How To Spin From The Fold - Tutorial

I'm going to show you how to spin from the fold with a long draw drafting technique. I didn't time-lapse or speed up any of the footage from this video, this is a very fast spinning technique, and it works especially well for a combed top preparation of Merino wool. Let's get spinning!
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[@JillianEve]

Did you enjoy this tutorial? If you are interested in private spinning lessons, contact me at [e-mail] or find me on my Patreon page to access even more benefits and bonus spinning tutorials! www.patreon.com/jillianeve Happy spinning!

[@helenfenner7488]

Thank you so much for your fantastic easy to follow videos. You are really helping me on my spinning journey 😊

[@lisaagre9406]

Hi Evie, I’ve been spinning almost eight years now with a Schacht ladybug. I’m mostly self taught and have made lots of beautiful yarn with the little knowledge that I have. I just wanted to tell you that I have really upped my game since subscribing to your channel! Thanks for bringing the great, easy to understand instruction!

[@sonjanordahl3158]

Thanks for the idea. Next combed merino I start I will try this.

[@PeaceLoveAndRico]

I decided not to break the bank on fiber that i'll probably mess up in knitting a tank top for the desert mornings. I brought out the homemade great wheel and blended the jumbo yarn roving. light little rolags, maybe 10grams each. I might do the back of the tank with fiber spun from the fold, but these little 'lags are like "buttah". There is nothing more satisfying than instantly pulling a yard of yarn from a mass of fluff!!! i've worked up a great 2ply on #8 needles that looks like commercial variegated Thankyou for all you do for us grasshoppers!

[@JillianEve]

Sounds like such a challenging and satisfying project! Happy spinning!

[@Bellbebell]

This was great! I was having a hard time with merino too in another project. The tricky drafting fixed itself when I carded the top into rolags, but I never really knew why or made the connection. I love how this tutorial recontexualized an old project for me!

[@nicholehoge7432]

Holy freaking crap thank you so much I watched this earlier today! My yarn is soooooo much better!!!!!!!

[@ezug6936]

Thanks Evie, spinning from the fold is my favorite way, but I’ve not seen too many videos explaining tips/tricks. I actually paused the video and ran to my wheel when you mentioned combining two staple lengths on-top of each other. Previously I had fallen into the trap of “I want to join less often, I know, I’ll just pull off a longer amount from the stash” 😅 It seems like spinning from the fold is a least-favorite from all the other spinning channels I follow, so it was incredibly uplifting to see this where you didn’t bash the method even once! Keep up the great work, and I hope you have a fantastic day 🐑 🤗 🧶

[@JillianEve]

Yay! Happy spinning! 💜🧶😊

[@myrany8407]

I think you just solved why even with 20 years of spinning I have never been able to long draw. I have only ever had top to work with and usually merino at that. Sigh talk about a "knock upside the head" moment. Didn't know about spinning from the fold.

[@ColorsofHopeCraftsASMR]

I’ve wanted to learn how to spin from the fold. Thank you for making this.

[@JillianEve]

You are so welcome!

[@Gigimamapa5]

Great photography and instruction. Thank you 🙏 so much 🥰.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I don't spin yet, but I just love to see you do your magic as I knit. Today, I learned one of the reasons why yarn sometime peel. Thanks !

[@annikasorlin1603]

I love this kind of videos. I learn a lot. Thank you

[@JillianEve]

I'm so glad!

[@spicyfibersfarmstead83]

I've struggled with long draw..but you showed so much detail in your demonstration...I think I'm going to try again. I'll let you know how it goes!

[@kddrew8138]

I have been interested in spinning for a long time. You have inspired me to order my first drop spindle and some foreign to give it a try. Thank you for your contagious enthusiasm.

[@AuraHall-b4m]

You really are an incredible teacher, thanks for making this look doable.

[@TaylorTheOtter]

I'm very excited to try this out tomorrow. An acquaintance let me borrow her Irish tension spinning wheel for a while so I can try it out. If I can get the hang of it, I'm gonna try copying the construction of that wheel and make my own.

[@juliarichter2227]

Thank you Evie! My husband and me just started spinning with the hand spindle. Your tutorials and this one in particular really helped me. Have a great day!

[@rosakoko5049]

Yours yarn is BEAUTIFUL !!!💖💖💖

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! 💜🧶😊

[@rosakoko5049]

I LOVE MY SPINNING WHEEL!!!💖💖💖

[@karlapreas4039]

Love that join! Will be using this in future. Never will have too much lavender- so pretty!

[@The_double_ewe]

This was super helpful I always cringe making joins from the fold. You answered the question of how do I get the fuzz onto the fuzz where it grabs into the twist in a happy configuration.

[@carolharper268]

I love spinning woollen spun fibre it’s so quick compared to worsted. Missing my spinning being on holiday and decided not to take my Turkish spindles as I thought my husband deserved my undivided attention but couldn’t resist watching this. 💖🇬🇧

[@JillianEve]

Have a wonderful holiday! 💜🧶😊

[@margaretradek971]

What an excellent tutorial Jillian. Thank you so very much Youngun.

[@Maya-ii6im]

Beautiful video, thank you very much and I wish you all the best

[@shirleychase1033]

Thank you for this demo. I was given several bags of alpaca roving. I've spun some of one bag, ant this tells me another way of spinning. I've got to try this.

[@joalcott604]

This Video helped me a lot. Your happy personality really shines through too. Thank you ❤

[@loren9958]

This helped me troubleshoot a bunch of things I couldn't pinpoint in my drop spindle endeavors. Looks like my staple fiber is really long, I was pulling back on my joins which caused the pilling and thin section you mentioned, and I wasn't spinning from the fold with that long fiber. So many new things to try out to trouble shoot my spinning!

[@maryzcorner]

This video came at a perfect time. I love the long draw method and I would love to get a woolen type yarn. 🤩✨. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to try it. 👏💖

[@CrowingHen]

Another wonderful tutorial. I especially like your tip for doing a join.

[@MaryBerryFancyFibers]

Well done. Great demo on both long draw and spinning from the fold!

[@justthegiggle]

I just tried this method and it worked so well! As a new spinner I tend to tense up and try to not let anything out of my control. This is so freeing! I'm making a thicker single than I'm used to, but I'm sure I'll get it down soon.

[@JenniferMorgan-m6n]

thanks for the instructions. Great .

[@randirycroft4385]

Loved this one, dying to try this one as I have some poly roving picked up from good will in lovely colors

[@jackieperriment1153]

Hello Evie . I did enjoy this tutorial. Just about to spin some merino, think I will give spinning from the fold a try, as it is a new to me technique.

[@shilpanagarkar2681]

Thank you for this video. You make it look so easy. Got to give it a shot now.

[@mranster]

Super helpful, thank you! I'm spinning some merino silk, and knew you would have a great tutorial for me.

[@carolinac7628]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing!

[@crystalheartcrafts]

I know to start with the prep of the fiber from a fleece I would want to spin woolen yarn but would only be starting out with combed top

[@Mamamoe13]

I know how to spin from the fold but I definitely learned some good tips I didn’t know.

[@southernstitcher8265]

Some days we just need our comfort color! Yeah for purple!

[@JillianEve]

"Comfort color" Exactly! 💜🌈🧶😊

[@woolywonders5546]

Makes more sense to me! Have some polypay/silk spun from fold, garment drapes very nicely. Recently spun some combed bfl it was too ropey- knitted sample washed and blocked was slightly better. But will try spinning from fold & see if it improves. FYI LOVE purple!!! 💜

[@JillianEve]

💜💜💜

[@glendasmith7507]

Thank you for this! I will definitely incorporate this in my next spin.

[@dianathefiberfan]

Loved your video today! I have always loved your content and lessons but when you were always so excited it appeared to me not really you!! This video you were down to earth and really you. Maybe in the beginning it was nervousness but whatever it was this new you makes me want to watch all your videos now. I feel like you are the best spinning teacher on KZbin. Thank you for this great video!!! So far after several one on one lessons I just can't get the knack for spinning 😒 and I really want to learn and be good at it. I wish I could afford you lessons, but your free ones here on KZbin will have to do for me!! I am thankful you have these free lessons by the way!! 😊

[@JillianEve]

Super excited me, is me too (as all my in person friends and family would tell you). This video is more in the style of what I have on Patreon in my workshops and Patreon only bonus tutorials. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I'm happy you found it helpful. Happy spinning! 💜🧶😊

[@dianathefiberfan]

@@JillianEve sorry if I offended you in any way, because I love how you teach!!

[@JillianEve]

@@dianathefiberfan 💜😊🧶

[@judypearson7875]

Thanks again for some great tips! ❤ your encouragement! I think this will solve most of my issues.

[@sleepydrJ]

Really excellent technique video. Thank you so much- more more more like this one!

[@valeriegeorgevitch3876]

Great video - been spinning the PF Dr Suess from the fold to keep the colors a little separated.

[@JillianEve]

Oh definitely, spinning from the fold is great for managing all the colors. Happy spinning! 💜😊🧶

[@deblucero4685]

I have never been able to spin from the fold. This tip might actually work for me. Thank you for the video

[@Athena_11_]

I started my spinning with Moreno combed top and it’s very hard to draft and almost feels felted unless you spin thinner. Thank you for confirming that I’m not crazy! 🤪

[@ainsoph906]

I am building a spinning wheel also. I love my spindles and I am too impatient to save for a proper wheel. So I'm building a modified Dodec wheel. I'm adding a bobbin and flyer instead of a quill

[@rekushirurugaming2539]

I have been looking for an easier way to do this with hand spinning. I don't have a big fancy wheel. I use a stick I bought with a clay whorl I made. I just can't relate to these videos. Was hoping you were gonna use the turtle spindle. But this is a neat little tip. Going to try to try it lol. Not really sure how I'll work my tension. It's hard with only one free hand.

[@Knit-A-Rainbow]

I loved this tutorial… thank you very much!

[@gailstringer1158]

Wonderfully informative, as usual! Now I better understand why my long draws often become too thin, and how to remedy this. Just have to make in work now:)

[@rajoba7981]

Love the tutorial! ❤

[@devvakasnitz2019]

You are becoming my favorite!!! on to patreon.......

[@jannaolsen3557]

Fantastic tutorial! I learned so much from my first view I will have to re-study it a few times before trying long draw for real. Love the color of the fiber, subtle and sweet. Dear Elizabeth...would love to own one but live with Peggy (Rappard Little Peggy) and Gloria (Schacht Flatiron) leaving no room. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@nancymarshall188]

Super helpful! Thank you. I’ve stayed away from woolen spinning because I need hard wearing yarns, but, wow, that speed does change the game! Question: is pilling a staple length issue, a fluffiness issue,…? Thank you again. I so appreciate your time and experience and willingness to share that all with us. ❤

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

I think ill try this, i tear it all into several strips, which helps with control too

[@StephanieMayfieldDIG]

Thanks so much for this! This was next on my list of techniques to learn! What are the easier fires and preparations to use when learning this? Other than what you had in the video of course.

[@ainsoph906]

My first spin was on the bumble bee Galina turkinsh from the woolery. Spinning malibrigo nube. Here's the horror story part.. instead of fluffing my fiber I cut it with scissors. It was a thick and thin rope but it's a beautiful decorative skein. I'm thinking of making a knit goblin hat and use it as faux moss. Maybe needle felt it on as my band. I don't know. But it's very woodland

[@ainsoph906]

I sincerely apologize for my wordiness

[@carolinegray7510]

Loved this. Question: the thread seemed sooo thin and it seemed to have a LOT of twist. Will you please comment with explanation? Thank you very much. 😊 You've helped so much but sometimes it raises many questions that I hope you will answer. Your vids are my go-to school.

[@MrMichaelxo]

When you spin from the fold does it create a fluffier thicker yarn since the fiber is being folded or doubled ? Im new and have not tried this yet.. but I’m sure I will today. Always get excited trying the new things. I have been practicing long draw and love it!

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Would you please make video on which direction to spin? I thought i heard you say that knitting or crochet, you spin to the left and ply to the right, but i keep hearing that you spin to the right ply to the left. Whst is the best way?😮

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie, I hope you're all OK xx 💗 I've never tried Spinning From the Fold. I think with your tips and advice I should be able to do it. Your Mini Skein looks really pretty, I love the subtle purple tones. Happy Spinning Fibre Friend Take care and stay safe Lots of love Jen xxxx 💖 ❣🐑🐑❣❣

[@JillianEve]

You should try it, it is so much fun! Happy spinning!

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

@@JillianEve Hi Evie, I'm definitely going to give it a try. I think we all feel a little nervous about trying something out for the first time. Thankyou for sharing your expertise with us. Also Thankyou for the Heart Reply ❤ Sending Heart back to you ❤ Happy Spinning Hope you have a Great weekend Take care and stay safe Lots of love Jen xxxx 💖 ❣ ❤

[@margaretking78]

jillian that was so good!! Are you left handed? I am, have changed my fiber holding hand to my right hand it's made a big differance, after I watched your video. Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks Margaret King

[@JillianEve]

Both!

[@margaretking78]

okay WATCHING YOU SPIN HAS REALLY HELPED AND YOUR TUTORIALS. Love you

[@dawanariley4183]

I always forget to spin from the fold. I know I get frustrated on short stapler. I have question. I know when have blend with bamboo or silk why does it separate as spinning?

[@Radhaprema]

Would you recommend spinning from the fold for a 12 inch staple? I was gifted a beautiful BFL fleece and the length on this wool is mind-blowing and yet, it is also incredibly fine and soft. I want to spin it it its greatest advantage so I am wondering what the best technique would be.

[@ksisu1324]

I would like to get long staple merino. All we get here in Canada is 2 inch staple

[@christopherbaumber8158]

Love your videos. I have been doing this technique with some combed tops and love the speed of it. I have a some lovely lambs wool but it has a much shorter staple length. Is there any way to spin from the fold with shorter fibres? Chris

[@ksisu1324]

Now to find some solid-ish coloured long staple top. Where do you get long staple merino? All I see up here in Canada is very short, 2", staple merino.

[@lisaml7411]

Thank you for doing this video. I’ve spun from the fold a few times but haven’t really cared for it even though I wanted to like it. I think it was all the joins and them bunching up. I’ll practice with this join you explained and hopefully I will enjoy the spin! ☺️ P.S. Would this be a good choice for spinning the thel from my Icelandic fleece? After I practice on something else I would like to give it a try….

[@JillianEve]

It might be, you can certainly try!

[@kaseyripley9194]

Have you ever made thread? How would one go about doing that?

[@ExpertlyDyed]

Yes, combed merino top can be so flat and annoying to spin, so now I know why some spinners choose to spin it from the fold! I'd love to see you do this with pure bamboo like I was trying to do in my livestream from this past Sunday--is there a trick I'm just not doing? I really enjoyed doing a short forward draw with it but you saw how much I struggled when trying to long draw spin it! 🤣 I've always had a hard time spinning long draw but you make it look really easy with the merino, so I'm going to try that out; hopefully that means I'll get better at long draw!

[@ExpertlyDyed]

Also, I love that your wheel is named Elizabeth and I named my kromski Elizabeth when I got her in 2012! Great minds? 😉

[@JillianEve]

I find moving faster really does help for long draw like this. I would love to try some bamboo too. I thought your video was great, especially for worsted spinning. Your yarn would make a fantastic warp for a drapey scarf! Here's the link if anyone reads this later! Go watch Expertly Dyed for more from the fold spinning. 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWa3c5x6jr5qj5o

[@clairerobertson2579]

Does spinning from the fold work with short staple lengths too? I've got some cotton I'm trying that is prepped like a combed top. I've heard that long draw is the way to spin it, but I'm struggling with managing that much fiber.

[@JillianEve]

It's trickier with short staples, but you could roll it into a little rolag shape. That would work. 💜🧶🐑

[@rachelleprovencal8285]

Do you think this technique would work with pin-drafted roving? I had my entire year’s shearing done into the stuff, so I have A LOT of it to work with…. I just want to get a nice lofty yarn instead of this cordage that seems to have become my MO

[@JillianEve]

Try it and see! I think if you have a long enough staple, it should work. Happy spinning!

[@MsLadyhorse]

I may try this, I haven't had great luck with long staples. I think I'm gripping the fiber and causing it to bunch up instead of flowing through my hand. I still have far too much alpaca left from a full fleece I was given last year. And now I have 4 Navajo churro sheep fleeces to play with because I learned to shear to help my neighbor with his flock. Have you ever used churro wool? Another unrelated to this video question, is there anything that can be done if you ply in the wrong direction? I spun my singles z twist, and then just plied it without actually paying attention to the direction, realizing about 20 ft from the end that I'd z twisted the ply as well. Can it be corrected, or is this skein now a carefully crochet only, with 4 singles held together?

[@JillianEve]

Churro is on my list! To fix your ply, you can spin it again going in the opposite/correct direction to fix the twist. 😊🧶

[@MsLadyhorse]

@@JillianEve it's chain plied, but just spinning it backwards might fix it...I don't think the chaining has to come out, just the twist...🤔🥴 This is what I get for not paying closer attention. Just have to try and see what happens. It's usable as is, I just wondered for future reference.

[@suekeys-c4d]

Evie, I'm a real novice spinner and your spin from the fold long draw has just about got me ready to start on my 32 oz Jacob. I have in mind knitting a sweater/coat with deep cowl maybe and pockets (of course), but my issue: I have 20 oz of Gotland, silvery, shiny, curly, that I want to incorporate somehow, every once in a while, like a tweedy effect; so I have a gorgeous spot of silver here and there. How Do I do that? And by the way, I DON'T want to use a blending board as that would make it too homogenous. Can you help? I would love some 1-0n-1 tutoring! do you do that? sue in virginia

[@bella-bee]

Do you get the same effect by carding?

[@JillianEve]

Very similar!

[@shadowlandsfarmandcreamery5400]

Do you ever use your Elizabeth as a scotch tension instead of the double drive? Or do you primarily use your Traddy for scotch tension?

[@JillianEve]

I usually use the Traddy for scotch tension because it is already set up. I used to use the bulky flyer on Elizabeth but now I have the Ashford E-spinner so Elizabeth mostly stays in double now.

[@hartleyshandmade8471]

I'm spinning yak silk from the fold and I keep getting a clump at the end of each staple length. It's frustrating.

[@sykogurl05]

Lovely video! Thank you for the thoughtful, broken down explanations! 🩷🧶✨

[@TheTempusv26]

What is your favorite wheel you have ?