How to Spin Yarn from Alpaca - Card the Alpaca 3 Ways

Let's learn how to spin yarn from alpaca! In this video I'll show you how I card the alpaca 3 ways to prepare the alpaca fiber for spinning. First, I hand pick the alpaca into a cloud. Next, I show you how to hand card the alpaca fiber. Finally, I give you tips to prep the fiber on a drum carder.
I am spinning this huacaya alpaca blanket from an alpaca named “Dalma." This is the second video in the series.
Check out the other videos in the series below:
#1 Washing the Alpaca • How to Spin Yarn from ...
#3 Spinning the Alpaca • How to Spin Yarn from ...
#4 Plying the Alpaca • How to Spin Yarn from ...
#5 Finishing the Alpaca • How to Spin Yarn from ...
This video covers the three main ways that I card fiber before I spin it. To skip to a particular technique, click on the time stamp.
1. Hand Picking 2:40
2. Hand Cards 4:59
3. Drum Carder 10:34
CARDING EQUIPMENT
Ashford Hand Cards from Paradise Fibers (affiliate link) bit.ly/2qUjEEF
Louet Jr Drum Carder from Paradise Fibers (affiliate link) bit.ly/33dFIZ6
Disclaimer: I use affiliate links. They will always be clearly marked when I use them. Using an affiliate link means that if you follow the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. This helps me cover the cost of making more content for my blog and channel. Thank you so much for your support.
If you would like a free PDF copy of my Spinning Project Planner which includes cute yarn labels, subscribe to my blog by entering your e-mail at www.jillianeve.com.
~~~
I'm Evie and I love making yarn on a spinning wheel. I also love using it to weave, knit, crochet, decorate, and do other craft projects! In my videos, I share...
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[@andreafloyd1688]

I love your videos they are very natural and gentle . I find many american videos to be a bit shouty and over excited, which is fine for some subjects, but spinning is better when it's nice and calm. Great demonstrations and explanations x thank you x

[@alexburns5686]

I'm a TOTAL beginner to spinning and have acquired three fleeces to work with. Your welcoming 'Hello fiber friends' and your common sense approach are SO helpful. Thank you from Kent in the UK.

[@sykogurl05]

Hi Jillian! Just discovered your channel with this video. I'm going to learn how to spin. I saved my baby's hair 🐈‍⬛ for years until she passed in October. I have hand cards and drop needles on the way to start learning and practicing. My Princess Sophie 🩷🐈‍⬛🌟 LOVED alpaca yarn. We discovered she had a preference for animal fibers, but especially her alpaca kitten 😁 I'm going to blend her hair, eventually, with some alpaca and make myself something to hold on to and snuggle when I wanna send her my love. 😁 I'm excited to follow you and your videos and get into it. 🩷

[@ltucci7143]

This series was a HUGE HELP! I just got 18oz of Alpaca roving and hand sun it all!! I spun it into 3 different yarns, but I have yet to "complete them", now I feel more confident. I dont have a wheel but the info still translated beautifully. I found the most AMAZING Alpaca supplier. Unbelievably inexpensive and unbelievable quality!! (If you want her info she probably wouldn't mind) I'm going to get it totally raw next so I'll be referring back to this A LOT!!!

[@sharontanner7768]

Congratulations on your spinning! Who is your supplier?

[@sarajillianshepherd3858]

Thank you Jillian, I've just got my first alpaca and lamb fleeces. So I'm starting on my wool processing journey.

[@nancycat2588]

Just received my Louet Junior. Now re-watching your Alpaca carding video 😊.

[@nataliewayne7748]

Thank you so much for the planner and for all of the information in your series!!! These alpaca fiber videos are amazing. I am a new spinner but have knit for a long time! I met someone who doesn't sell their alpaca blankets and are giving them to me for free to learn with! I am so blessed and thankful and so so thankful for your guidance!!

[@ConstantCompanion]

My father designed and built a spinning wheel made of nine woods from ebony to birch and brass that he turned himself. It's at my sisters, patiently waiting and has been for years. My brother keeps sending me alpaca fibers that he finds at Goodwill. Already washed, thankfully. It's here at the house. I have never in my life made yarn. Yet here I am watching your videos trying to figure out how to turn an animal coat into a sweater. As it happens, I love planners. I have an agenda that I carry. We should get along famously!

[@mspenelope6874]

Beautiful! One of the best videos on the topic, thank you! ☺️

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

I don't why but I find this very satisfying and soothing.

[@RuthHenriquez1]

This is the first drum carding demonstration I've seen that discusses the pilling that happens during drum carding. For almost a year I stopped carding and only did combing. I finally understand why it's happening and what to do about it. Thank you to the tenth power.

[@CottageGore31]

I love your series from start to finish for preparing and spinning wool!! I’m doing my research to start getting into spinning, and your videos are super helpful!

[@lorimurphy889]

rewatching your videos I always learn something as I get more experience I get even more out of your videos. Thanks Evie you are a great teacher.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you so much Lori! 💖😊🧶

[@spicyfibersfarmstead83]

Your explanations are wonderful! Thank you!

[@woolywonders5546]

❤️💕💕 alpaca is so lovely and so warm!!

[@JillianEve]

It is! 🦙💕

[@Crochetkingdoms]

Loving this series btw

[@clareheron6151]

This is an excellent video, instructive even to spinner of many years. I have both double drive and scotch tension and learned lots. Well worth watching ❤

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie, thankyou for showing the 3 different ways of preparing fubre to spin. Happy Spinning Take care & stay safe. Lots of love Jen xxxx

[@maverickspirit208]

Thank you for your videos. I'm a rather new subscriber. I spun a ton 35 years ago before KZbin existed and needed refresher before I jumped into spinning again and you're just the ticket! Thought I would add how I prep in a much faster modified cloud. I hit both ends well using a $8 dog brush that has teeth like a carder and do a qick pick the center if needed.

[@hkecowitch]

very clear. thank you

[@csmith2089]

fantastic video tutorial MIKE SNOW. watching this brings back memories of you being at our farm in glen huon, hope you are going well, craig & cindy smith

[@joywidd5637]

Thank you for all your help Regards Joyce

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie thanks for this video o different ways to prepare fibre for weaving. Take care, keep safe. Love Jen xxxx

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie, Thankyou for the Heart reply. Its so nice to get those. Happy Spinning, Happy Vlogmas See you tomorrow ( can't believe it's the last one. Take care, stay safe. Love Jen xxxx

[@DeborrahJKOlson]

Thanks so much for the demonstration. My 2 white alpacas have been sheared and I am processing the fleece with your wonderful help. I have washed some of the fleece and have started using my hand carders. I will also give hand picking a try. I don’t have a drum carder. Maybe down the road. I look forward to your next instalment. I appreciate your calm, encouraging voice. Thanks for sharing your talents and wisdom!

[@JillianEve]

Oh, how wonderful! I'm so glad I can help. If you have any questions about the process that aren't answered in the video, feel free to ask them here and I'll do my best to answer. Also, yes, if you can afford it a drum carder is a huge time saver!

[@discovercirculation5867]

Deborrah J. K. Olson Go shop with @Discovercirculation on telegram he is the best he has been helping me with card for about three months 100%

[@lissie831]

I keep coming back to this video because I think it’s so helpful! My brother has 4 new alpaca so this video series was a perfect resource! You should do one for wool!

[@JillianEve]

I'm working on it! It's my Dorset fleece project. I'm still combing the fleece, but the spinning and plying should be up soon!

[@discovercirculation5867]

Alisa831 Go shop with @Discovercirculation on telegram he is the best he has been helping me with card for about three months 100%

[@TheMaryConway]

This was so so helpful. I just bought 5 pounds at a show.

[@JillianEve]

Oh, wonderful! Your alpaca adventure will be awesome! Let me know if you have any questions along the way. 💜

[@joshuablack2446]

My favourite way to spin alpaca is directly from the fleece if it has no 2nd cuts or vegetable matter

[@stephanieskinner4180]

Love these videos, I’ve watched the whole series in prep for my project! What TPI do you recommend for carder cloth? My grandad is building me a drum carder for some alpaca blankets I’ve been given. They are so ultra soft I don’t want to damage the wool

[@NadiaLucassen]

Now I want alpacas after seeing all this fluffed wool 😁

[@cintiapollock2486]

I run a lock at a time thru a hand card holding the ends to remove all vm then feed them into my drum carder, but this was interesting to watch too

[@JillianEve]

There are so many great ways to use our equipment! 💜

[@Crochetkingdoms]

I flick my fiber with a brush to open it up and then I drum card it.

[@bella-bee]

If you haven’t got a claw thingy for cleaning your carder, get a cat grooming slicker brush!

[@sharontanner7768]

Hello Jillian. I’ve been hanging on to all of my alpaca fiber because I was intimidated by the work but you’ve simplified it. Thank you!

[@canadarocks3809]

Great video! My favourite so far. I've had a spinning wheel for a couple years and now I've finally acquired some fiber and hand carders. I've been practicing but I just can't get all the fiber off my left paddle. What am I doing wrong? Should I press the paddles together harder? I know it's not a problem of having too much fiber because I've done it with my right paddle empty and I STILL can't get the left clean. Help?

[@feltedwitch4118]

🤓it seems so elementary, but I had no idea I could just card with my hands 😂 thanks

[@JillianEve]

You’re welcome 😊

[@adamakaru2683]

Thank you Mrs, Jillian I love your presentation hope for more. Ps, Mrs, E Jillian, I take it you don't use any soap what's soever to the was! (sorry for asking quotations spinning for spinning Dumb).

[@JillianEve]

This fiber was very clean so I just used a little vinegar. You can use something like Unicorn Wool wash or a mild detergent if you need some extra cleaning.

[@adamakaru2683]

Thank you young lady. I love your show and I am, so happy to know you found the ring 😇 Yahoo.

[@cherylstraub5970]

I was told to use the same hand card in the same hand because the wood responds to the direction of your carding to curve more in one direction then the other. Not sure if it is an old wives tale or not.

[@ericabuchanan7260]

Thank you so much for this whole series! Do all these principles apply to llama wool as well? Is there a difference?

[@JillianEve]

Llama is very similar to alpaca. 🦙🧶💜

[@tinedrijkoningen8035]

Hi! Thanks for the very helpful videos. Question, if you spin from a strip off the drum carder like you did, does it come out like a woolen type yarn? I tried pulling rolags off of my drumcarder, but the alpaca fiber I have is way to slippery and it's not really working for me.

[@glendavarela9878]

Jillian, As always great videos, I learned some of the basics by watching them. Questions: is carding fiber the same for any kind? I mean, I want to spin my wolf hybrid fur. Also I’m trying to use an antique wheel, the yarn that I sort of spin it’s very tight, feels like I was pulling a donkey out of a barn!! I assume something going on with the tension…it’s just tricky adjusting an old wheel. This weekend I’m picking my ashford traditional. Hopefully that make the process easier. Thank you, Glenda

[@JillianEve]

I have some videos that cover details of tension and ratios that might help! Your Ashford will be easier to adjust and that will help too. 💕🐑🧶

[@hannahh2660]

This is a brilliant video! I am currently hand picking my first ever fleece! Lleyn sheep. It has a fair bit of VM and I am a massive perfectionist so it is sloooowww progress. But really meditative. I've got about halfway, so am going to try doing the other half with hand carders and then a quick look over for VM the hand carder doesn't get out. I had a question....I have a pillow case of clean cloud I guess....is it OK to store like this or should I wool comb/rolag it? Thanks Jillian!

[@hannahh2660]

I mean, thanks Evie! Sorry!

[@jenthulhu]

Jillian! I know this is an old video but I hop you'll see my question. I have a blending board and a newly acquired fleece. Seems like my two options are pulling apart into a cloud by hand or maybe treating my blending board like it's a drum carder. I think I could mimic the motion. Do you think that could work? I have a special brush with long tines for the blending board. Love your channel!

[@JillianEve]

A blending board isn't the best solution for processing fiber, it is more for blending and playing with the fiber after it has been initially processed. However, where there's a will, there's a way. If it's the only tool you have access to then I recommend playing around with it and see what you can do! Happy spinning!

[@melitcha3]

Thank you for this very informative video Jillian! I recently received a bag of alpaca wool and have no experience processing it. I have found your videos really helpful! Question: Can I spin yarn using a drop spindle from a cloud? Since this is my first time spinning I don't want to invest in so much equipment and am thinking I will try carding the fibre with my hands and then spin using a drop spindle. All the videos I watch of how to spin using a drop spindle use a very nice roving though!

[@JillianEve]

You absolutely can! I love spindle spinning from a cloud. It won't make a very smooth yarn but the lumps get a bit evened out if you ply it and the textured yarn can be very usable!

[@Zane-It]

That is how the Inca people and other indigenous Peruvian's did it before European contact.

[@peekabeaux]

So, it’s okay to run the alpaca through the small drum after it has been carded on the large drum first? I just received a bag of Suri blanket and want to do it justice. Thanks, this series is VERY helpful.

[@JillianEve]

Congratulations on your suri project. I'm sure it will be fantastic! I'm not sure what you mean about the small drum? If it is the small drum that is a part of the carder, that is called the "licker in" drum. It pulls the short bits off the big drum so you would only want to use the fiber as it comes off the large drum.

[@marielasessa2921]

Hi. I have just received my drum carder and making my first steps with it and a baby alpaca fleece. I was going crazy because of the spills. Now you made me understand thst the reason wss too much carding!! Is there anything I can do to help those tiny balls. I mean to get rid of them now the damage is done. Please excuse my English and Thank you for the lesson.

[@JillianEve]

Once you get those nepps, they are there to stay. You can sometimes get them out with combing, or pick them out as you spin. I usually pretend it is a tweed yarn and go with it once they happen.

[@0yodelingpickle526]

Where can you buy whole raw blankets like this?

[@annathy]

@JillianEve why would you choose hand cards instead of hand combs? Do you choose depending on the type of fleece/fiber or do you choose because the end result you are after in your spin and end product the yarn? I ask because I have a blending board and just ordered combs.

[@JillianEve]

There's a lot to it. I'm going to make a video...stay tuned!

[@kat1984]

Would it be possible to use dog slicker brushes if I'm on a tight budget? The tines look very similar

[@JillianEve]

Yes you can. They do wear out faster, but they are much more affordable to get started.

[@tonyroberts959]

My alpaca had dermatitis when Shawn will carding help remove it

[@tinawindham4499]

What happens to the bits of hay and dirt left? Is that just spun in? Just wondering how the fluff gets cleaned

[@tinawindham4499]

understand now. I asked too soon. You explained it beautifully. Thank you!

[@saragreenfield1648]

Was just gifted my very first hand carders!!! (Was using dog brushes until now.) Question: the instructions say to card some wool in the grease before using them, but I only have alpaca fleece. How necessary is it that I find some raw wool to card before I use them on my alpaca fiber?

[@JillianEve]

That's old knowledge that was important for hand cards that had a leather backing and non-stainless tines. The lanolin conditioned the leather and protected the tines from rust. Today's modern materials (rubber and stainless steel) don't require it, but it endures as folk wisdom. Happy spinning! 💕🧶😊

[@saragreenfield1648]

@@JillianEve Oh awesome! Thank youu!!

[@TinaWells143]

How much space is between the licker and the drum?

[@everfluctuating]

just wanted to let you know the playlist for this series is out of order! the 2nd and 3rd video are switched

[@jeramietolbert6699]

Maybe you mentioned it and I missed it… can I do this with wool also?!?! I mean, can I make a cloud with it? Then can I take that cloud and put it on my hand carders? Is that what you did here? I have some (five) fleeces I need to process and I am looking for a way to do at least one of them that is a little quicker than maintaining lock structure. I will do that with my Gotland but my Rambouillet/Targhee cross I’d like to do this way.

[@JillianEve]

Yes, you can do this with wool. If you aren't sure, you can always try a little bit to sample it and see if you like how it turns out!

[@marianneriley1546]

Hi 👋 I have a lovely alpaca fleece given to me 🦙and I’m just wondering as I’m a little bit confused as to try and remove the gard hair from the fleece. It appears some people in my Spinner’s Group don’t worry about it, do you remove it or spin the gard hair together . I hope you can put my mind at peace ✌️ thanks 😊

[@JillianEve]

Hi Marianne! What to do with the guard hairs is a great question and what I do depends on what I'm going to do with the yarn in the end. If you have the yarn in a shawl or a scarf that will be over the back of your neck, the guard hairs will feel prickly so I'll remove them. If I have the yarn in a project that won't feel prickly, then I just don't worry about it as much and pick out the larger hairs as I spin. I de-haired a few pounds of llama once. It took hours and hours and days and days! But, the yarn was the softest most amazing yarn ever! Sometimes the extra work is worth it. Overall, I try to avoid the issue by looking for alpaca that doesn't have guard hairs at all. I hope that helps answer your question. I guess, start with, what will you do with the yarn? Happy spinning!

[@marianneriley1546]

JillianEve Thank you very much for your quick response 👍 you have made the guard hair so I can understand so much more now. Love watching your videos, I have been learning so much from you, as I have only been spinning and preparing fleece for about 2 years . Thanks Jillian Eve for your time very much appreciate. Marianne 👍

[@marianneriley1546]

Hi Evie 👋 just wondering what is the name of your carder is and the width please. It’s a great video Evie 😊

[@JillianEve]

Hi! The carder I have is the old model of the Louet Jr carder. Mine has 72 tpi and it is 4 inches wide. I love it though and find it perfect for projects like this. You can take a look at the new version if you want. They have it at the Woolery (affiliate) woolery.com/louet-junior-drum-carder-72-tpi.html?aff=186

[@marianneriley1546]

@@JillianEve Thanks Evie 😊 I shall look into the drum carder 👍 Regards Marianne

[@goldensolitude]

Have you ever tried combs instead of carding?

[@JillianEve]

Yes! I need to do some more alpaca videos and use the combs...🤔

[@nancycat2588]

Hi There, how many tpi on the Carder please?

[@emilycreager2269]

When should you card vs comb?

[@JillianEve]

I'm going to make a video because I get this question often!

[@lunadelsoldream]

Hello Evie, I was looking for your PDF Planer but I never saw it in your site. I subscribe like you mention. I’m very disappointing 😢. Is your PDF still there?

[@kittylevee4662]

What about wool combs⁉️🤔 💜💙💚💛🧡❤

[@JillianEve]

Yes, wool combs would be awesome for fiber like this! I should do an update video... I have so many video ideas and not enough time!! 😂

[@kayliconklin2475]

Too much fiber on the hand cards, I know its all in how you enjoy carding, but I noticed by actually having less fiber on the card to start with it helps to make the work go faster. The hand cards do not have to transfer fiber from one to the other, in the Navajo traditions they put a little fiber onto the cards and keep adding until they were full and the cards are made to dig into the fiber and if the fiber is sound this will not do anything to it. when taking the fiber off of the hand cards there are many ways but the easiest is to just us it as a rolag. I hand card my fiber first and take it off like a transfer movement and lay it on the feed in plate on the drum carder. By laying the fiber long ways it will not stick to the lickeren as much. Just a few tips that I use and it helps me, maybe it will help you if you try it.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you, these are wonderful tips! ❤