3 Tips to Spinning a More Consistent Yarn On A Wheel The Top 3 Things That Help Me!

As much as I tell myself that consistency isn't for my handspinning, sometimes I DO need to get a more consistently spun yarn for a particular project, so I do practice once in a while! I wanted to share the three things I keep in mind when I am trying to spin for consistency! I hope it helps someone, and spinning Falkland is one of my FAVORITES. It's not soft, but it makes a beautiful, smooth, defined yarn.
Quite a few of you were attached to this when I first dyed it, so let's spin!
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[@abirhussein9781]

You have no idea how helpful this is. I'm a new spinner ( a couple of months) and I can never get a clear answer about consistency. The fog has been lifted... thanks a million 😁

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'm so glad if it helped at all, but nothing is a substitute for practice! It's just that when you are learning, sometimes you don't know WHAT to practice. Thanks for watching!

[@Bobbieliz]

I am agreeing with you.on the "more plys evening out the yarn." from my observations while spinning. But, like you, I'm not spinning for perfection. No one is an automaton. Just enjoy the spin is my motto. You own it.

[@amym5926]

I think you're so right about handspun being qualitatively different from commercial yarn in purpose and destiny. I think it's good to learn control so we can coax what we want from the fibers, but it's such an inherently organic exercise in material, skill, and equipment--it begs us to let go of perfectionism and consistency, and we should try to oblige as much as we can!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I know everyone has different goals, and different takes on it all, so for me, the control is really just about giving myself options to spin any kind of yarn I want, so I get what you mean! We all just measure perfection differently.

[@debbiesykes1389]

Very good tips! I have also heard about putting a piece of painters tape on your leg in the length you want to draft and using that to guide you.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

That works too, but then if I don't spin it all in one sitting I have to do it again, so that's why i migrated to the Post It. Thank you!

[@krankywitch]

Thank you, you’ve saved me some $$. I was thinking about buying carding equipment because rovings/batts look so nice and easy to store. Now I won’t bother. I’m happy combing my fleece and spinning the tops to get a nice smooth, slender & consistent yarn - definitely don’t want sideways staples or fuzzy yarn ☺️

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'm glad I could help. I think we're all looking for different outcomes. This way you also have the info in case you want to make a really springy fluffy textured yarn in the future.

[@sandraescamilla1849]

Haha. I love that you own your control I am still in denial. 🤣

[@FiberLoveDiary]

People ask me a lot why I spin, why I process my own fleece, etc. I don't really have another answer, except that I like to control every aspect, but I guess it does feed the creative part of me.

[@karenwright8967]

I love your upbeat personality. Thanks for your wishes for health Stay safe, healthy and happy.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Health has really been on my mind a lot lately! We are all healthy here, and what could I possibly have to be unhappy about? I have you guys!

[@lauradaw6190]

The tip about drafting half the staple length has made suuuuccccchhhhh a difference! Thank you so much! I'm a new spinner so this video was such a help ☺️

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'm thrilled to hear that!

[@sharonnewport7257]

I would definitely agree that top really makes the job easier. I tried your tips last night and just by moving my hands made a drastic difference. Makes me do happy 😃

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Great to hear!

[@eroff4721]

I use to try to spin consistent yarn, but I found it made for a unenjoyable spin. I spent too much time analyzing the section that was “wrong”. Now I spin with less concern about the consistency and enjoy watching what the fiber that develops. Much happier spinner.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I know what you mean! I have tried to force fibers to be yarns I wanted when I first started, but now I let the fiber tells me what it wants to be. We're all happier!

[@kathycostello4104]

I am so happy to have these tips, Trish. I am thinking that I heard the staple length tip very early on in my spinning. So early, my head was exploding just trying to remember to treadle and move my hands at the same time! So your reminder is really helpful, especially since I may try to make my own top with the fleece I have purchased. And, I so agree that if I want a super smooth yarn, I can just buy it. That is not why I spin, dye or knit. But knowing how to spin more consistantly will be helpful when I am spinning sock yarn, especially. I spun up some of the Paradise fiber from October and got a nice confetti two ply. I am super excited to see your changes to it! TTFN, Kathy

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I get that! There were so many tips I heard in the beginning that didn't really click for me until I understood more what people were telling me! We all know I'm a controller, so I just like being able to make a consistent yarn, but I hardly ever do 😂

[@katnewman2856]

🤣 the control thing, are we related?! 🤣🤣🤣

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Could be! I used to think, " not me!" but I've had to concede over time that I do a lot of this just because I like to control all the aspects 😂

[@irinialexandridi3522]

Hi Trish. I think that the clothes you make for your doll are incredible, you have some awesome skills. I really love the orangy wool you showed us, hope you show us also how it turns out when you spin it. Have a nice week, we are dealing with a hot wave for the next 10 days. ❤

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

I agree with you on the if I want perfect I will buy machine spun . Thank you so much for this video it helps alot x

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PG-wz7by]

A simple tip that will make a big difference in my spinning. Thank you for making it easy to understand.

[@fiberbynature]

Thank you so much for the tips! My spinning wheel just came in the mail so I really needed these! Thanks!(again)

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Well that is so, so exciting! My first tip for any new wheel spinner though is to attach a ball of commercial yarn so you can start getting the hang of working your hands and feet together and develop the muscle memory. Then when you are drafting your body will know what to do more on its own. Have so much fun, Kai!!

[@joelwilliams5634]

Thanks Trish I can always use spinning tips your yarn is beautiful.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you!

[@Verityville]

I totally love your goofiness. I’m the same way. I wonder if you are like me and jump around to a bunch of projects or ideas.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I always have a lot going at once

[@Palouseweaver]

Thanks for a helpful video. I’ve just started knitting sweaters, so I’m trying to become more consistent with my spinning so that I can use handspun yarn for my sweaters. Happy spinning! ❤

[@hildeaareskjold8070]

Great tips, thank you! The staple length tip was very clever. Though I am starting to agree more and more with you about homespun yarn not needing to be very consistent. After I started weaving a new world opened up for me where I started to appreciate some of my earliest homespun, super uneven yarns a whole lot more!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

This is honestly why I learned to weave. I now see that even the yarns I didn't want to knit or crochet with because of texture or color can have a place in the weaving world! Thank you.

[@terryvanderslice4825]

The yarn is beautiful. Did you say what you would be doing with it? Consistent....hmmmmm. I am consistently inconsistent! I would add a #4. Relax. Hands loose, shoulders down, breath. Actually I was sorting through the spun yarn stash and realize that I am improving. I started into some tussah silk from the stash last night - I watched a few ideas on how to keep that consistent but it may take the entire 8 oz. to get there.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I have only spun pure tussah once. It felt funny as I was drafting, so I didn't do it again, but I don't really know if it was just the stuff I had. Maybe someday I should try again. We all have those tips that help us the most. It's interesting that everybody is so different even though we're all trying to make yarn in the same basic ways.

[@ourladyoffollies]

Wow that's pretty impressive!!! I am less than a year into spinning on a wheel but I love it, it is so relaxing

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you! 😊

[@enswann]

I just recall found your videos and I love them. Thank you!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Welcome! Thank you so much!

[@carolnelson831]

Love all your videos but especially love the spinning! Everyone you just need to find the wheel you love and works for you! 🧶

[@FiberLoveDiary]

So true!

[@plansandprocrastination]

beautiful yarn - mad respect for all the time it took to spin that thin and controlled....!!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It was so much fun to spin. I know it's a cliche, but it seemed like it was spinning itself. I loved this spin.

[@pennygonzalez8309]

Thank you, Trish! Very helpful :)

[@WoWCathy98]

Yay! Thank you Trish, this is super helpful and I'll be giving the staple tip a really good go, Cheers

[@FiberLoveDiary]

So glad it was helpful!

[@therandomlifeofkatie3277]

I got my first spinning wheel in August, right before school started back up and I am in love!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Exciting! I hope you're enjoying it!

[@groovygrump]

Thanks so very much for the help with spinning consistent yarn! Need this so much!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Happy to help!

[@OoOlijfje]

As always, a great video! I am really looking forward to!! seeing how you spun the Halloween fiber

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Yay! Thank you! See you Friday then 😂

[@Meredith36]

What great tips! Thank you 😊

[@1235adriana]

Thanks so much for all the information!!! 🐑

[@thesimmeringdyepot8136]

Helpful information, another great video.

[@LittleFischies]

Trish, thats yarn is beautiful! I definitely will keep tip #3 in mind!

[@lindamarie358]

Thanks for these tips. Sure will be helpful as that is my goal each time I try.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Well, I am so glad if any of it helped you!

[@melanieo15]

Another great and helpful video. Thank you for sharing. The yarnyou spun is gorgeous!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cynthiaschultz6398]

Thanks for your tips!! You make such beautiful things 😍😍

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Aw, hopefully see you soon!

[@jacquelinepirotta]

That was very helpful! thank you

[@sarahdzeima5102]

I adore that yarn and the tips are amazing. Thank you!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

You are so welcome! I kind of love the yarn too 😉

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Trish, hope you're OK xx 😘 Thanks for these great tips. You're right why would we want home Spun yarn to look like its not. To be honest until you said that I guess I'm trying too hard for it to be consistent in what I'm doing. Thanks for everything you do. Take care and stay safe Love Jen xx 💖😘❤ This is first time I've seen this video . Xx

[@FiberLoveDiary]

You're only trying too hard if YOU think so. And I'm wonderful. I hope you are too! 😘

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

@@FiberLoveDiary Hi Trish Thankyou so much for the Heart Reply sending ❤back to you. Glad you're good. Yeah I agree its Me that's trying to hard. I'm like you need to get things done right. Just too hard on ourselves sometimes. Have a great vacation. Take care and stay safe. Love you ❤ Jen xxxx ❤💖

[@myroslavajacklitsch6039]

Thanks for sharing !

[@kendrao9647]

That yarn is serious spinning goals!!! Beautiful! 💕

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@tracyirwin9578]

Thank you for the tips. They are so helpful. Top is best! I totally agree.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@debbieabella49]

Great tips! Love the finished product!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thanks so much!

[@jeanmccullough7737]

This is great information. Thank you

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

I can’t wait for my new wheel to get here so I can try this!

[@hopefulsnippets230]

Thanks Trish I always find that your videos are very informative! I can find the halfway pt of my staple length, it’s just getting my hands to consistently go the right distance, that’s another story

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I get it! That's why that visual aid can really help you get the muscle memory goingg, but practice is the only way to develop that.

[@mindyspoon720]

I have watched, and rewatched this video. It is really helpful. I have Lazy Kate envy. I neeeed that in my life. What make is it? I have an ancient Ashford that came with my second hand wheel, that I adored, until I saw yours!! Xx. Thank you for all your wonderful videos.

[@brendabacon1613]

It turned out beautiful. I can’t wait to see the October fiber from paradise fibers 🎉🥳😆

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Next Friday! I'm editing now. Thanks so much for watching.

[@brendabacon1613]

@@FiberLoveDiary my pleasure. I’m so excited. Every time I see you’ve posted a new video, I freak out a little. You always brighten my day. ☺️

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

Also I love the yarn its gorgeous x

[@LindseyHeine]

Thank you for the tips! I am super new to spinning, and any advice is helpful! Love your videos!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thanks you so much, Lindsey! Different tips "click" for each of us, so I am just sharing what worked for me. Hopefully they help somebody!

[@trinanortham131]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@jenm4721]

This was very helpful

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Beautiful yarn and great tips!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jessicawright1656]

Great tip! Plus the yarn turned out great. It's fun to see how different the yarn can be from the original colorway of the braid.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I was surprised how much the green just kind of disappeared but I love how it came out

[@melaniehuhta8853]

Thank you for the GREAT tips!😃

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thanks for watching! How was the camping?

[@barbarareeves9669]

Thank you for the great tips! I will try 3 ply next time ....

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Let me know how it goes!

[@woollycrafts]

So helpful. 😊 thanks

[@Rowanstarr]

Great tips.

[@dmbrown240]

Thanks for the tips! I’m working towards a more consistent yarn. Practice, practice, practice! 😀

[@FiberLoveDiary]

You can do it!

[@sharonnewport7257]

Thank you so much for those tips that have really helped me 👍

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I'm so glad it helped you. It all helped me so much.

[@jazmin9565]

This was so cool. The finished product is just gorgeous! Great job Trish!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you so much!

[@bonniemcgee6648]

Beautiful

[@andreesabourin9503]

oh great tip! I'll give that a try! Thank you!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

It's the tip I've gotten that helped me more than any other.

[@carolyndavis6657]

You have the most amazing videos. Your yarn turned out beautiful.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you so much!

[@StitchingNana]

Thank you for the great tips.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

You are so welcome!

[@heatherkather653]

This was very interesting! Thanks!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chronicallycrocheting]

Great tips, thank you. 🤗

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bonnielundholm5535]

Great tips Trish. Your yarn turned out so beautiful. I love it.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you so much!

[@sandrahageman9955]

This is what I needed to hear about consistency. I am going to rethink consistency when spinning from batts. Plying definitely makes a big difference. Thanks for the tips.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Do you mean you need to allow for a little more variation? Just curious what you took away from the rambling 🤣

[@sandrahageman9955]

@@FiberLoveDiary My wool is Havelock wool (used for van insulation). The stable is short and the batt is messy (fiber goes every which way). I have 30 POUNDS. As much as I try for consistency, it is nearly impossible. By plying my singles, the imperfections seem to be “hidden.” So yes, I need to allow for variations and not be too tough on myself. I enjoy your videos. You have been an inspiration on my new journey. I would love to win of your Paradise boxes/bags just for a chance to spin up luxury fiber! Cheers.

[@Jessesmom12]

I love your videos. I will adopt Tip #3 right away. I bought roving online and maybe it’s for woolen spun. I wish you had a help time. Wouldn’t have to be free. 😁

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Well that is something I've never even thought of. I'll have to think about it once I'm more comfortable live!

[@grimmssocalledlife4140]

Thank you I was having such trouble I just got my first wheel it’s not a good expensive one like you have but it’ll do for now

[@FiberLoveDiary]

So glad to help!

[@havetardiswilltimetravel]

Great tips! Hadn't heard the staple length one before, definitely going to use it!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolnelson831]

I can’t wait o see what you did with October box.

[@nickycarl626]

Thank you for the tips! I raise German Angoras and I wanted to be a little more consistent with my spinning 🙂

[@Verityville]

Oh. I’m pretty new & I need help learning how to spin on my Espinne without getting really bad neck & shoulder pain and soreness. I’m not old & don’t have any issues. I’m right handed but feel more comfortable using my left hand in the front, doing most of the work.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Without seeing you, I can't be sure but my guess is that you are holding too much tension in your body while you're learning. It's very common for new spinners. Take breaks every 15 minutes. Stretch and get up and move around

[@emmasmom60]

I'm going to try the half a staple length tip on the BFL that I am spinning for the Nightshift shawl. Love that Falkland yarn you spun!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

A handspun Nightshift. That sounds pretty awesome.

[@iknit8b707]

Hi Trish, Thanks for your tips with consistency. I love to watch other people spin. More spinning videos please!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

When you say that, do you just mean more videos with spinning? Or more information on spinning? I spin almost every day so if you just want to watch spinning, I can do that 😂😂

[@iknit8b707]

@@FiberLoveDiary Both 😂 I do like to watch people spin. That’s how I learned how to spin. I also appreciate any informational videos. Can never have to much knowledge! Thanks for your reply

[@teresac.m.355]

The braids are beautiful

[@amihazell732]

That's a great tip about the draw out length! Thank you!! Just getting back into spinning! :-)(

[@lorainew4281]

As always these are excellent tips Trish! I will definitely be using the little post it note to remind myself of the staple length, hopefully that will help with it not pulling out of my hand 🙄 So annoying when that happens! Thanks Trish! Be well!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Wonderful! I like the Post It, because it keeps it right in my eye line, but whatever works, right?

[@kachsavage4047]

The staple length tip is one I've technically known for awhile, but I've never put it into practice. Hopefully this will kick me into gear. Thanks for the tips!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I can't swear I never heard it before. I may have, but I didn't put it into practice until the last two years or so. Game changer for me! I've tried lots of stuff, but these are the three things that help me the most.

[@artistirmafeliciarodriguez7752]

HI TRISH!!!! HUGSSSSSS, Love your channel!!!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Aw, hugs to you too! Thank you so much.

[@hookthatyarn]

Thank you for this. I think I’m going to make a draft card and tape it to my pants lol

[@stephenkropf2087]

Thanks for sharing. I have yet to try a 3 ply

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Well I can't imagine why not since you are busy quilting, grooming and buying every mum and hay bale in Canada for your beautiful yard 😂

[@maryellenmeggs3027]

Beautiful yarn. I am working on spinning my first home spun socks, so "consistency is necessary. Timely topic! The fiber is from Three Waters farm.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

That is really exciting! I love their fiber! They just dye the most beautiful stuff.

[@lorrainebinskin2990]

Have been binge watching you, I am a beginner and have learned so much from you, you are great at giving me the AHA moments. My spinning has improved so much, the only problem is my yarn buying has escalated. During COVID we have had many wool shows that have been cancelled so there have been many sales, so hard to not buy. We have had 40 alpaca in the past so I have any fleeces stored. Can you suggest good wool fibres to blend with it, I have been using merino. Thanks again for the giggles and great information.

[@pam3515]

Loved your finished yarn! Thank you for sharing the great tips, and I can’t wait to see how your October FotM Club turned out!! Oh, and I have a whole bunch of similarly (un)labeled handspun I was trying to organize today. I mean, the intention was there with the little tags, but I guess I got distracted? Distracted 10 times on 10 different occasions... Lol, at least it seems I’m in good company!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Thank you so much! Honestly! I usually write my info down immediately because I know it won't happen at all otherwise, but to put on a label and then do nothing, WHAT?? I guess I wrote it in invisible ink.

[@beverleylawton6899]

Great video - as always! For me, this is a great reminder...! Any chance you could do the same for plying🥴I always overply even though I count the treadles and work it all out at the start! I have literally just done it again🙈

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Great suggestion! Let me give it some thought. I am typically more prone to underplying because I'm always trying to hurry. 😂

[@deannal3678]

❤

[@dhurd4099]

I’m wondering what you did with the remaining Falkland yarn after that first bobbin ran out. Chain plying the rest would result in a different look, yes?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

That is a great questions. I will have to do a video on this sometime, but the short answer is that when I am down to two bobbins, I use a storage bobbin and a small drill to wind off a bunch, because you are right. If I chain ply, it looks completely different and would stick out (at least to me) like a sore thumb, and it would bug me.

[@DeloraDabbles]

I find I spin most consistently when I spin in accordance to the fiber prep, so if i spin woolen style for woolen prep and spin worsted style for worsted prep

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I agree prep has a lot to do with it.

[@thelittlethingskate9567]

It’s so thin! I’m still new new new at spinning, and my yarn is lumpy and chunkyyyyyy. Lots of practice ahead!

[@FiberLoveDiary]

You've probably heard this already, but someday you will be trying to go back to lumpy and chunky and struggling to get it! The practice is the fun part!

[@creativitybytrisha6819]

Those are good tips for consistency. Top is from combs, right? I always get preps and terms confused.

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Yes, it's confusing isn't it? Plus then a lot of people use the terms incorrectly and that makes it even harder to learn! But you are correct. Top is combed. If you're a traditionalist, which we all know I am not, top is even all going in the same direction, butts and tips.

[@PeaceLoveAndRico]

Wouldst these tips be applicable to spinning on a spindle style great wheel?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Usually spinning in a great wheel would be longdraw, so not really. Getting a consistent yarn with longdraw is much more difficult and will take really nothing but lots of practice and a nice prep

[@carolyndavis6657]

So are you using double drive?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

Yes, Freija is convertible but I almost always use her as a double drive wheel.

[@mostley1]

I’m consistently not consistent. Does that count?

[@FiberLoveDiary]

If you re making yarn that you love, it ALL COUNTS!!

[@brittfox9038]

Number one reason I do three ply is to hide my wonky singles

[@FiberLoveDiary]

I knew someone would get it! The air space hides, the singles meld together and hide, It's magical!