Can I Spin Acrylic Fiber On A Spinning Wheel? - Plus 3 ways to ply it!

I got this ball of Chunky Luxe Big! jumbo yarn by Loops and Threads and I want to know, can I spin acrylic fiber on a spinning wheel? I'll show you two different drafting methods for spinning with long slippery fibers like this and then we will ply the handspun acrylic 3 different ways! How will it turn out? Let's spin up some acrylic yarn and see!
I purchased the yarn in this video myself and I'm not a Michael's affiliate. These are links for your reference:
🧶Chunky Luxe Big!
Color - Purple
👉www.michaels.com/chunky-luxe-...
🧶Red Heart® Boutique Unforgettable™ Yarn
Color - Gossamer
👉www.michaels.com/red-heart-bo...
🧶Eco Cozy
Color - Lavender
👉www.michaels.com/eco-cozy-yar...
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[@lthorn9772]

I used big box "roving" jumbo "yarn" to learn how to spin. I was REALLY bad when I started and wool and bamboo was too expensive to waste. I used it again on my new blending board to learn that and rolags. This stuff is really great to play around with and test new techniques. I didn't really feel bad throwing failures away. I also learned how to turn them into finished items that look pretty good. I primarily make lace work and a LOT of shawls/wraps. I sell finished items, and like you said, not everyone can wear wool. By spinning it and being creative, you can turn this acrylic roving into one of a kind wearable items great for people with wool allergies. Thank you for doing this!!

[@vivianramsay2527]

I appreciate that you addressed the use of non natural fibers. There are those of us who would like to try spinning but may not have the budget . Using items that could be easier on the budget but allow for some of the experience of spinning would go a long way in opening others to the craft. Thank you again for this great video! You're a thoughtful and thorough instructor! 😊👍

[@54Spinner]

Who knew that you could spin acrylic? I’ve been spending more than 40 years and I never would have thought. It’s actually quite pretty! Thank you for adding something new to my toolbox!

[@desiraejenks2608]

Love that you aren't bashing the man made fibers.

[@n.ayisha]

spinning from the fold tends to produce a less dense/ropey yarn with wool that has little-to-no crimp/spring, and it sounds like that is also the case with acrylic. it's like the folded fibers are trying to straighten back out, which means that they are pressing away from the core of the yarn. so you end up with a yarn that is less compacted than when they are lined up perfectly next to each other in a short forward/backward draw. that would be a good point to keep in mind for anyone who plans to try this at home. very interesting. i am enjoying these "i wonder..." videos.

[@JillianEve]

You perfectly explained this! Yes! 💕

[@lorainew4281]

I bought some of that roving-like “yarn” for a tapestry I was making and thought “who in the world would knit with this stuff? It’s not real yarn!” I felt it should be spun into real yarn but wasn’t sure it could be done. Thank you Evie for once again providing detailed information and for doing all the dirty work for us! Excellent tutorial, thank you! 💖

[@JillianEve]

You're welcome Loraine! 🥰 I agree that this stuff would be a mess for knitting all by itself!

[@knitcrochetchick]

This would be the worst yarn to knit or crochet with. The project will fall apart in no time.

[@kamikazekumquat4760]

Now, see, I've never learned to spin before, but I also, through pure possibly divine providence, I realized that chunky stuff they're selling might be spinnable. And, you're videos of this and the wool blends confirm it, so I shall be purchasing a drop spindle and learning to spin because I figure this stuff is cheaper to learn on and easier to find as long as this chunky fad continues. EXCUSE TO LEARN TO SPIN, FTW.

[@JillianEve]

Yay! Welcome to the craft of spinning! 🎉🐑🧶💕

[@holleysmith2602]

Thank you for this video. While I prefer natural fibers, for ease of availability and price point, acrylic is a great choice for lots of makers. I'm so grateful for your channel and the content you offer to make fiber arts approachable for new makers!

[@dainasouter5593]

I bought a large lot of mixed fibres so that I could sample spinning things from wool batts, to alpaca batts and top, to acrylic "top" and I have really learned a lot! The first time I tried spinning some of the acrylic, I let too much twist in and was quite frustrated with how thick it was and how hard it was to draft! I had a light bulb moment in your video when you talked about how it is "slippery until it isn't" and doesn't need much twist to become "sticky". So, I tried pre-drafting my "top", as well as being sure not to let any twist into my fibre supply, and holding my hands much farther apart. Made a world of difference! I'm now spinning for a shawl project for someone very dear to my heart ❤️

[@Typhoonyoon]

Good afternoon! I love spinning wool & alpaca, but I am definitely not a Yarn Snob when it comes to fiber craft. I spun up two bundles of very colorful synthetic roving into beautiful vibrant yarns I am looking forward to knit & crochet with. I love your down-to-Earth open minded approach to fiber craft.

[@JillianEve]

😊🧶💕

[@kate5176]

Great video! I bought some Mainstays jumbo roving yarn from Walmart and spun it on my CPW and it turned out really good. It was an acrylic yarn which didn't bother me . I don't think I've ever meet a ball of yarn I didn't like .😁

[@JillianEve]

Haha Kate, me too! 🧶💕

[@crystalspeed7214]

ive been thinking about making a etsy shop to sell handmade dice bags so i can save up for collage while in quarantine. (my dad is high risk so my mom doesnt want me applying for jobs till this blows over). i also have autism and sensory issues especially with certain textures like wool so this was very helpful to me if i ever deside to take up spinning. also thank you for showing the recycled yarn i didn't know that existed and ill definitely look to buy some of that in the future.

[@JillianEve]

Starting your own crafting business is an awesome idea Crystal! Have you ever checked out Little John's Yarn? It's my friend Alysha's channel. She mostly does crochet, but she also has some great livestreams and other videos helping people get their Etsy shops running! She is really passionate about helping people get their crafting businesses going, so she might be a great resource for you if you want to check her out. Here is a link to her channel, kzbin.info/door/1LZdZHVohjuHxU5pqWZ2IQ Also, I was really surprised at how soft the Eco yarn was even though it's polyester. I hope it's a texture that works for you if you try it out some day! 💕

[@crystalspeed7214]

I haven't seen little john's yarn yet but I'll be sure to check it out thank you so much I've been mostly just practicing and figuring out the logistics for making the bags by making some as a gift for my friends I would love to find out more about the business side of it. And thank you so much for even taking the time to read my comment much less reply. I just wanted to write it to make people aware that there can be sensory reasons why people wouldn't use wool.

[@berenicelosey7277]

glad to see young ladies interested in the same things i enjoy. yarn. i dont care if wool or acrylic. i just watch the videos. no judgement. thanks for teaching.

[@ragathnor326]

I have spun this and another type that is acrylic mixed with wool. Haven't plied it yet. This was a great video and thank you for making it.

[@CrystalMouse1]

Bought a few rolls of this years ago for a different project. Then I learned about the drop spindle and am spinning it so it's not wasted. I did buy some dyed wool from my local shop as well

[@truthseekertoday2377]

You are an excellent teacher.

[@mariepla1370]

I have thought about spinning my own yarn, but I'm allergic to wool. I looked for alpaca fiber, but it's expensive. I bought some alpaca tarn and im not allergic to it. I've made many different types of spindles with the hope that someday I can spin alpaca fiber. For now I've been spinning plastic yarn from bags. I often wonder if I could start practicing with that kind of acrylic "roving". Thank you for confirming m theory.

[@JillianEve]

You can do it! I got the whole ball of yarn for less then $10 with a coupon. It is a very cost effective way to get spinning material! ❤

[@alderfae9898]

I've spun this acrylic before with a basic drop spindle and it works up nicely. You might want to also look into spinning cotton fibers. I have a friend with a wool allergy who loves to spin her own cotton yarn on a tahkli.

[@mauimorgan9757]

This was a great tutorial for me. I've been using this kind of acrylic fiber to learn on and it's been so hard... Been saving my "good" fiber for a time when I wont mess it up but I think I can get better control of this now. THANKS!

[@robind9086]

I tried some Lion Brand acrylic roving-like yarn a few years ago and got great results. I have to be mindful and not over twist. I have two skeins of the Loop and Thread luxe in teal in my stash. I need to pull it out and play. Thanks for the research and inspiration. You rock!

[@JillianEve]

No YOU rock Robin!!!! 😁 The teal is really pretty too! ❤

[@shogonekocosplay1416]

I was given something similar to this from a friend's stash but haven't spun it yet. Watching this video was very helpful and will be a great help for when I eventually spin my acrylic.

[@tammiesuebruner1487]

I love your videos and am learning so much from you. Thank you. Ps I haven't sat at my wheel yet. 🥴🥰soon I will. 🧶

[@valerieellison2483]

I bought a big ball of an acryllic blanket yarn that is essentially a corespun yarn. I am re-spinning it into a woolen yarn from the outside and a worsted yarn from the core.

[@glendasmith7507]

Wow! I loved your experiment with these yarns. Thank you

[@cintiapollock2486]

years ago I use to get mill ends roving from Lion brand and blend them with my silk and cashmere it looked a lot like what you have there : ) sure makes specialty fine fiber fingerling yarns stronger : )

[@JillianEve]

I bet that was the softest! 🧶

[@cintiapollock2486]

it came out so pretty! forgot to say an I liked the 2 one best : )

[@dominiquemichaud7945]

Cool project! I love the second idea. Thank you for all the useful tips!

[@JillianEve]

You are welcome, thanks for watching! 🐑🧶💕

[@rachelkarcher2565]

This was a great episode, I learned so much😎

[@leoniecochrane2732]

That was really interesting to watch you spin acrylic. I have only ever used acrylic as a core and to ply with. Love your results

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie, thanks for the spinning tips. My OH has bought me a Drop Spindle Kit & "Respect The Spindle" Book for Christmas. He said "Get What You Want as LONG AS IT ISN'T WEAVING STUFF " lol Spinning Stuff, Isn't Weaving Stuff. Bought extra Fibres to Play with as well. Thanks for all your tips on using Acrylic as AGAINST wool. Happy Spinning. Stay safe.

[@JillianEve]

That's a great book! You will learn so much! Happy spinning! 💕

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

@@JillianEve thanks for your reply. Can't wait to get spinning, cant wait to see hubby's face when he sees what I bought (with his money). Live your channel. Cant wait to see what Mark has in tonights bag. Happy Spinning. Love Jen xx

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

Hi Jennifer, I couldn’t help but wonder how hard you caught the spinning bug thanks to that wonderful book and the fibre, now three years ago when you made that comment. I ‘caught the spinning bug’ this past August and what a ride it’s been so far! I started with a supported spindle and now own a few Turkish spindles as well. In November I got a lucky break and the opportunity to treat myself to an EEW Nano2. My daughter, her boyfriend, my niece and my nephew were kind enough to indulge me and bought me gorgeous fibre to spin with. My SO has now gifted me wool combs and I’ve just purchased a raw alpaca fleece from a farm less than 15 minutes from my home. Spinning has become my happy place whenever I’m not knitting lace items. Most evenings I’m now either knitting, spinning or picking VM and guard hairs out of the alpaca fibre. I hope you still spin and enjoy doing so. I hope your lovely husband hasn’t grown to regret getting you that spindle and book. Instead, I hope he’s proud of getting you those presents three years ago and is now gladly buying you fibre (or letting you buy fibre) for spinning. Love from far away Belgium.

[@alderfae9898]

I've spun that roving on a spindle and it works pretty well. I blended it with some natural fibers and it came out really nice!

[@_vanearaujo]

Super fun! It's a little hard to purchase and to wear natural wool here in Brazil since it has a very hot weather so spining acrylic bulky yarns like that is an option. I liked a lot to see you making this 😊

[@MandobugCrafts]

Oh that 3 ply with the recycled polyester turned out super cute and I think I can feel the squishiness and softness through the screen! Very fun! I enjoyed following along your acrylic spinning experiments! I have yet to try spinning acrylic.

[@JillianEve]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🧶✨❤

[@CrystalMouse1]

With a drop spindle, I lay the spun end of yarn on a piece of felt to hold it from untwisting

[@TM-bw7hh]

I bought some acrylic fibers once and it was so much fun to work with. I have another bobbin half done with a beautiful blue colour 😍 its so soft but very nice.

[@JillianEve]

I love blue! 🧶

[@jenniferbrighty5120]

Hi Evie, Thankyou for this video/podcast/tutorial. I love all of them. Your diwn to earth approach is one of the reasons that keeps watching. I know you use both Wheels & Drop Spindles, you cater for everyone , even with the fibres you use. Love the way these fibres looked so good spun in the 3 different ways. The one that was your favourite is mine yoo. Has soon has i saw it i thought of the football team that most of my family supports. Glad that they wont see this video/podcast as im sure theyd have me doing something for them. Who knows next christmas i may have got Drop Drop Spindling down to a fine heart ; then make them something. Thanks again. Happy Spinning. Take care, stay safe & warm. Love Jen xxxx

[@JillianEve]

Thank you! You too! 💜🧶

[@lorimurphy889]

oh that looks like something fun to try. I do use acrylic because some wool in sweaters makes me itch

[@JillianEve]

🐑🧶💕

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

They are all beautiful and I agree with you on the 3 ply though x

[@JillianEve]

Thank you Sadie! Are your fingers still purple from your beautiful dying project? You match my yarn! 😆💜

[@sadiesspincraft6319]

My nails are but fingers normal it's a different way to paint my nails hahahh x

[@jolenemiller4958]

Have you ever tried Knitting with the acrylic roving just paired down into a smaller size ply?

[@JillianEve]

Oh, you should try it and see! I wonder if it would work???

[@pamyclark1263]

Have you used a ply with wool to make a 3 ply sock yarn?

[@susaneweinberg4411]

Wow, I never thought it was possible to spin acrylic. I’m not a yarn snob either and I was glad to see the staple length was as long as it was. I do remember many years ago when I first got my wheel getting some, either it was milk fiber or bamboo, but it was very slippery and getting away from me. Not sure if was because of the composition of the fiber or the staple length but it was very slippery. Is that acrylic fiber just as slippery to work with? Loved the effect of those other yarns used to ply as well.

[@maggieowen6954]

Wow, what a butiful wheel! Where can I find one like it?

[@mariapete8924]

once you spin with acrylic, how do you set the twist? how you keep it from unravel? thanks loved the video

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

I need to pay attention to z vs s twist. I have never looked at them and probably should be able to read my spinning like I read my knitting.

[@4SlowFashion]

I just found this jumbo yarn roving and am trying to blend it together with some Yak that has Far too short of staple length to have any strength. The problem is, the vast difference needed to spin each of them is really giving a lot of trouble

[@lkcantwell]

Ovid this video!

[@lkcantwell]

Loved this video!!

[@kellymontgomery4233]

Can I use a drop spindle on this fiber. Thank you

[@lgassin]

OMG....this is very similar to the kind of fiber I was asking about in that Facebook group. Get out of my head! ;-)

[@JillianEve]

I had already recorded this when I saw your comment! I was 🤭🤫😆

[@lgassin]

@@JillianEve So funny :)). I am killing time playing with it until my jumbo flyer arrives from Ashford!

[@JillianEve]

@@lgassin oh FUN!!!

[@whitedwarf29]

Question: I'm looking for a cheaper alternative to cotton on my table loom.. I've thought about spinning already made acrylic yarn like walmart stuff for example... most acrylic yarn is too stretchy for me. if I spinn it to be tighter can I get more of a cotton stiffness and strength?

[@JillianEve]

Yes, you can! 🧶💜

[@ChanelVox1]

what style is your when it’s so cute

[@helenehenkel]

How would one blend natural fiber with acrylic?

[@JillianEve]

You could blend it on a blending board or with combs. I'm not sure it would blend well with hand cards because of the length of the acrylic. (Hand cards are for shorter fibers.) You could also just fluff it all up together into a cloud by picking apart all the fibers you want to blend with your fingers. Make a big floof of fibers and spin right from that! 🧶💕

[@debraowen6723]

I'm wondering if when knitted, if this acrylic yarn will pill badly?

[@cherylclark4539]

I have some acrylic blended with wool, and tried putting it on my blending board with some more wool., and I didn't like it.sticky?

[@draven3838]

I love wool ,however commercial yarn is more affordable for me

[@MEMyHookandICrochet]

I noticed hobby lobby is stocking some jumbo roving that seems to be polyester. Would polyester act like acrylic?

[@JillianEve]

Yes polyester does spin about the same as acrylic, but I think it feels softer to the touch. Happy spinning! 💜

[@l.e.5930]

Did you have to set your twist? Or did you go that far?

[@JillianEve]

It doesn't set like wool so you don't have to wet finish it. I did and there wasn't much difference.

[@silhouette169]

How do you set the twist in acrylic? Is it the same as for wool?

[@JillianEve]

Acrylic is plastic, so it won't behave the same way that wool does. I find that it relaxes a little into the yarn like how you can get a crimp in something plastic if you bend it, but washing it won't change it really. I hope that helps. Happy spinning!

[@silhouette169]

@@JillianEve thank you for your reply!

[@1235adriana]

Could the acrylic roving and wool roving made into rolags then spun make a sock yarn ( superwash)?

[@JillianEve]

It could definitely be blended, but to work in a rolag it would need to be shorter. The long staple length will be difficult to draft out of a rolag. Combs or a hackle might work better maybe?

[@lthorn9772]

I've used that same purple L&T fiber on my blending board, with other acrylic blends, and it spun well from the rolags. You just have to pre-draft to the extreme.

[@lthorn9772]

I don't think it would work from the rolags if it was the only fiber.

[@2minimom]

Do you think we could ply the acrylic fiber with wool?

[@JillianEve]

Yes! I definitely think you could! I would recommend sampling it because the wool might spring up differently in the ply and cause the finished yarn to have a crinkle effect or other surprises which could be amazing and beautiful if you know what to expect. I might do some experiments in the future because I'm curious about it myself!

[@susaneweinberg4411]

Yes, it will have a crinkle effect when you ply wool with acrylic. I had 1 strand 100% wool and plyed it with 1 strand of acrylic extra fine sock yarn. After wet finishing and hung it up I noticed the crinkled effect.

[@morningrose428]

I'll admit to being a bit of a yarn snob, but that's mostly because of sensory issues - the vast majority of acrylics just feel awful in my hands. I touch them, and it feels like what nails on a chalk board sound like. Awful. There are some acrylics that I can use nowadays, but I mostly stick to natural fibers, with some nylon blends because socks are a thing.

[@JillianEve]

I don't think that is snobby at all! Sensory issues are a perfectly legitimate reason to use a fiber or not use a fiber. 😊🧶💜

[@elena7834]

"Passions can run high" - I think that this isn't a fair assessment of the situation. Plastic microfibers are poisoning our food and water supplies. It's not healthy to use acrylic or other plastics, but I understand why some do and hope that eventually we can move past the need for them.

[@rosakoko5049]

Why use your time for acrylic??? THE STORES ARE PACKED WITH SYNTHETICS AND ACRYLIC 😭... WHY TO TORTURE YOURSELF AND SPINNING WHEEL WITH UNNECESSARY ACRYLIC? SHEEP AND GOATS WOOL, ALPACA AND LLAMA - THE BEST THINGS TO SPINNING!!! THIS FUN, BENEFITS AND HEALTH!!! I DONT HAVE TIME FOR ACRYLIC

[@JillianEve]

I'm glad you have so much passion for natural fibers! Not everyone can use wool though. Happy spinning! 🧶💕

[@rosakoko5049]

@@JillianEve THANK YOU, SWEETHEART!!! LOVE WATCHING YOU!!!🌷💖🌷💕💕💕💕💕💕💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@rosakoko5049]

@@JillianEve My neighbor keep llamas and Alpakas...🦙 I can buy from him very nice, beautiful WOOL for good price🦙🦙🦙