Drafting: achieving consistency

This video shows you how to draft to the thickness you desire in your singles and how to maintain that thickness, or thinness.

[@AmandaS-si9mh]

First video I've seen that explains the mechanics of drafting and give an understanding of how to control the fiber in such good detail. I just finished my first yarn ball (about .5 Oz I think). I wish I'd seen this first so it wouldn't be quite so uneven. Great tutorial!

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@pixgeekphotography]

THANK YOU, This is exactly what I needed being a newbie spinner, my brain was not comprehending the drafting thing and thank you for being so detailed! This is exactly what I needed! Love your videos and explainations

[@elorgwhee]

I came here to say exactly this!

[@hippiechick73]

Thanks for the great instruction! It’s funny, I kept pausing the video bc I thought I was hearing my kids hollering in the other room, then I realized it was the ambient sounds on the video! Here’s to all the moms getting things done while the kids are being kids!

[@SpinningSara]

Ya, sorry about that. They were pretty little back then, but things should be all quiet in newer videos. Thank you for being kind about the noise.

[@hippiechick73]

@@SpinningSara Sorry, didn’t mean to sound unkind. I felt more of a kinship, as it sounded much like the normal background of my home! ❤️

[@SpinningSara]

@hippiechick73 oh no. I didn’t think you were being unkind. I’ve had several other comments that have been but yours was just funny. My daughter was 6 when I made this video and I’d rather she get to be a kid than have a silent home! 🤭

[@caitlinoloughlin9495]

This is the best explanation of how to control thickness I ever seen! I couldn’t figure out why my yarn was so thick before.

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much.

[@cdm333]

Add me to the list of folks who think this is a fabulous video for new spinners. I also enjoyed the family life going on in the background😊

[@resourcedragon]

And the puddy tat!

[@radle12000]

Thank you! Now I get why my yarn is thick and thin. I'm very new to spinning and this video is easy to understand and your demonstration is excellent.

[@johanschneiders6293]

This is a brilliant video! It is the first one that doesn't say to "just pull out more or less fiber".

[@SpinningSara]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@Marie-qq1su]

late to the party, but I just wanted to say THANK YOU I finally understand what to do. The close up view and detailed explanation of what and why is so helpful in actually applying the tips.

[@SpinningSara]

🎊🎉 I’m so glad this video helped you!! Thank you for sharing with me!! Happy spinning!

[@kathosim501]

I’ve read three books, watched an online class, took an in-person class, watched tons of videos - nobody made me understand this until you, now. Thank you!!! Can’t wait to spin again in the morning.

[@SpinningSara]

I’m so glad you found my video and found it so helpful!!

[@NaaskoFamily]

I have struggled in my drafting and could not find a video that focused on the hands. I’m so grateful for your video! It’s exactly what I was looking for the whole time. I made sure to subscribe!

[@JJ-tf3mb]

I've been spinning for 15 years and I still learned something from this video, thank you!

[@ShannonLucas-xj7xv]

As a newbie spinner this was the best possible tutorial, thank you so much! This really helped solve a particular frustration; now I know WHY I was getting thick and thin seemingly randomly, and have already drastically improved my consistency.

[@SpinningSara]

Great to hear! Congratulations on the new hobby and happy spinning!!

[@miobrien172]

Wonderful video. Really appreciate the close up of your hands. I needed to see what your fingers are doing and you let me do that. Couldn’t find one like this. Thanks.

[@SpinningSara]

miobrien172 I am so glad it was helpful! Happy spinning!

[@winterdreams274]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@chloemauro-razafimanantsoa6657]

I agree with miobrien172. Nearly all videos are shot with the camera facing the spinners, you are watching the footage mirrored. As a novice, you have to think hard about that, which hand does what, etc. And you get to see the spindle -when you get to see it- full on. After a few viewings to understand what you were teaching, my downfall, I could follow your tutorial while spinning along with it, everything was in view when it was exactly needed, from the spindle to the fibre, from the spinning to the drafting. And it is nice, no offence meant to other very good tutors with different approaches, to hear your calm, clear voice. I felt like an adult again which helped a lot. You gave the essentials without obscuring behind unrelated chatter. Thank you so very much. Chloe

[@jeanettehargis5244]

Thank you so much! I was having a lot of trouble with consistency until I watched this video. I'm still not completely consistent, but I'm at least a lot better and know what to do to adjust my thickness.

[@darkmanordesigns9791]

Thank you so much for doing this Sara! I can hardly believe some people complain when a person takes time to do a free tutorial! I found this SO helpful! I’ve been spinning for a few years and even though I instinctively developed a method, understanding staple length and drafting is of tremendous help to maintain control. I never understood the importance of staple length but after watching this I now understand that determines how thick you can spin your wool! Obviously you can’t draft longer than your staple length! Awesome! So if I get a short staple length that fibre is better suited to thin yarns and a longer staple length is better for thicker ones. I can’t thank you enough for this lightbulb moment!

[@nobleelf]

I remember the master spinner trying to teach me to spin cotton with a spinning wheel, in the 70s. It felt so awkward, keeping the speed the same with my foot, pulling the cotton off the supply, etc. I wish she'd tried with your method. This was at the living history museum in St Augustine, Fl, 1979

[@cynthiakoscinch6814]

Wonderful video. I have been frustrated with my poor spinning technique and inconsistent yarn. I am motivated to try spinning again. I love that you use a drop spindle. I can see so many things that I have been doing wrong. Thank you!!!

[@challst]

Thank you for this video. New spinner (February of this year) and I have been able to get thinner and thinner (last yarn I made was approximately fingerling when 2-ply) and I couldn't figure out how to get thicker again! This is a huge help!

[@christymcnully6121]

Thank you I have been playing around with my spindles trying figure out how to change the thickness

[@lizadams2263]

Thank you so much for this video. Ive been spinning lumpy yarn for ages, getting annoyed with my lack of progress, studied a lot of videos, and none of them showed exactly how to determine and then draft. Now I'm following your advice and the improvement is startling! This is great.

[@SpinningSara]

Liz Adams woohoo! This is awesome news! Thanks for sharing!

[@OolongOwl]

Thank you for this. I learned to drop spindle at my LYS 2 weeks ago and could not figure out why my yarn is all over the place. Your videos are the first spinning videos I have found that the instructions finally clicked, maybe you show it the way my brain can understand. Plus you are great with camera angles showing what I would see.

[@wheelchairboy88]

Thank you for this video yours is the only tutorial I've found showing how to change the thickness of the spun yarn.

[@danalewis9240]

THANK YOU!! I just couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong and I had such bumpy inconsistent yarn. Sometimes all you need is a little help.

[@SpinningSara]

Yay! Glad it could help!

[@thewoollyhag-bs8ol]

Thank you so much! This was super informative and helpful. Your explanation is so thorough!

[@woolywonders5546]

Oooooh! So that’s how it’s done!!! I have been struggling with drafting forever. I will try again tomorrow. Thanks a million!

[@viviem9607]

Such a clear explanation of where and how much to draft, thankyou

[@tonyao2812]

Very clear and informative video, thank you. I ordered my supplies today and came on KZbin for tutorials and yours is the only technique-focused one I found.

[@SuretteSnyman]

I just started spinning with a drop spindle, this was one of the best videos I have seen. Thank you so much ❤

[@SpinningSara]

Welcome to spinning!! I’m so glad you found the video helpful!

[@jillholley619]

Thank you! This is the first one that has made sense to me!!!

[@SpinningSara]

Jill Holley I'm so glad it helped! Happy spinning!

[@borkowskiknits9206]

Thank you thank you thank you. You explain this so well. I have trouble with my thickness. This helps so much

[@SpinningSara]

Glad to help!

[@visualjewels]

So good tutorial, great sharing ❤❤❤👍

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi, I am a Newbie Spinner Thankyou so much for this video, your explanation & the closeness of your hands really helps to see what I've been going wrong. This is much appreciated.

[@theurbanabo]

Bravo!! Excellent, expert explanation! :-D I have been trying to get the hang of hand-spinning plant fibers for my channel and skill set. This video of yours may have helped me crack the code. Thank you!

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

Thank you so much. This just explained so much of what was happening in my spinning. Now I have some concrete steps to practice and get more intentional about the thickness of yarn I am creating. Your videos are excellent, I hope you haven't given up making them!

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

2 years on, and a few spindle spun sweaters later, this is still the best video on drafting out there. I learned so much from this video. So thankful you took the time to make this.

[@kimgreene9241]

Extremely Helpful! Thank You 😊

[@SpinningSara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xhex6571]

Than you thank you thank you!💜 I've been trying to find a video that explains this for a few months now and this just randomly popped into my recommendations! Instant subscribe! Now off to see your other videos 😄

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’ve found me and thought the video helpful!!

[@wethreebees]

This is great! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!❤🎉

[@SarahHbooksnfabric]

Thank you for the video. I’ve only spun 2 times, but was predrafring everything. This makes much more sense.

[@sarahwilliams6488]

This is so informative and helpful. Thank you for breaking it down and explaining it so clearly!

[@rae1509]

Thanks so much for this video! I haven't been spinning very long, and I've had such a hard time learning how to draft properly. I don't have anyone to show me in person so I've had to rely on KZbin videos where it's really hard to see what people are doing. Until now anyway! This video was super helpful. :)

[@unholyglee5306]

Thank you for going into detail and showing exactly what you were doing with your hands to change or maintain yarn thickness. This helped a few things click for me.

[@RhondaP1957]

Thanks so much for explaining the drafting process so clearly.

[@karenarmada6278]

Thank you!! Of all the videos I’ve watched, this one was the best explained. I’m like 7 week into my spinning journey. I see now why my spinning is inconsistent. Can’t wait to put into practice what you’ve taught!

[@kirstinbonney5310]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. I couldn’t seem to get the hang of drafting consistently and you explained it beautifully.

[@sobat7402]

Sara, your explanation and the way you bring your information is excellent. 😊

[@SpinningSara]

Many thanks!

[@veratanabe620]

Thank you for this wonderful tutorial! It's most helpful!

[@maribethclark2798]

Although I did not have success with the Turkish spindle, this video helped to understand drafting. Thank you!!! Glad I found you 😊

[@ragathnor326]

This is THE best video on this EVER!!!

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much!!

[@troutdaletim]

I've just started spinning with an eel nano 1.1 electric spinning wheel. I think I understand the process a little bit more now. Thank you for your time!

[@tonyao2812]

I’m very happy I came across your video in my first few days of looking for drop spindle how-tos because my drafting is mostly consistent even though I’ve only been spinning for less than a month. Thanks a bunch.

[@SpinningSara]

This is amazing news Tonya! Thank you so much for the kind words! Congrats on the new addiction ;-)

[@abittwisted]

I liked your technique for drafting so I gave shout out to this video on my video as my inspiration that has helped me spin a more consistent size yarn on my spinning wheel.

[@ChexRider]

This video is excellent! I’m new to spinning and this was very helpful! Thank you! Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@kaycarter-pw7zg]

Thank you for that brilliant advice I’m grateful for that so thanks for shating

[@SpinningSara]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drianeclarisesanchezthomps6822]

Thank you. Drafting finally makes sense

[@SpinningSara]

Yay! I'm so glad you found it helpful!! Happy Spinning!

[@bikerknits4540]

Thank you so much was having trouble doing thicker yarn. Best explaination ever.i get it now

[@eileenfb1948]

I am so happy that I found you. You are showing me how to spin, with the details I need. I have not seen this information anywhere else explained so clearly. I am a subscriber. THANK YOU VERY MUCH

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment Eileen! I’m so glad the video helped!! Please let me know if there is something else you’d like to or need to see.

[@debscox57]

Amazing, I’m new to spinning my friend gave me a quick 20 min lesson but your video has helped me immensely. Thank you

[@debrajohnson2313]

I really enjoyed your video. You have explained the process of spinning a consistent yarn better than any video I have watched on the subject from KZbin! Thanks again! I hope you’ll come back with more videos

[@SaraFlickinger]

Debra Johnson thanks so much! I will definitely be doing more videos. Is there something specific you’d like to see?

[@debrajohnson2313]

Your videos are so informative! I guess if I requested anything it would be a video showing how you make a two ply. I just end up with a tangled mess most of the time. Thanks again

[@raganmasterson5566]

I just finished an in-person class but was struggling with drafting afterwards. Your video helped immensely! Thank you!

[@veronicawhite5868]

This si mega helpful, thank you so much for making this! This is the only breakdown of consistency I've seen on drop spindle resources on YT. Thanks!!!

[@Pipscape]

This is a fantastic video! I have watched so many videos as I try to learn spindle spinning, but yours is the only one that really teaches about this essential technique. I feel like I understand what I am actually trying to do now and will have much better results. Thank you!

[@kathyenglish8427]

Wow excellent explanation and demonstration - I’ve taken numerous classes and never learned this technique - I can’t wait to try it!

[@pamsavanovic3004]

This was so helpful. Didn’t understand the drafting triangle

[@reneecoppock4404]

BLESS YOU! my draft is my biggest issue as a first time spinner (got my first spindles in the mail today!!) ; i draft really thick + inconsistent and also kept ending up with twist in my fiber supply. this really helped!!!!!

[@PSmith-mi6te]

Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial! Very easy follow along and understand. 😊

[@SpinningSara]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@mwheel9050]

This is the best video re drafting I’ve ever watched. It changed my spinning today, thanks!

[@SpinningSara]

M A Wheeler Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@annerosebery7539]

This was so helpful! I can’t use wool and have generally fiber with a shorter staple and didn’t understand how that affected my drafting appropriately. Thank you!

[@Dixiered03]

Thank you so much or posting this. So much makes sense now

[@sezb8119]

This is by far the best instructions, i got it thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@Shawls_and_Minecraft]

Thank you so much for this video. I've been collecting spinning tools since a few years-- because they're so darned cute and I really do want to learn to spin fibre--but I only spent a very few hours on actual spinning. This video topic is the exact issue that frustrated and stopped my earlier efforts. It's like you opened the curtains and let the sunlight in. I can do this now. :)

[@jojo1234a]

This helped me a lot. It also reminds me of my current attempted weight loss journey lol!

[@borgiawasem385]

Thank you! Extremely helpful!

[@equuspeduus]

Thank you for this video. I'm a pretty new spinner (~3months) and this video articulated several things that I've kind of worked out on my own, but now I can do them consciously rather than by trial-and-error. Hopefully I'll be spinning closer to what I'm trying for in the future :)

[@sararassner]

Thanks! That’s incredibly well explained. :)

[@teruchuu]

Just to make sure I got it: 1) pinch and pull right at the tip of the drafting triangle to get thin yarn and keep the thickness consistent, and 2) pinch and pull further inwards in the triangle to get thick yarn, and continue drafting at that same inner spot to maintain that thickness? I noticed that the positioning of your left hand holding the fiber doesnt change, but your right hand does relative to your left. Closer to your left hand creates thicker yarn, but farther away from your left hand creates thinner yarn? I really appreciate the close-up view of your hand movements! I see you're twisting the yarn a bit in between your thumb and first finger as the spindle rotates!

[@SpinningSara]

The key to consistency is to pinch at the same spot each time you draft. If you want thin, you draft just from tips. If you want thicker yarn, you pinch further into your supply. Getting to the thickness you’re looking for might take a few subsequent pinches farther into the supply. Then be consistent with where you are pinching the keep the thickness

[@teruchuu]

@@SpinningSara Brilliant, thank you! That makes sense!

[@SpinningSara]

Phew! I was worried I was muddling it! The twisting my fingers I do is just my own weirdness from being a self taught spinner.

[@JelMain]

Part of long-drafting is to allow just enough twist in to start binding that half-staple into the twist, and then feed another half, which means having a really loose floofy feedstock. I card mine, rather than draw straight from the roving.

[@SpinningSara]

This fiber was combed top, which is definitely not ideal for long draw. I only used a carded prep when I am spinning long draw. This was for demonstration purposes only.

[@annebennett313]

This is absolutely one of the best if not the best drafting videos I have found! Thanks so much

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much for the kind words Anne!

[@betula-pendula]

Very good description!

[@woollycrafts]

THANKS 😊 I was doing the exact opposite. Thinking I needed to widen the gap between my hands to get it thinner. Today is the first time I have ever spun, and have a new electric spinner.. As soon as I watched your video, as I was doing it (half the bobbin already full of varying thickness) it all made sense. Bless you for making it clear and too the point. What i am using: Eew 6 and corriedale white.

[@SpinningSara]

I’m so glad the video helped!!

[@LeeAnnV]

Oh thank you, thank you, thank you. I am finally understanding the drafting. You are a very good teacher. You said what others have showed me and explained but finally it’s sunk in. I’ve practiced without the spindle first with good results and no longer feel I don’t know what I’m doing. Thank you again. Bless you

[@SpinningSara]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad I was able to help it all sink in! Happy spinning!

[@tamaragrottker7677]

great video!

[@PleiadianSister]

Wooow! Thank you for making this video! I’m a newbie and this is so helpful

[@SpinningSara]

PleiadianSister welcome to the wonderful woolly world of spinning!

[@WelcometotheBreakroom]

I’m just starting with spinning, and I was really struggling with drafting. This video helped sooooo much, and helped me get to a point where things clicked! I can now (mostly) do continuous draft & spin instead of always parking to draft. Thank you!

[@scorcoranable]

Thank you for the care and detail in your teaching. I have a better understanding now.

[@kayrigetta9462]

Thank you for this. It really is going to help me a great deal. Thank you thank you

[@onelampstand]

Excellent and helpful demo and instructions! Thank you.

[@TwistedAndUnravelled]

This is so helpful! Thankyou. I struggle with drafting (evenly) so I’m looking forwards to trying your method.

[@SusannaM]

Thank you. Very enlightening. It is so clear now.

[@ratafruity]

I dont spin yarn or anything yet but I would like to soon and this is so helpful thank you!

[@Life.Dunn.Simple]

Just what I have been missing! Thank for your attention to detail!

[@riftlee]

Oh my gosh. Now I see why my yarn kept getting thicker and thicker even though it started out super thin.

[@Wolfscat333]

I started spinning for fun on a diy drop spindle literally like an hour ago and this is SO valuable to find early on! I was wondering about how to correctly draft to get what I wanted

[@katiesbeenyarnified]

This is wonderful, thank you! I feel like I now have something to work with in order to practice.I had taken a break for a bit because I was having a hard time. I didn’t know enough to know where or how to start trying to improve, if that makes sense. Exited to get back to practicing now.

[@SpinningSara]

You got this!

[@jessicabenjamin9302]

Thank you that was a very helpful explanation!!

[@SpinningSara]

You’re very welcome. Happy spinning!!

[@mariamanordberg6811]

thank you! there was such a aha moment here. kept wondering how to make worsted or bulky yarn. now I understood it is in the drafting

[@SpinningSara]

Yay! So glad it helped! Now you have complete control over your yarn! Have fun!

[@wookori]

I can't believe how difficult it was to find this information. Thank you so much.

[@SpinningSara]

So glad it helped!! Please let me know if there is anything else you’d like to see!! Thanks for watching.

[@wookori]

@@SpinningSara . Actually, there is another thing I can't seem to find anywhere. I'm not sure if this is within your purview, but I would love to know how to combine fibers with spinning. I am specifically interested in combined fibers for socks, and what the best fibers are to make strong socks. For example, how best to incorporate nylon into your wool, what natural alternatives work as well as nylon to strengthen your yarn, and how best to incorporate those. Is it best to re-card the fibers together in the first place, or is it fine to just spin them together at the same time (and how best to do that)? Or does it work equally well to spin that other fiber separately and then ply it with the wool?

[@yboriginal01]

DUDE! This is amazing! Thank you so much!!

[@SpinningSara]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@ruthlee2752]

This explains so much for me a new spinner. Thanks

[@lexi3077]

Thank you :) I did not find any videos like that in my own language, so I am really happy I found yours:) Now I only need to adapt that to my spinning on the spinning wheel

[@hangahorvath1348]

This is my 2nd day of learning to spin. And JUST needed this information!! So easy to follow, thank you so much!!

[@SpinningSara]

So glad to hear!! Happy spinning!