Hand carding wool

Slow, step-by-step instructions on hard carding. This is the way I've done it for years, it may not be the only way, but if you're struggling to get decent rolags why not give it a go!
Thanks to LJ S, I just pulled these very useful timing notes from the comments below.
6:00 First switch from one carder to the other
7:42 for the next switch
9:00 to start the final rolag

[@DirtScraps]

I realize this video is old and others have said as much as this, but: This is the most fabulous hand carding video I have ever found. Thank you for going through every step slowly and explaining in such great detail! Especially the “why’s” and “what if’s” of each action. Absolutely brilliant! ❤️😍❤️

[@ADHUK]

Thank you for those very nice comments. Really pleased you found it useful.

[@democracybacksliding]

YES I started working with wool in 2007. There where so few fiber videos the past few years and wow wow wow gosh darn ! I was hearing from the younger ladies back & gents back around then. Thank you for the slowed down carful instructions. what I am doing wrong . . . awway . . .break time !! We were just throwing bales in between the cards, HAh! live and learn . . .

[@auntangelsgarden9081]

I agree COMPLETELY!!!!

[@lindapankhurst4513]

Me too! I get it now! Will have another go at it!

[@glenyscrampton4861]

There is nothing quite as good as watching someone who really knows what they are doing and explains it so well....thank you so much......

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased you found it useful!

[@natashahaigh871]

Agree.

[@jujibelle9793]

Thank you! This is the most detailed, informative, and understandable tutorial I have found on carding wool. Even the camera angle is great, thank you for sharing your knowledge and demonstrating your skills!

[@ADHUK]

Ooh glad you liked it and found it useful. I'll also pass on your comment about the camera angle to the video-er, thank you!

[@ingridjohnson9442]

Absolutely the best video on handcarding!! You are a born teacher. Thank you so much.

[@paulalasseur4934]

OMG!! thank you for this video! You explained and demonstrated the whole process so beautifully and in such detail,I cant wait to get back to carding again. It has always been relaxing for me but I was never able to get the rolls as neat and as beautiful as the one you made. Thanks again

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful!

[@jennylockwood3775]

Wonderfully clear instructions. Now to find myself a pair of carders and have a go! Thank you

[@mawielarocque3327]

This video is pure poetry!! What a treasure. Thank you so much for sharing this, I learned a lot watching it. 💕

[@ADHUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janeploof132]

This was a recommended video and I have to say the most concise and best demonstration I have seen! Thank you.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks for leaving a comment, pleased to hear you found it useful!

[@doloresheidenthal4612]

I have watched dozens of You Tubes on carding. This is my favorite, I still struggle with the transfer, so I keep coming back to your video. Thank you and God bless you.

[@ADHUK]

So pleased to hear you found it useful!

[@fannymaresu3111]

This is THE video I've been looking for for months ! Thank you for doing it ! Your explanations are gold. Now I understand my mistakes and I'm going to try this out as soon as possible !!! Can't wait haha❤❤❤

[@ADHUK]

Pleased to hear you found it useful. Let me know how you get on.

[@anni7665]

So clear and what a lovely voice. Thank you x

[@ADHUK]

Hmmm not sure about the voice, but thank you anyway. So pleased to hear you found it useful.

[@finchrest]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial. Your mastery is incredible. Thank you for sharing with the world!

[@lamcg9347]

Thank you for this video. It's really been informative. I appreciate the slow speed and detailed description.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased you found it useful.

[@amiiwu4658]

This has helped me so much, I've just been carding some wool and knew I was going wrong somewhere. Each step of this is clear and informative and you give the reason 'why' you're doing it, not just the 'how'. I'm off back to me fleece to practice!

[@ADHUK]

Thank you for letting me know it was helpful! Good luck with your practicing.

[@democracybacksliding]

Calming my work to a new level 🤨🥲

[@abittwisted]

This is the best detailed example of carding I've seen so far.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased you found it useful!

[@mariadolorsizquierdo8655]

Thank you for such a thorough explanation. It really helped me to do things better. It improved my carding and so my spinning. Yes, you're brilliant. Greetings from Barcelona.

[@ADHUK]

Hi Maria, greetings from Cornwall! Thanks for taking the time to respond, and so pleased that you found the video useful.

[@zainylainy1]

You make everyone else demoing this on utube look like a bunch of amateurs! Beautiful Roland, and you are very helpful!

[@ADHUK]

Ooh thank you for the nice comments, very pleased that you found it useful.

[@ljs94]

Best hand carding demo ever thank you! 6:00 first switch from one carder to the other 7:42 for the next switch 9:00 to start the final rolag

[@ADHUK]

Now why didn't KZbin show me this comment? I'm pleased you found the video useful, and thank you for giving the timings for different steps, I will try and copy it under the video.

[@oriories]

Wonderful!! It's the best hand carding I've ever seen. Thank you for your uploading.

[@ADHUK]

oriori su pleased you found it useful!

[@bernicelycklama7619]

Thank you, I'll be back. Excellent teaching.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks for leaving a comment, pleased you found it useful!

[@lisbethkarlsson930]

I just started carding, and I think I watched your video about 20 times. I'd be lost without it. Thanks!!

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful.

[@melyoung9768]

When I read all these comments i realise how lucky I am that I had a day with you. . .😁

[@ADHUK]

It was a good day, you're a quick learner!

[@GrizzyLemming]

Thank you so much for your excellent teaching. I was getting very confused and distressed while trying to follow other videos. Your clear, calm and thorough instructions have helped no end. I've still a lot to learn but now I feel that I stand a chance of learning. Thank you ❤️😊

[@ADHUK]

Lovely, so pleased to hear you found it helpful!

[@beritblackie3168]

Totally agree; best hand carding video ever. THANK YOU 😊

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful - thank you for the comment!

[@tutleymutley]

How many times have I watched this vid and never noticed the sheep on your apron before. Love them Manda!

[@ADHUK]

I think technically it is a teatowel, I have several with sheep on!

[@rosemwathi1560]

Very good way of removing carded fiber from the carders. Never seen this before thanks

[@ADHUK]

Thanks for watching, pleased you found it interesting.

[@jj_hoolio]

Beautiful! I'm just getting into the hobby of fiber working and I'm obsessed, lol! I plan to start as simply and minimally as possible, with a drop spindle and a top of prepared fiber, but I cannot wait to process a fleece from raw to finished sweater, and I'll probably start with combs instead of cards, but this was so succinct and easy to follow. What a blessing! Thank you so much!

[@ADHUK]

Thank you for leaving a comment! Pleased you found it useful. Best wishes for your new hobby, I discovered the obsession many years ago.

[@loganpollock1689]

I have been doing it for forty years and the only difference is that after I transfer to the upper carder, I turn that carder over and it becomes the bottom carder. I like to see the wool as I'm carding it. A good video and explanation of the process.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks for the nice comments, you've got a couple of years or so more experience than me!

[@fionajsperryn]

Fantastic! So clear and well explained 😀

[@ADHUK]

Thanks Fiona, glad you found it useful!

[@skyeblue6834]

Clearly being shown by a very experienced wool worker now i can see where Ive been going so very wrong well off now to get my carders and wool to have a go at this thank you

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful. Hope you enjoy your practice!

[@SuperPixelated]

Thank you so much. This is the best and most informative tutorial on hand carding wool 👏👏👏

[@ADHUK]

Thank you! Glad you found it useful.

[@SoulfulSpinning]

Brilliant teaching! Very detailed and you have thought of every detail.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, pleased to hear you found it useful.

[@natashahaigh871]

Best teaching ive come across. You are wonderful.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you! 😃

[@SpinKnitSueHobbs]

Brilliant clear lesson in how to card wool fibre. Thank you so much !

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased you found it useful!

[@diannez7151]

My 11 year old granddaughter asked what is to card?...from the song Billy Boy. (Can she card and can she spin?) It was too difficult to explain; you've made the explanation most detailed. Now she'll see and hear for herself from your demonstration. Bravo!

[@ADHUK]

Ooh what fun! Glad I could help. Show her one of my spinning videos too, you never know she might fancy having a go!

[@Shercam]

Beautifully done, thoroughly guided, detailed instructions. Thank you.

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful!

[@elliot2582]

Incredibly articulate. Thank you for passing on your knowledge!

[@ADHUK]

My pleasure!

[@dfjelddalen]

This helped me card dog’s fur for a really big abstract work of art some time ago. Great tutorial. 👍👏

[@2minimom]

Wow-I agree with everyone else. Best instruction of this that I have seen! Thank you so much!!!

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@juliadean2473]

Thank you, that was so well explained. An excellent communicator.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you! Pleased you found it useful.

[@chrispegler2235]

Thank you for SUCH a clear demonstration and detailed explanation. Every 'why do it like this' is answered. Great.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks Chris, pleased you found it useful!

[@qasimkhan-jg5xs]

Chris Pegler 8o

[@louisegoddard3753]

Excellent teaching - thank you

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased you found it useful.

[@Mystichandworks]

Thank you for presenting accurate information in a concise and easy to follow format.

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome, pleased you found it useful!

[@lrobinson3461]

Such a fantastic lesson! Thank you for this!

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful!

[@intuitknit]

You are a wonderful teacher.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you glad you liked it!

[@scu8a8uddy]

FANTASTIC! What a great demonstration. Thank you!

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you like it - thanks for watching!

[@dianaw9829]

Just discovered this! What an an amazing, beautiful and truly informative tutorial on hand carding! Thank you!

[@ADHUK]

Thank you for the kind comments, so pleased you found it useful!

[@MrPotatoemouse]

Thank you so much for this video! It is so good to see a good clear explanation form someone who clearly knows what they are doing.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks for watching, pleased you found it useful!

[@bridgetgrande8434]

Thank you! I now feel much more confident about having another go.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, pleased you found it useful.

[@dornspinnchenspinne2392]

The best video I have ever seen. Thank you so much!

[@ADHUK]

Wow, thank you!

[@kathgarvey]

Thank you for a great video. Very clear instructions, will help me as I begin my hard carding journey.

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome, pleased I could help!

[@BruceKathleen]

This is the BEST carding video I have seen. Thank you!

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome, glad you found it useful!

[@froggydoodle808]

Agreed!

[@elizabethcranmer1151]

it was wonderful to be shown in person, and this is the ideal way to perfect my technique at home. Thankyou

[@ADHUK]

It was lovely to meet you all.

[@LaurenRuby]

Amazing video! For real, very informative and straight to the point. Thank you.

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome!

[@jessicahuggins8449]

Thank you for this vid! The best one I’ve found anywhere.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased to hear you found it useful.

[@KerulenWolle]

The best tutorial on hand carding!

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, I'm pleased you enjoyed it!

[@knottyyarnies450]

Wow, I’ve been searching for weeks how to use my new to me antique carders I purchased from a local retired farm family, and this is the ONLY one I needed! Thank you so much for spreading your knowledge

[@ADHUK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SuziQZ]

Best video i have seen on using hand carders. 👍🏻A man my husband knows is giving us his fleece from his two cute sheep this Spring. I'm very nervous and happy! He made me drop spindles, i got those down but preparing the fleece, i'm having nightmares about 😊

[@ADHUK]

Don't panic, it just needs a little practice!

[@patricialintner8284]

Very informative and well done. Thank you!

[@ADHUK]

You're very welcome!

[@dianalimbach4584]

Thank you! I've been watching many videos and trying to learn and this was the only one that was replicating what was happening when I tried to card. Many show all the fiber is supposed to come off automatically to the working card and I couldn't understand why mine had some always on the other card. I can now practice correctly 🙂

[@ADHUK]

Oh good, pleased to hear you found it useful! Keep up the good work!

[@raveneldawnstar]

Thank you so much, ma'am! I needed this desperately!

[@ADHUK]

Your'e welcome, pleased you found it helpful!

[@lyndasmith593]

Thank you very much. I have never seen this describe so well in particular so I can understand it . Mine always looks so bad and didn't particularly work well. I am a subscriber now

[@ADHUK]

Glad you found it useful, keep practicing!

[@BruceKathleen]

I think this is the first time I have actually understood this. My fiber was Finn..that I worked on today... it was longer than the depth of the cards.... but it still worked well. Will spin this evening. Thank you from Vermont, USA.

[@ADHUK]

Oh good, pleased it was useful to you!

[@sharonmurrell9291]

That's beautiful!!! And so clear !!!!! Thank you😊😊😊😊

[@ADHUK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelacarter6593]

This instructional is amazing. I feel like I could do this right now...LOL Thanks so much.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks for the comment, go on give it a go and let me know how you get on!

[@tutleymutley]

sigh. That's such a perfect little rolag. I learn something every time I watch this video -

[@patriciagardner4300]

Fabulous tutorial!

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@jenm4721]

This was so clear and understandable! Before I watched your video, I didn't think I could ever really understand how to hand card. Your video is the best that I have seen. Thank you so much. You are a great teacher!

[@ADHUK]

Thanks Jen, pleased to hear you found it useful.

[@jenm4721]

@@ADHUK I just got my first set of carders and I've been watching your video over and over. I just want to thank you again for your wonderful video!

[@ADHUK]

@@jenm4721 You're welcome, hope you are getting on OK.

[@jenm4721]

@@ADHUK I think so! The proof will be in the spinning!! Lol

[@SuziQZ]

Great video. Thank you.

[@cilou70]

A great detailed video on carding.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, I'm pleased you found it useful.

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

Beautiful ❤

[@ADHUK]

pleased you liked it!

[@leafy5432]

Fantastic!! ❤

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, pleased you found it useful!

[@oxnyxws]

Great video!

[@mandyfraser-burnham6821]

Beautiful thank you

[@dukeofpurl]

Excellent!! Bloody excellent tutorial!! I do wish I lived in Cornwall!! 😁

[@ADHUK]

thanks, pleased you found it useful!

[@ADHUK]

Thanks, glad you found it useful!

[@tinahopley6739]

Thank you, I have really enjoyed a relaxing afternoon producing my first rolags, excellent instruction

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome. Pleased you found the clip useful.

[@zorroscuro]

What a beautiful rolag! Thank you for this lovely, explicit tutorial, ADHUK. Your cards look good and substantial. Who made them, please?

[@ADHUK]

Thank you! Re the cards, they were a present from my husband way back near the start of my spinning journey, so probably well over thirty years ago - unfortunately they don't have a makers mark.

[@morganahoff2242]

That was impressive. To be able to slow down a set of actions that she can probably do very quickly, and still perform each movement deftly enough to gently shape the wool.

[@ADHUK]

Thank you! Pleased you found it useful.

[@candyminton2524]

Fabulous Instructions

[@ADHUK]

Thank you, glad you found them useful.

[@ixtlanisabelle]

had I seen that... I would have loved my carders... I hated them, they ruined my arms ! Thank you very much for your video !

[@ADHUK]

You're welcome 😊

[@kathrinlarsson4164]

This video helpt me!

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful! Thanks for commenting.

[@qasimkhan-jg5xs]

Kathrin Larsson g

[@twinstar9]

What type of carder do you recommend for getting knots out of sheepskin rugs? Excellent teaching video!

[@ADHUK]

Hi, you might be best getting a pet brush with wire teeth, try starting at the tips and working back in.

[@tineditmarunnerup9513]

With such beautiful fleece and the delicate way you are handling the fibers do you even need to card?

[@ADHUK]

I always prep my fibres by either carding or combing. I have a set of teaching samples, with small skeins that show the yarn with no prep first and then with either carding or combing (depending on the length of the fibre) in all the examples the skeins made from nicely prepped fibres are always the best. I spend a lot of time hand spinning and I want the best I can get.

[@christinematthews196]

A very good tutorial, can you tell me would you still make a roll even if you are preparing your fleece for wet felting.

[@ADHUK]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful. I suppose the making a roll for felting depends on the shape you are making, it might work if you are making beads or small animal shapes, but most of the time if you want a flat sheet, just take the flat web of fibres off and use that.

[@anepictree]

Fantastic, thank you so much, this is just perfect - Can you say what make of carders you are using. I am using some very ancient French ones, I think they are about to disintegrate so I'll be needing some more and yours look beautiful!

[@ADHUK]

Hi, pleased you found it useful! Not sure of the make of carders (my husband bought them as a present), but it probably wouldn't help to know, as they must be about 35 years old. The two main things to consider with hand carders are the weight, they need to be comfortable to use, and the pin density needs to match what you are carding. Mine are I think about 48 tpi (teeth per square inch) I think this grade is becoming harder to find these days, but they are really good for most of the English wools I use. You may manage with the standard 72 tpi that most suppliers sell, but unless you are carding fine fibres like camel/yak/cashmere I wouldn't recommend the 108 tpi fine cloth. I have had experience with the standard cloth from Wingham Woolworks, but not the actual carder design, although they say they are made from ply so shouldn't be too heavy. I have bought (within the last five years) a fine pair from Louet and have been very happy with those too, I believe they also do the standard cloth. Hope this info is helpful too.

[@anepictree]

@@ADHUK Dear Adhuk, thank you so much for taking time to give such a detailed reply. Ill try the Louet ones, and go for 48 tip if I can find them, I didn't know that the teeth were graded in this manner so that is really useful. My fleeces come from a friend who has a big white woolly sheep! We don't know the breed name but it's a rustic Breton and I have been prepping the fleece and spinning it for the last three seasons, each season it seems different. It's quite thick I would say, but I don't have experience of much else to compare with. Once again thanks so much fo this fabulous lesson.

[@4vrceltic]

I love to spin in the grease, can you please recommend the best way to comb fleece that still has the lanolin in it? Would it be with hand carders like this? Also what brand are your hand carders and what TPI are they? (Tines per inch,) Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@ADHUK]

Hi, the carders are well over thirty years old, so even if I knew the brand they're not likely to be available today. The TPI is around 48 I think, so much coarser than is considered standard grade today. I'm sorry but I can't help on carding greasy fleece, as I have no experience of this. You wouldn't be able to use the same carders for clean fleece though, as they'd be just about impossible to clean afterwards.

[@4vrceltic]

ADHUK thank you for your informative and speedy reply! I love your videos! Please make more. Even just spinning or carding while talking to the audience, it's so relaxing. 🙂

[@stillmiketheone]

I want to restart my Dads work ..he raised us with wool and spinning please tell me where I can get those carders . Thanks for sharing .

[@ADHUK]

Oh sorry, I only just spotted your question. I don't actually know the make and they are probably about 35 years old. If you are in the UK then the Threshing barn are stocking two brands that have this grade of teeth (I think 48 tines per square inch) they are ideal for medium-grade wools (high 20's to low 30's micron count).

[@marciageaney4871]

I am just wondering how you would go about carding fleece but not the locks

[@ADHUK]

Hi Marcia, oh so if you have loose fleece, but can't see the lock structure? If that is the case, I would just grab a handful and stroke it across the carder and let some fibres catch, then carry on just the same. If you can't see the tips, then they are probably clean and not harbouring any dust or grit. Hope that's what you meant.

[@insaneinnixa]

I'm collecting dog hair to turn into yarn. I know I need to wash it and card it and all that. However I'm not sure on the order. Do I wash it first or card it first?

[@ADHUK]

Hi Mark, you'd wash it first then card it. Don't worry if it looks a bit of a mess when it is wet, all hair from any spinnable animal looks very bedraggled when wet, it fluffs up again when dry. Depending on which breed of dog it is you might need to blend it with a bit of wool to make a good yarn.

[@froggydoodle808]

I'm also doing my dog's fur, just for fun. She's a Chow mix, and her undercoat is 100% sheep's wool, I swear! You can't run a comb through her fur - the crinkly wool snags, and it hurts her. She doesn't even shed all over the house, because the loose fur stays tangled up with the attached fur. So when I decide it's bathtime, we have several evenings of *very* gentle brushing first, so she won't felt in the bathtub! (Just kidding about that part.). But I do get mountains of wool each time. Today I took 2 dog brushes that look like tiny carding paddles and followed this video frame by frame. It looks like I'm a giant with huge hands carding tiny rolags of wool! I strongly agree that this video is the most thoroughly explained and illustrated tutorial on making rolags on the whole Internet. She's a natural born teacher!

[@ADHUK]

@@froggydoodle808 oh sorry, I missed your comment! Ooh cold climate dogs like husky and chow produce a real luxury fibre, I'm not surprised you are enjoying carding it.

[@neihumberto]

Como voce deixa a lã limpa sem feltrar e as mechas inteiras

[@ADHUK]

Hope you don't mind the reply in English, Google translate gave me a good translation of your question. So you want to know how to wash wool without felting, and retain the lock structure. I always work in small batches, maybe half a kilo at a time, and if I want to keep lock structure I will put it in a mesh bag before starting to wash. I soak most fleece overnight in cold water. Squeeze out the water and give it a very hot wash with dish washing liquid. I remove from the soapy water before it cools enough for the lanolin to set on the top of the water. Then rinse in hot, then warm, then cool water, bringing the temperature down slowly so as not to shock the wool. You can take wool from cold to hot, but not the other way. If you would like more details, please get in-touch via my website MandaCrafts.co.uk, and I can send you my sheet of washing instructions that I normally provide to students. Hope all that was helpful!

[@user-zh5lk9zo6e]

Флюс но не такой ровный

[@MrKnitbear]

Thank you for the clear and complete explanation. 🧶🧸

[@ADHUK]

Pleased you found it useful!

[@okaminess]

This is the video I needed. ❤❤❤ 🧶 🧶

[@ADHUK]

Pleased I could be of help!

[@laboutinais9184]

Thank you! Success on my first attempt and only because of this video! Lovely, calm, reassuring tutorial.

[@ADHUK]

Great! So pleased you found it useful!