter spindle things really took off for me. I have very tiny hands a big spindle like you are using just does not work for me. It is a good base point to start with though for many people.
You are an excellent teacher and an inspiration for all of us and as far as you expressions while dividing the yarn, I’m seventy-two and you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll do if you live this long.
I decided to buy the spindle and 8 oz of wool after watching this tutorial. I look forward to you making some more, thank you so much. My mom used to always say "It's easy when you know how" about various things and now I know how. 🙂
Wow, you taught me how to crochet with your calm and gentle manner. I think I can do this now, I have a nice drop spindle and Heinz 57 fiber on the way. You should get a commission from their sales!! 🤗
I really enjoyed this video. My adult granddaughter recently started spinning with the drop spindle and has really enjoyed it. She gave me some yarn that she did for my birthday and I made a scarf with it. Looks very interesting and something I might try later. Thanks...looking forward to future videos on this. I truly love your tutorials. God Bless
I'm just spinning my first fiber while watching this! I have watched a few others before but enjoyed your thoroughness and tips/tricks. Yes please do one on plied yarn...I'll have two to set together myself at the end of this.
I am so tickled that I found you on UA-cam! I have a drop spindle and NEVER could figure out how the heck to use it! Thank you a million times! I'm going to give it a go, as I have some fibers as well in my stash of wool and what knots! I now have subscribed and can't wait to see learn more. You are my new best friend.
You made me smile the entire tutorial. What a great instructor you are . I love your sense of humor, and I especially love the facial expressions. Thank you so much for being you and for all your help
I've watched lots of other videos. Wish I saw this first. As a beginner... this was by far the best. You also go at the perfect pace for someone trying to follow along. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. Have you ever spun with Alpaca? A neighbour gave me a large bag of wool shorn from another friends pet. It seems pretty clean but I have no idea of where to start with it.
Thank you so much! I forgot I bought a drop spindle AGES ago and became frustrated when I couldn't do it right. Will have to go find it. You've explained so well!
I'm allergic to wool too! I have just bought some bamboo vegan rolags to try drop spindle spinning with and bought some ramie, and banana I think it was to try spinning and dyeing too!
You might try going to fiber festivals in your area to see what’s available. There are also many shops on Etsy or Ravelry that have a vast selection of fibers. Try looking for milk fiber, it feels like silk. There’s also flax/linen, different types of cotton, bamboo feels like heaven. I started spinning on a drop spindle for a very short time (because it works up so slowly!) & had to progress to a spinning wheel that I love! I actually got my Kromski wheel from the Woolery. They have wonderful customer service & a user friendly website. If you ever get around to dyeing your own hand spun yarn I found a really good selection of products at Dharma Trading. I hope you have as many happy hours spinning as I’ve had. Have a marvelous time & let your imagination soar!
Sooooo.......thank you so much for showing how to spin! I am WORN OUT! I don't quilt.....spinning will be another thing I don't do!! Lol! I don't have the patience for either of the above. I'll be one who keeps the yarn companies in business.....lol!
I used to spin with my mother many more years ago than I care to admit. I just decided to start spinning again and I had completely forgotten many of the details. Thank you for this. My drop spindle and wool will arrive in a few days. I feel more secure in starting now. Thank you.
I have been trying to master spinning with a drop spindle with a lot of frustration. Your video cleared up so much for me. I now feel like I understand what is supposed to happen and I am ready to give it a more successful attempt. Your a great teacher! Thank you 😊
I have been looking at videos on this. Yours was the easiest to follow! I am curious if you think that huge roving yarn they sell as arm knitting yarn could be spun? It's not a natural fiber
That was very interesting and, once again, clear instruction...... thank you 😊. Would love to learn more, you have definitely caught my interest. Thanks again from an incredibly smoky Australia 🐨🐨🇦🇺
I loved watching but homeschool a 5 year old. I barely have time to stitch. That being said, this is going in a file so I can revisit at a more convenient time in my life. 💜
I love my drop spindles! I have a top a Turkish, a Tibetan, a Russian, a Hi n Low drop and a Navajo sitting spindle. They all have their specific characters and apart fro the Navajo they all are portable. Some are extra fine spinners and others fine-med weight spinners the Navajo is a med to chunky weight spinner, perfect also for blankets and rugs. I also have a spinning wheel which opens other doors to you. However the hand spindles are excellent for spinning for small to medium craft projects such as socks, mittens, hats, scarves and baby items. If you want to spin for adult attire a wheel is faster. Hand spindles are great for learning spinning with plant based fibres, as these can be tricky on a wheel. I advise beginners to go for for grippy fibres (not alpaca or super soft ones) to start off with until you get a handle on the technique.
Wow, spinning spider love this, thank you for sharing. This video is so enlightening and encouraging. I would love, if possible, to see you ply a very hairy mohair with something easier to crochet with.
Well it's taken me a year to pluk up the courage to have a go. This is something I have wanted to do since I was a teenager, great tutorial, cos I have done it.
I just came across your channel and everything about it is a blessing! You are an amazing instructor. You explain things so many can understand. Pls keep doing what you love 💕
Oh my gosh! This video - I have been practicing before seeing this - my drop spindle technique was like yours, my pre drafting, like yours. And this video affirms I am on the right path! I was frustrated by trying to join and you showed me! Then storage before setting the twist which makes sense but I had never heard of. How to join two preexisting lengths how to consider that I will ply and thinking about that. Thank you so much!! A treasure trove and I know it’s 4 years old - wish you all the best and will watch more of your content.
I just love you. Such a great personality! I've followed so many of your crochet tutorials. I have opened out into knitting, then weaving, and now my newest hobby, spinning. And, here you are!
I am a beginner Drop spindler and I have just had a Great Leap Forward as a result of your vid! Thank you so much. The key part was the detail of what you do with your finger pinching at the drafting zone. It was so helpful, thank you so much!
Oh no a SLUB what do I do next? Is there a way to mitigate this situations? Help! Having fun on the spindle and would have to say that drafting is a key and like you said...practice, practice, practice!! Fun Times!!!! Happy, happy New Year my friend Mr. Spider!! God Bless to you and your wonderful mother!!!!!!
Your video is by far the best, clearest, and most thorough of the approx. seven videos I just viewed on this handspun art. You included virtually everything I hoped to glean. You have a knack for clarity. - Good job. My interest centered on palaeoarchaeology and the unearthing of stone spindle whorls in Neolithic settlements like Jarmo in the Fertile Crescent circa 6,000+ years ago. Now I have an increased sense of their world with your help. Thanks.
I have been watching so many tutorials on drop spindles and this is by far the best! You not only have close video of the process but also explanation for each step. As always, Fiber Spider to the rescue!
I loved this tutorial! Can't wait for the next ones, it's like a cliff hanger! I am in the south of Germany, but I have a friend up North, we visit back and forth when we can, and it just so happened that she had her spinning wheel out this one time I was there. She had even dyed the fibres herself, all colours of the rainbow! Then she put it together with an undyed strand and when she was finished she had quite a sizable ball of yarn. She then tossed it to me and said: "Here, you can have this, do something with it!" So I made my first shawl and it's still my favourite to this day! I'll send you a pic on messenger😉 Since then my interest was spiked for spinning but I kept telling myself I don't need another hobby. I think you just changed that, so bring on the sequel tutorials! I can't wait!!!😂♥️👍
Thank you so much for a wonderful tutorial. You are a great tutor, extremely thorough, your voice is so calm and soothing, it removes some of the stress of actually learning and practicing watching you. Thanks again! Chloe p.s. I visited your channel and subscribed and found an amazing bonus at the end. Being an avid reader but working long hours with my hands as an artist, we used to rent books on CD and shared them out in the studio. Unless I buy CDs from abroad, being back in France after spending most of my life in England and the States, I cannot download the mp3 English versions of books I love. I said your voice was soothing, perfect for reading, as is your choice of books. What a treat, thank you!
Oh finally! Some dummy totally started spinning with no idea how to stop or pause without loosing the tension completely and then couldn’t find one single beginner video where they talked about how to pause your work. Did I just type all that with one hand? YES!
Great video. After watching one of your other videos, I decided to get the Heinz 57. HOWEVER, the shipping for one pound of roving was over $20. Always check shipping when figuring the cost of fiber. There are other companies that do not charge so much for shipping.
Hi, thankyou so much for this video, you're the only one I've seen showing how to take the fibre off the Spindle. You're so easy and fun to watch. Thankx again. From England UK xx
I am so glad I found your spinning video! I want to start and yours was so informative. You explained everything perfectly and I feel I learned so much from your video. :)
Thank you for this very informative video. Fibery things make me happy. 🙂 I watched the Wool and Fiber Arts (WAFA) venders on FB in June and decided to try my hand at spinning. Bought a drop spindle and combed tops and roving. Waaay too much to start out. It snuggles up nicely with my yarn stash. 😄 Been watching a few beginner spinning videos to get the courage to actually start spinning. I really enjoyed your video. You explained the terminology nicely and the pace was just the right speed. Would love to see more videos of more of the process. Thanks. Keep up the good work!
Oh my now another thing I want to start doing. Thanks a lot...hahaha. I told my husband I want to do this and just looked at me like I'm crazy lol. I would love to see more videos on this.
Hi, i love your channel. I use a drop spindle too. Lady next door has an alpacca (lawn mower) and she just put fleece on garden as a weed mat. So i taught myself to spindle, and i can proudly say my mittens were walking around last week. I also dye and splice. Everything. Mine is a bottom whirl. The sticks i made out of chop sticks and rubber bands. Lots of these for storing single threads till splicing.i love it. I spins lots of different things. Ive added cat hair and at one time HORSE hair to alpacca and sheep. It is very addictive.thanks for sharing your craft😍
separating roving isn't ripping; it's pulling apart according to the staple length. Knowing the staple length of your breed and keeping your hands THAT distance apart makes "breaking" the roving into lengths super simple. No muscles necessary. Knowing the staple length is also vital to drafting!! Again, keeping your hands that staple length distance apart makes spinning so much easier for beginners!!!
I’m a beginner spinner too. I’m learning this to write an article for a website. I really enjoy your straightforward style. Suggestion: explain WHY the beginning you pull the roving apart vs cutting it. Some people, especially younger students, may get frustrated and want to cut it instead.
Dear Spidey: I agree with the person who said that a more mature teacher (in years of acquiring skill) often neglects to cover things that are obvious to a skilled spinner but #$!^# to a new spinner! You are the only tutorial that addressed the kinking up of newly twisted yarn before it got wraped onto the drop spindle ... I was worried that I was kinking my yarn too much and then.. magically you reassured me! You slower delivery also meant I could follow along with you. Thank you so much. It will prepare me for going into my upcoming spinning group!
I love the color wool you're spinning with! I love to crochet and as I was learning, I started looking into different avenues of textile crafting etc. and thought why not learn how to spin the very yarn that I'm crocheting with. Plus, the different types of fiber that you can spin up to use is almost endless. As well as the fiber seems to be less expensive to make than to buy outright and you get better quality yarns at the same time. So now I have another relaxing hobby and everything that I make is basically from scratch, right?! I call it a labor of love lol.
Thank you so mmuch for this video! You are the only person I have watched who talks about setting the twist, until now I thought my "hot mess" of spun yarn was all wrong and I just couldnt work it out. Now I understand that it's supposed to have the kinks in it and you have saved my spinning!! Thank you 🙂
Your video is wonderful and I learned the reasons to why . Thank you so much !!! I just found hand spinning and I love that inch-worming tip! Makes the process seem much less nerve wracking when learning this craft!
Oops....didn’t get to finish the below comment, so here goes the rest of it. I will be anticipating your step #2 tutorial as many others probably will be as well. Thank you again for your clear, concise, interesting and informative tutorial.
This was the best spinning tutorial I've watched yet. I'm bloody new to spinning, tried it a few times and now waiting for my spindle and fiber to arrive to fully get started! Again: You did a great job with this one! Going to check out the rest of your channel.
If you turn your spindle upside down you have a Bottom Whorl Spindle, so you have both a top and bottom whorl. Edited to say, move your hands further apart in that middle section then you can pull it apart, much easier, you had you hands too close together....! Stop winding the spindle around the paper towel roll, you are taking twist out of your plied yarn, instead wind off from the PT roll. You are doing a great job on this, so don't take my comments as a scolding etc., just getting you to a better control of things, I may add some more comments as I am adding as the video is playing! You still have one more step to achieve a flowing action. when you draft out your fiber make it like a thin pencil and the section you had in this video, you could draft it out to be really airy like a cloud, then wrap it starting at the base and wind it on your left wrist, (that way no tangles) then hold the drafting part in you hand and practice, practice and practice your park & draft that way for a while, then before you know it you'll wont be doing the park n draft, it will be one fluid motion! Good luck? Are you have Ravelry? Great to see you spinning btw, job well done on the video! Take care! I teach spindle and wheel spinning!
Thank you so much for showing us how to do this. I would love to see the rest of the process. Have you ever considered preparing your own roving from raw wool? I'd love to learn about that too. Thanks again fiber spider.
Thank you! I have considered it actually although it's even more of a process. Carding, combing, dealing with "organic matter" that got stuck in the Fiber because sheep don't use Charmin, lol. 💩 Maybe one day lol.
To anyone thinking that actually spinning their own yarn isn’t possible, that’s simply not true. Spinning particularly using a spindle is easy, portable and fun......there is a magic in taking a wad of floofy fibres and turning them into yarn.....it might not be the most even yarn, but it’s still recognisable yarn. I’ve spun using a wheel, both top and bottom whorl spindles. My fave is a lovely little handmade Turkish spindle, closely followed by wheel, tho I don’t have a wheel atm. I also have a Navajo spindle atm too, so try things to see what you like, and try the different styles of drafting to find what suits you best. Btw if you have a wooden nuddy noddy and you want to soak your yarn you just need to take the yarn off it to soak it. To do this you tie the yarn with cotton string at approx 5-8 places in a figure 8 (split the yarn in half, pass the tie thru and cross the ends and tie on the other side) to keep the skein neat and untangled. Then soak and dry.
The best educational video out there and I searched a lot. Thank you very very much that was very clear and full of helpful tips! I subscribed and would love to learn some more from you. I am a knitter but I find hand spinning fascinating and relaxing. I own a drop spindle but I find Turkish spindle works better for me. I am still, a beginner I have not mastered the plying technique so well, one of the plies always tries to king up while I am trying to ply two strands together.
You are a jack of all trades! I have been crocheting for about 46 years and have tried to knit several times..just can't do it. I have never tried to spin yarn. I'd like to try it sometime. Happy New Year to you.
Great job, I'm a spinning wheel spinner who is learning to drop spindle, and I feel like I'm all thumbs. Like with the wheel, it takes practice, but it'll fall into place, I also do needle felting and love it. You explain it very well!
i have watched at least fifteen different tutorials, and i cannot figure out what i am doing wrong....my yarn just kinks and knots, and i've watched all the videos in slow motion and following the directions as i am understanding them, but i just cannot do this....sadly, i'm in tears and i am no where near anyone who can actually come over and help.....how sad :-(
OK so this is like the third video I have watched trying to figure out how to spin, and you are the first one who explained to be me a. how to tell if there is enough spin, and b. that there are steps after the spinning part. which ya'know seem like pretty important things to tell a beginner. Thank you. ( after the second video a friend recommended I was like 'maybe spider knows about spinning' and low and behold. I have used a lot of your crochet patterns.)
Now I'm just a beginner myself, but from other tutorials I understand to rip off a length you just need to grab the roving with hands much farther apart and it just comes apart. Let me know if I'm totally off on that.
Thank you for this compehensive tutorial. I like the inchworming technique. I am a total novice at spinning but I have worked with wool as a felter and you will find it easier to break off lengths of fibre if you hold your hands further apart. That way you are pulling different staples apart and not pulling within the length of one staple. If it's really matted, as that seems to be, you will still need to tease it out a bit first. Thank you for the reminder to breathe .So easy to hold your breath when doing something unfamiliar. 😀
I love your T-shirt. If I won your giveaway I would use that beautiful for a shawl for myself. I make for everyone else but this one would be mine with such a generous gift. Thank you for the opportunity. Love your video's. Keep up the great work.
Hey, Fiber Spider I wanted to know why you have to tear the wool and not cut it. Also, you are very interesting and comedic at the same time. I love your channel. I would love to see more spinning tutorials.
I’m not Fiber spider, but the reason you don’t cut roving is because you do not want to shorten your staple. Staple is the length of the fibre as it comes off the animal. That fibre is cleaned, and brushed to make roving. Roving will pull apart fairly easily as long as you place your hands further apart than the staple length. The staple length is what gives your yarn strength.
Also, if you watch the tutorial to the end, the question answers it's self when you see how the two threads are combined into one long one. If the ends were cut you wouldn't get a smooth join. Logical? I think so!😉
I never considered learning spinning yarn. For the past 12 years, I've been focused on designing tartans. Perhaps I should learn spinning yarn before learning to weave my original tartans?
Oh Spider, You said that cotton is difficult to start with.. I spin cotton balls on a up cycled bottom whirl drop spindle... I use cotton balls because they are cheap and there are many in the bag for like $4. Cotton has a very short staple, like 1 inch. My spindle, I made out of the bottom of a creamer container, cut along the line that is already there on the container; on the base I taped glass aquarium beads that are flat on one side, taped them on one at a time, fits 12-14 beads. I used masking tape because the stickyness of the tape and conturing the beads is important. the stick part of my spindle is an old paint brush handle that I cut a notch into (like a crochet hook). I heated up a bent out bobby pin and poked a hole in the middle of the base, then held the base over the candle I was using to heat it up and make it softer, at that point I gently shoved the paint brush handle into the base to create a snug fit ( top or bottom whirl is up to you). i use my spindle almost everyday and I do a Navaho ply to ply my yarn.. also I off load on to my thumb and pinky and ply as I go.
I found this video very interesting. I want to get a spindle and try my hand in spinning my own yarn. I'm glad I found your video. So thank you very much.
Love seeing other men in this space just doing their thing. Don't your arms get tired going that high up with the drafting? There has to be a more effective way.
In my opinion, this is one of the better tutorials available for beginning to spin with drop spindles. I especially like your way of storing the singles until you're ready to do something with them. Thank you for all the work you put into recording this.
Sometimes the best teachers are the people who are just learning it themselves. So many times I’ve seen experienced teachers fail because they assume the student is more knowledgeable than they are. You’re so clear and easy to understand. Thank you!
Please do more spin tutorials. You always make things so clear. ❤️
I had to smile at your Pink Roving. When I first started spinning years ago I tried to dye Roving Red. After many many tries I ended up with about 3 POUNDS of Pink Roving. I just couldn't get it to dye red. I quite literally perfected my drop spindle technique with pink roving. :)
One thing I might suggest you talk about a little bit in future videos is that there are many different weights of drop spindles and that it might take a little experimentation to find the weight that works best for you personally and the type of fiber you are using. When I first started I really struggled because the spindle was just too heavy for me. Once I switched to a smaller lighter spindle things really took off for me. I have very tiny hands a big spindle like you are using just does not work for me. It is a good base point to start with though for many people.
You are an excellent teacher and an inspiration for all of us and as far as you expressions while dividing the yarn, I’m seventy-two and you’ll be amazed at the things you’ll do if you live this long.
YES YES YES !!! WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT FROM BEGINNING TO END ..WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU CROCHET SOMETHING WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL YARN YOU ARE SPINNING ...
I decided to buy the spindle and 8 oz of wool after watching this tutorial. I look forward to you making some more, thank you so much. My mom used to always say "It's easy when you know how" about various things and now I know how. 🙂
Wow, you taught me how to crochet with your calm and gentle manner. I think I can do this now, I have a nice drop spindle and Heinz 57 fiber on the way. You should get a commission from their sales!! 🤗
I am just giggling my way thru this at work. I'm getting looks
I really enjoyed this video. My adult granddaughter recently started spinning with the drop spindle and has really enjoyed it. She gave me some yarn that she did for my birthday and I made a scarf with it. Looks very interesting and something I might try later. Thanks...looking forward to future videos on this. I truly love your tutorials. God Bless
I'm just spinning my first fiber while watching this! I have watched a few others before but enjoyed your thoroughness and tips/tricks. Yes please do one on plied yarn...I'll have two to set together myself at the end of this.
I am so tickled that I found you on UA-cam! I have a drop spindle and NEVER could figure out how the heck to use it! Thank you a million times! I'm going to give it a go, as I have some fibers as well in my stash of wool and what knots! I now have subscribed and can't wait to see learn more. You are my new best friend.
You made me smile the entire tutorial. What a great instructor you are . I love your sense of humor, and I especially love the facial expressions. Thank you so much for being you and for all your help
I've watched lots of other videos. Wish I saw this first. As a beginner... this was by far the best. You also go at the perfect pace for someone trying to follow along. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. Have you ever spun with Alpaca? A neighbour gave me a large bag of wool shorn from another friends pet. It seems pretty clean but I have no idea of where to start with it.
Thank you so much! I forgot I bought a drop spindle AGES ago and became frustrated when I couldn't do it right. Will have to go find it. You've explained so well!
This is interesting but something I could never do because of my wool allergies. However I do love seeing and learning about all fiber arts.
I'm allergic to wool too! I have just bought some bamboo vegan rolags to try drop spindle spinning with and bought some ramie, and banana I think it was to try spinning and dyeing too!
You might try going to fiber festivals in your area to see what’s available. There are also many shops on Etsy or Ravelry that have a vast selection of fibers. Try looking for milk fiber, it feels like silk. There’s also flax/linen, different types of cotton, bamboo feels like heaven. I started spinning on a drop spindle for a very short time (because it works up so slowly!) & had to progress to a spinning wheel that I love! I actually got my Kromski wheel from the Woolery. They have wonderful customer service & a user friendly website. If you ever get around to dyeing your own hand spun yarn I found a really good selection of products at Dharma Trading. I hope you have as many happy hours spinning as I’ve had. Have a marvelous time & let your imagination soar!
Sooooo.......thank you so much for showing how to spin! I am WORN OUT! I don't quilt.....spinning will be another thing I don't do!! Lol! I don't have the patience for either of the above. I'll be one who keeps the yarn companies in business.....lol!
I used to spin with my mother many more years ago than I care to admit. I just decided to start spinning again and I had completely forgotten many of the details. Thank you for this. My drop spindle and wool will arrive in a few days. I feel more secure in starting now. Thank you.
Yes I would love to see more on this yarn craft ‼️
It looks relaxing
I have been trying to master spinning with a drop spindle with a lot of frustration. Your video cleared up so much for me. I now feel like I understand what is supposed to happen and I am ready to give it a more successful attempt. Your a great teacher! Thank you 😊
I have been looking at videos on this. Yours was the easiest to follow! I am curious if you think that huge roving yarn they sell as arm knitting yarn could be spun? It's not a natural fiber
That is indeed an interesting question as I can't wear wool!
It sure can be. I spin roving acrylic yarn all the time. Go for it and have fun!
I really enjoyed this tutorial! Very interesting indeed......but I'm gonna stick to the ready-made stuff.
That was very interesting and, once again, clear instruction...... thank you 😊. Would love to learn more, you have definitely caught my interest. Thanks again from an incredibly smoky Australia 🐨🐨🇦🇺
I loved watching but homeschool a 5 year old. I barely have time to stitch. That being said, this is going in a file so I can revisit at a more convenient time in my life. 💜
Teach your 5 year old they pick it up very quickly.
I just commented yesterday on your Mail vid I’d love to see a spinning demo and viola! Here you are! Thank you very much for this!
I love my drop spindles! I have a top a Turkish, a Tibetan, a Russian, a Hi n Low drop and a Navajo sitting spindle. They all have their specific characters and apart fro the Navajo they all are portable. Some are extra fine spinners and others fine-med weight spinners the Navajo is a med to chunky weight spinner, perfect also for blankets and rugs. I also have a spinning wheel which opens other doors to you. However the hand spindles are excellent for spinning for small to medium craft projects such as socks, mittens, hats, scarves and baby items. If you want to spin for adult attire a wheel is faster. Hand spindles are great for learning spinning with plant based fibres, as these can be tricky on a wheel. I advise beginners to go for for grippy fibres (not alpaca or super soft ones) to start off with until you get a handle on the technique.
You do a great job of instructing the very beginners. I finally understand the spin, park, pinch, and draft!
Wow, spinning spider love this, thank you for sharing. This video is so enlightening and encouraging. I would love, if possible, to see you ply a very hairy mohair with something easier to crochet with.
Well it's taken me a year to pluk up the courage to have a go. This is something I have wanted to do since I was a teenager, great tutorial, cos I have done it.
This is something that I haven't tried yet. you make it look easy.
I just came across your channel and everything about it is a blessing! You are an amazing instructor. You explain things so many can understand. Pls keep doing what you love 💕
I like your inch worm sections. I think i was putting to much out at one time
Oh my gosh! This video - I have been practicing before seeing this - my drop spindle technique was like yours, my pre drafting, like yours. And this video affirms I am on the right path! I was frustrated by trying to join and you showed me! Then storage before setting the twist which makes sense but I had never heard of. How to join two preexisting lengths how to consider that I will ply and thinking about that.
Thank you so much!! A treasure trove and I know it’s 4 years old - wish you all the best and will watch more of your content.
i love how you broke this down and made it very basic and easy to understand. thank you so much for being an excellent teacher!
I would love to see more tutorials on this whole spinning process please continue to make more videos on it👍🏼
I remember my mom & grandma doing it the same way when I was young. So neat! Thank you for sharing your an awesome teacher 😘
I just love you. Such a great personality! I've followed so many of your crochet tutorials. I have opened out into knitting, then weaving, and now my newest hobby, spinning. And, here you are!
I am a beginner Drop spindler and I have just had a Great Leap Forward as a result of your vid! Thank you so much. The key part was the detail of what you do with your finger pinching at the drafting zone. It was so helpful, thank you so much!
Oh no a SLUB what do I do next? Is there a way to mitigate this situations? Help! Having fun on the spindle and would have to say that drafting is a key and like you said...practice, practice, practice!! Fun Times!!!! Happy, happy New Year my friend Mr. Spider!! God Bless to you and your wonderful mother!!!!!!
BEST tutorial on UA-cam! Believe me, I've watched them all, and this is the best for absolute beginners!!
Your video is by far the best, clearest, and most thorough of the approx. seven videos I just viewed on this handspun art.
You included virtually everything I hoped to glean. You have a knack for clarity. - Good job.
My interest centered on palaeoarchaeology and the unearthing of stone spindle whorls in Neolithic settlements like Jarmo in the Fertile Crescent circa 6,000+ years ago. Now I have an increased sense of their world with your help. Thanks.
I have been watching so many tutorials on drop spindles and this is by far the best! You not only have close video of the process but also explanation for each step. As always, Fiber Spider to the rescue!
I loved this tutorial! Can't wait for the next ones, it's like a cliff hanger! I am in the south of Germany, but I have a friend up North, we visit back and forth when we can, and it just so happened that she had her spinning wheel out this one time I was there. She had even dyed the fibres herself, all colours of the rainbow! Then she put it together with an undyed strand and when she was finished she had quite a sizable ball of yarn. She then tossed it to me and said: "Here, you can have this, do something with it!" So I made my first shawl and it's still my favourite to this day! I'll send you a pic on messenger😉
Since then my interest was spiked for spinning but I kept telling myself I don't need another hobby. I think you just changed that, so bring on the sequel tutorials! I can't wait!!!😂♥️👍
Thank you so much for a wonderful tutorial. You are a great tutor, extremely thorough, your voice is so calm and soothing, it removes some of the stress of actually learning and practicing watching you. Thanks again! Chloe
p.s. I visited your channel and subscribed and found an amazing bonus at the end. Being an avid reader but working long hours with my hands as an artist, we used to rent books on CD and shared them out in the studio.
Unless I buy CDs from abroad, being back in France after spending most of my life in England and the States, I cannot download the mp3 English versions of books I love.
I said your voice was soothing, perfect for reading, as is your choice of books.
What a treat, thank you!
Oh finally! Some dummy totally started spinning with no idea how to stop or pause without loosing the tension completely and then couldn’t find one single beginner video where they talked about how to pause your work. Did I just type all that with one hand? YES!
ChemKnits on UA-cam has a tutorial on making a homemade Niddy Noddy using PVC pipe. I’ve made one using her tutorial and it’s easy!!
Great video. After watching one of your other videos, I decided to get the Heinz 57. HOWEVER, the shipping for one pound of roving was over $20. Always check shipping when figuring the cost of fiber. There are other companies that do not charge so much for shipping.
Thank you so much Fiber Spider - I just inch-wormed myself a very lumpy boa constrictor but I'm so chuffed - practice will make perfect :-)
Hi, thankyou so much for this video, you're the only one I've seen showing how to take the fibre off the Spindle.
You're so easy and fun to watch.
Thankx again.
From England UK xx
I am so glad I found your spinning video! I want to start and yours was so informative. You explained everything perfectly and I feel I learned so much from your video. :)
Thank you for this very informative video. Fibery things make me happy. 🙂 I watched the Wool and Fiber Arts (WAFA) venders on FB in June and decided to try my hand at spinning. Bought a drop spindle and combed tops and roving. Waaay too much to start out. It snuggles up nicely with my yarn stash. 😄 Been watching a few beginner spinning videos to get the courage to actually start spinning. I really enjoyed your video. You explained the terminology nicely and the pace was just the right speed. Would love to see more videos of more of the process. Thanks. Keep up the good work!
Oh my now another thing I want to start doing. Thanks a lot...hahaha. I told my husband I want to do this and just looked at me like I'm crazy lol. I would love to see more videos on this.
Hi, i love your channel. I use a drop spindle too. Lady next door has an alpacca (lawn mower) and she just put fleece on garden as a weed mat. So i taught myself to spindle, and i can proudly say my mittens were walking around last week. I also dye and splice. Everything. Mine is a bottom whirl. The sticks i made out of chop sticks and rubber bands. Lots of these for storing single threads till splicing.i love it. I spins lots of different things. Ive added cat hair and at one time HORSE hair to alpacca and sheep. It is very addictive.thanks for sharing your craft😍
WOWW... that takes a LOT of patience!!! But the outcome is LOVELY!!! Thanks for sharing
separating roving isn't ripping; it's pulling apart according to the staple length. Knowing the staple length of your breed and keeping your hands THAT distance apart makes "breaking" the roving into lengths super simple. No muscles necessary. Knowing the staple length is also vital to drafting!! Again, keeping your hands that staple length distance apart makes spinning so much easier for beginners!!!
I’m a beginner spinner too. I’m learning this to write an article for a website. I really enjoy your straightforward style.
Suggestion: explain WHY the beginning you pull the roving apart vs cutting it. Some people, especially younger students, may get frustrated and want to cut it instead.
Dear Spidey: I agree with the person who said that a more mature teacher (in years of acquiring skill) often neglects to cover things that are obvious to a skilled spinner but #$!^# to a new spinner! You are the only tutorial that addressed the kinking up of newly twisted yarn before it got wraped onto the drop spindle ... I was worried that I was kinking my yarn too much and then.. magically you reassured me! You slower delivery also meant I could follow along with you. Thank you so much. It will prepare me for going into my upcoming
spinning group!
I love the color wool you're spinning with! I love to crochet and as I was learning, I started looking into different avenues of textile crafting etc. and thought why not learn how to spin the very yarn that I'm crocheting with. Plus, the different types of fiber that you can spin up to use is almost endless. As well as the fiber seems to be less expensive to make than to buy outright and you get better quality yarns at the same time. So now I have another relaxing hobby and everything that I make is basically from scratch, right?! I call it a labor of love lol.
Thank you so mmuch for this video! You are the only person I have watched who talks about setting the twist, until now I thought my "hot mess" of spun yarn was all wrong and I just couldnt work it out. Now I understand that it's supposed to have the kinks in it and you have saved my spinning!! Thank you 🙂
WooHoo Yes! Please do more of the following steps. I’m dying to try this! Thanks again for another awesome tutorial!!❤😊
Your video is wonderful and I learned the reasons to why . Thank you so much !!! I just found hand spinning and I love that inch-worming tip! Makes the process seem much less nerve wracking when learning this craft!
Oops....didn’t get to finish the below comment, so here goes the rest of it. I will be anticipating your step #2 tutorial as many others probably will be as well. Thank you again for your clear, concise, interesting and informative tutorial.
Thankyou so much. You're explanation was so easy and you made it so relaxing to watch. I am just learning. You voice is very relaxing and pleasant.
This was the best spinning tutorial I've watched yet.
I'm bloody new to spinning, tried it a few times and now waiting for my spindle and fiber to arrive to fully get started!
Again: You did a great job with this one! Going to check out the rest of your channel.
Brilliant video- thank you! Just the right amount of detail and very well explained. Love the new technical term ‘fooff’. 😂 😊
If you turn your spindle upside down you have a Bottom Whorl Spindle, so you have both a top and bottom whorl.
Edited to say, move your hands further apart in that middle section then you can pull it apart, much easier, you had you hands too close together....!
Stop winding the spindle around the paper towel roll, you are taking twist out of your plied yarn, instead wind off from the PT roll. You are doing a great job on this, so don't take my comments as a scolding etc., just getting you to a better control of things, I may add some more comments as I am adding as the video is playing!
You still have one more step to achieve a flowing action. when you draft out your fiber make it like a thin pencil and the section you had in this video, you could draft it out to be really airy like a cloud, then wrap it starting at the base and wind it on your left wrist, (that way no tangles) then hold the drafting part in you hand and practice, practice and practice your park & draft that way for a while, then before you know it you'll wont be doing the park n draft, it will be one fluid motion! Good luck? Are you have Ravelry?
Great to see you spinning btw, job well done on the video! Take care! I teach spindle and wheel spinning!
Walmart has roving now. I'm assuming it would be a good cheap option for learning, but I'm not 100% since I've never spun.
Thank you so much for showing us how to do this. I would love to see the rest of the process. Have you ever considered preparing your own roving from raw wool? I'd love to learn about that too. Thanks again fiber spider.
Thank you! I have considered it actually although it's even more of a process. Carding, combing, dealing with "organic matter" that got stuck in the Fiber because sheep don't use Charmin, lol. 💩 Maybe one day lol.
Too damn funny ! 😂
To anyone thinking that actually spinning their own yarn isn’t possible, that’s simply not true. Spinning particularly using a spindle is easy, portable and fun......there is a magic in taking a wad of floofy fibres and turning them into yarn.....it might not be the most even yarn, but it’s still recognisable yarn. I’ve spun using a wheel, both top and bottom whorl spindles. My fave is a lovely little handmade Turkish spindle, closely followed by wheel, tho I don’t have a wheel atm. I also have a Navajo spindle atm too, so try things to see what you like, and try the different styles of drafting to find what suits you best. Btw if you have a wooden nuddy noddy and you want to soak your yarn you just need to take the yarn off it to soak it. To do this you tie the yarn with cotton string at approx 5-8 places in a figure 8 (split the yarn in half, pass the tie thru and cross the ends and tie on the other side) to keep the skein neat and untangled. Then soak and dry.
The best educational video out there and I searched a lot. Thank you very very much that was very clear and full of helpful tips! I subscribed and would love to learn some more from you. I am a knitter but I find hand spinning fascinating and relaxing. I own a drop spindle but I find Turkish spindle works better for me. I am still, a beginner I have not mastered the plying technique so well, one of the plies always tries to king up while I am trying to ply two strands together.
You are a jack of all trades! I have been crocheting for about 46 years and have tried to knit several times..just can't do it. I have never tried to spin yarn. I'd like to try it sometime. Happy New Year to you.
Great job, I'm a spinning wheel spinner who is learning to drop spindle, and I feel like I'm all thumbs. Like with the wheel, it takes practice, but it'll fall into place, I also do needle felting and love it. You explain it very well!
Clearest explanation I've seen, a few things I was struggling with have really clicked for me now thank you so much!
Wonderful video. Thank you. Please make followup videos on setting the twist and plying.
i have watched at least fifteen different tutorials, and i cannot figure out what i am doing wrong....my yarn just kinks and knots, and i've watched all the videos in slow motion and following the directions as i am understanding them, but i just cannot do this....sadly, i'm in tears and i am no where near anyone who can actually come over and help.....how sad :-(
OK so this is like the third video I have watched trying to figure out how to spin, and you are the first one who explained to be me a. how to tell if there is enough spin, and b. that there are steps after the spinning part. which ya'know seem like pretty important things to tell a beginner.
Thank you.
( after the second video a friend recommended I was like 'maybe spider knows about spinning' and low and behold. I have used a lot of your crochet patterns.)
Now I'm just a beginner myself, but from other tutorials I understand to rip off a length you just need to grab the roving with hands much farther apart and it just comes apart. Let me know if I'm totally off on that.
Thank you for this compehensive tutorial. I like the inchworming technique. I am a total novice at spinning but I have worked with wool as a felter and you will find it easier to break off lengths of fibre if you hold your hands further apart. That way you are pulling different staples apart and not pulling within the length of one staple. If it's really matted, as that seems to be, you will still need to tease it out a bit first. Thank you for the reminder to breathe .So easy to hold your breath when doing something unfamiliar. 😀
I love your T-shirt. If I won your giveaway I would use that beautiful for a shawl for myself. I make for everyone else but this one would be mine with such a generous gift. Thank you for the opportunity. Love your video's. Keep up the great work.
Hey, Fiber Spider I wanted to know why you have to tear the wool and not cut it. Also, you are very interesting and comedic at the same time. I love your channel. I would love to see more spinning tutorials.
I’m not Fiber spider, but the reason you don’t cut roving is because you do not want to shorten your staple. Staple is the length of the fibre as it comes off the animal. That fibre is cleaned, and brushed to make roving. Roving will pull apart fairly easily as long as you place your hands further apart than the staple length. The staple length is what gives your yarn strength.
Also, if you watch the tutorial to the end, the question answers it's self when you see how the two threads are combined into one long one. If the ends were cut you wouldn't get a smooth join. Logical? I think so!😉
You can get Turkish spindles I believe they are the plastic laser cut ones for about$6-$8 on Etsy. I have 3 an love them all
Thank you so much for this informative video. I bought myself a drop spindle and bfl.
Can you get the roving in acrylic? I actually kinda like synthetic fiber. It tends to be more affordable and super colorful.
I never considered learning spinning yarn. For the past 12 years, I've been focused on designing tartans. Perhaps I should learn spinning yarn before learning to weave my original tartans?
Spider, I am totally fascinated with the entire process 👍🏻😍 . Vickie G
Thank you so much for sharing, looking forward for some more.spinning video.❤
I’ll be watching this on Tuesday night, as my spindle will arrive in the afternoon, looking forward to learning.
This video was sooo helpful!! Thank you for explaining in good detail and taking the time to walk through it all ❤
Just wanted to say I've watched so, so many spinning videos and this is the one I actually learned from. Thank you so much!
Oh Spider, You said that cotton is difficult to start with.. I spin cotton balls on a up cycled bottom whirl drop spindle...
I use cotton balls because they are cheap and there are many in the bag for like $4. Cotton has a very short staple, like 1 inch.
My spindle, I made out of the bottom of a creamer container, cut along the line that is already there on the container; on the base I taped glass aquarium beads that are flat on one side, taped them on one at a time, fits 12-14 beads. I used masking tape because the stickyness of the tape and conturing the beads is important. the stick part of my spindle is an old paint brush handle that I cut a notch into (like a crochet hook). I heated up a bent out bobby pin and poked a hole in the middle of the base, then held the base over the candle I was using to heat it up and make it softer, at that point I gently shoved the paint brush handle into the base to create a snug fit ( top or bottom whirl is up to you).
i use my spindle almost everyday and I do a Navaho ply to ply my yarn.. also I off load on to my thumb and pinky and ply as I go.
I simply love watching you!!! Thank you for this!!!
What type of wheel did you get❓ A portable one❓ And why didn't you like it😭
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
That looks really cool to do, but I don't think I would have the patience for it. But I really enjoyed watching you do it.
I found this video very interesting. I want to get a spindle and try my hand in spinning my own yarn. I'm glad I found your video. So thank you very much.
Awsome teacher! Thank you for taking the time to explain so much. This is exactly what I needed to start.
o my gosh I could die! but i' m not going to cause I hafta finish this tutorial....loardy! I laaaaughed! brilliant xx
Fabulous tuturial, loved watching don't think I'll be doing tho, thankyou
Love seeing other men in this space just doing their thing. Don't your arms get tired going that high up with the drafting? There has to be a more effective way.
You explain things very well. I hope you have more videos so we can learn more. Thank you for your time.