Handspinning Tips & Tech :: Joins & Consistency

An excerpt from Episode 10.2 :: Joining fibre, a technique for spinning a more consistent yarn and spinning across the top.
More can be found at welfordpurls.com
Thank you for watching!

[@loominous47]

EXEMPLARY teaching! It is amazing how much can be learned in a few minutes when the topic is well analyzed and the teaching is clear, precise, and to the point. You also provide us with some excellent and rather original tips. THANK YOU!

[@Mystichandworks]

Nice video. Personally, my consistency improved not only when I controlled my drafting length and thickness, but also when I paid attention to my treadling cadence. I typically draft forward as one foot treadles and draw my fingers back for more fiber when the opposite foot treadles. So, I don't necessarily count treadles as long as I pull fiber forward on one treadle and slide my fingers back on the next treadle. I change the amount of twist by increasing or decreasing the size of my whorl. This way, it doesn't matter how fast or slowly I spin, it always takes two treadles to draft and slide my fingers back. For me, it makes it more meditative and my results are more consistent when my hands and feet work in tandem. I've never spun on a Lendrum; It looks like is spins so smoothly.

[@susanmortara2754]

I loved this video! I'm so happy to see that you have a lot of videos! My goal this year is to get a notebook and start watching all of your spinning videos! I'll take notes and practice anything new before going on to the next video. I've been wanting very badly to spin the best I possibly can, and with your videos I believe I have found a way to get there. Thank you!

[@latitude1904]

I agree. This is super helpful. Of all the webpages and videos I've seen, yours are THE most helpful, concise. I have learned things from your blog and this video that - after months of watching + searching - have not heard or seen before. Thank you so very much!

[@RachelSmith]

you are so welcome, Lori! I'm really happy they are helpful!

[@lyndasmith593]

Your voice and the wheel are so soothing.....your drafting mesmerizing. Very helpful. Thank u.

[@vanessajansen5618]

Thank you so much. I love love love your teaching method

[@RachelSmith]

Thank you Vanessa -- that's very kind. I'm glad you find it helpful!!

[@TuxoHTuxoH]

I have always wanted to make my own rope, I know how to make fobers out of some stingy plant, but I needed know the technology and the technique to make yarn for the rope! Big thanks!

[@RachelSmith]

Glad I could help!

[@Tripinfallz]

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Just started spinning today. With no knowledge of anything but videos. Nothing local for me not even a LYS or a knitting club that I can find in my area.

[@RachelSmith]

Welcome to the amazing world of handspinning! Yahoo!! Good luck on your journey!

[@tutleymutley]

I, too, enjoyed watching this. After 14yrs plus, I discover I'm still a beginner in many ways, because you summed up my approach to spinning - sometimes backwards, sometimes short forwards and throw in a bit of long draw! NO wonder my yarn is inconsistent. I love long draw though - I think I'm generally most consistent there - and I love my yarn and spinning, so that's OK. :-) Off to watch some more of your vids now.

[@sharonking7978]

When I grow up I want to spin just like you. Too bad I am already older than you.

[@RachelSmith]

haha thanks Sharon :)

[@hillsidefiber-stitchingwit5350]

Thank you for the tip on how to add fiber to a single to make a join using the fuzzy end to attach with the single. That is a game changer for me! Thank you so much!

[@RachelSmith]

You're so welcome!! I'm glad it helped!

[@lindag3663]

Thank you! Very helpful for me!

[@RachelSmith]

You're welcome Linda! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@jonlilley2832]

Masking tape is a fantastic idea, Rachel! Thank you very much for sharing.

[@vanessaschwirtz9690]

You are a fantastic teacher! Keep up the great work :)

[@RachelSmith]

Thank you so much Vanessa! That's very kind!

[@EsteeDarla]

great information and video, love your chanel

[@RachelSmith]

Thanks so much!

[@sharonking7978]

Watching this again for like the 100th time. I really wish the camera was up close and personal. So close that the fiber, yarn, draft and join are all you are looking at. So close you can really see the amount of spin going into the fiber prior to the yarn being fed onto the bobbin. Maybe a really bright red, high contrast, or even a fiber that will cause a barber pole effect against your white apron. Love your teaching videos! Thanks again!

[@RachelSmith]

Thanks for the thoughts, Sharon! I'll keep that in mind :)

[@martinbutler7067]

Love the hint about brushing the end when joining

[@RachelSmith]

Awesome!

[@trailsniffer]

So helpful!! Thank you!

[@RachelSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariemin946]

Thank you so much for sharing these tips ! Very Helpful! 👍🤗

[@RachelSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@الارسولالله-و5ن]

Thanks a lot for your explanation 👍

[@goatldigoatldi8583]

Very well done. I have a good amount of spinning years behind me but I am still learning. Great tips that were well presented. Thank you.

[@marydownes3869]

Fantastic information for the newer spinner, thank you!

[@RachelSmith]

You're so welcome Mary!

[@debraablaszkow4509]

Thank you so much, I have been spinning off and on for 12+ years and I still have so much to learn, which is why I like it. You can make yarn from the beginning and improve and learn and be creative as you go along. Your join is the best info I have gotten and I like the pillow idea as my neck has problems and bending it to see the tapes would be a problem for me. Thank you again

[@featherweight48]

This has been so helpful! I am semi-new spinner and still struggle with consistency . I have never spun for socks but hope to. Thanks for taking the time to teach us!!

[@RachelSmith]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@Xiberve]

This video was very helpful, thank you for your clarity :-)

[@justme8108]

Old spinner, new to your channel. Thanks so much.

[@RachelSmith]

Welcome!

[@sararassner]

Thank you for the tip about using your thumb to direct where the fibre is taken from! :)

[@RachelSmith]

You're welcome - I hope it was helpful!

[@living4himjoshayden]

I am on my 2nd day of beginning spinning on an epsinner. So I have got a lot to learn. I have some rolags that were recommended. It's a blend of corriedale and polwarth. I feel like it's so hard to pull off small fibers at a time.

[@enlightenedneeds1512]

This video has greatly helped other linen lovers

[@adriennetwombly-abbott7026]

Thank you for all,the wonderful tips and information. I am a new spinner and am always looking for tips to help me become more proficient.

[@zoedoodle9824]

New spinner here and this was extremely helpful!

[@RachelSmith]

Wonderful! Welcome!

[@ColorsofHopeCraftsASMR]

I wish I had seen your channel when I first learned how to spin.

[@LIMON.LIFESTYLE]

So relaxing :) Thanks for the upload!

[@brigitteswan6075]

Enjoyed your video on consistency. I am going to practise this. Thank you.

[@RachelSmith]

You are so welcome! Good luck!

[@melissalittlefield907]

Love that join--I remember seeing that a long time ago when I was a brand new spinner. So glad to be reminded! I'm going to use this all the time :)

[@RachelSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@milanomari7102]

you all probably dont care but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot the password. I love any tips you can give me.

[@johnnymayson9150]

@Milan Omari Instablaster :)

[@milanomari7102]

@Johnny Mayson Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@milanomari7102]

@Johnny Mayson It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

[@rifleman2db2003]

Just getting started . Great class

[@RachelSmith]

Welcome aboard!

[@wendyhumphreystebbutt5782]

Lovely video! Many thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@RachelSmith]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@femkevdmuijsenberg3953]

Thanks for the tips, this really helps me. I'm a real newbie on the spinning.

[@RachelSmith]

You're so welcome!! It's a long road to learn but it's so worth it!! Keep at it and if you need more help, check out the podcast :)

[@suncentaur]

That was great. Thank you

[@jackiekavanaugh3841]

I APPRECIATE YOUR VIDEO. I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY WOOL BREAKING AND HOPE THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED. THANKS

[@RachelSmith]

Glad it helped!

[@isabelarnaud7128]

Dear Rachel. I woUld like to know if you have some tips on spinning cotton. I know you are a wool spinner but I hope you have some info. I am loving all your videos!!!

[@paulasmith4933]

THANK YOU

[@archnaverma9105]

Wow.....beautiful

[@firesideknitter3905]

I am going to learn to spin soon as I get set up. I enjoyed your informative video and want you to know you are a good teacher!!! Do you have any books out? I would really like putting it on my Christmas wish list:).

[@cyndidaves5313]

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for your video on Joining fibre, a technique for spinning a more consistent yarn. You explained how to measure the staple length of the yarn we are spinning and placing 2 pieces of tape on our lap. This helped me considerably. Thank you again.

[@RachelSmith]

Oh wonderful! I'm so glad it helped, Cyndi!

[@sueburton3063]

Thank you, I found this so helpful!

[@vanessaboman8143]

Hi I just got me a spinning wheel! I am so excited. I got given two fleece one white and one brown, I have never done anything like this, so I am a total beginner. I have ordered two carders but I need very basic help, so you any ideas of where I can go for help? I l ive in West herts, but can go to bucks or beds too...

[@RachelSmith]

Hi Vanessa! That's really exciting! If you're looking for help processing the fleeeces and getting them washed, there's some great fleece washing videos here on KZbin -- you can just search 'washing wool fleece' and lots comes up. In terms of carding the fleece, there are also great videos on here. I haven't gotten into this type of work just yet (although I've done it lots) on KZbin or Patreon b/c there's just too many things to do!! haha but I would highly recommend you wash a small amount of BOTH fleeces and do a bunch of sampling to see how they spin up. That will help you to direct the rest of your spinning and washing. Let me know how it goes!!!

[@Thompsett]

how do you remove the wool from the spool, when you are ready?

[@RachelSmith]

Depends. Most often, I ply from the bobbin with another bobbin to make a 2-ply. Does that help?

[@lollygolden3822]

Thanks but I have a question! I’m just learning to spin and have been taught to use my right hand at the top. I’m right handed. Which is right.? Thanks.

[@RachelSmith]

Great question! It all about your personal preference and what you're used to. We had some huge discussions on the podcast about dominant hands forward and at the end of the day, I would argue it's what you can do most consistently for the longest period of time! 😊

[@dearweaver]

Support Handicrafts ..

[@kaybussjaeger567]

Interested in using tape but couldn’t really see how your left hand was using it as a guide.

[@RachelSmith]

Basically, you place the tape on your lap where you want it (measured from the orifice of the wheel) and work to that measurement with the same number of treadles each time. Does that help?

[@kingjoeArt1]

Pls how can i get the spinning wrapping box?

[@RachelSmith]

Those are available from Sukaplokki on Etsy.

[@judydonovan6881]

Hi Rachel, Just started going through these videos. Thank you. What wheel are you spinning on here? Best, Judy

[@RachelSmith]

Hi Judy - A Lendrum DT. It's my workhorse wheel for teaching and a great all-round wheel.

[@elainebates6967]

What brand of spinning wheel are you using in this video, please?

[@elainebates6967]

It is okay I listened and watched to the end to hear you mention the brand of wheel. Thank you.

[@RachelSmith]

Oh good! It's a Lendrum DT :)

[@mustafanajah9119]

How to communicate with you about spinning machine

[@gailbird100]

When I spin, my roving gets twisted way too much before it goes through the orafice, does anyone know what I’m doing wrong

[@RachelSmith]

Usually when that happens it's too much twist in the fibre. Depending on the draft you are using, be sure to allow the singles to go into your bobbin smoothly before treadling more to add more twist to the singles you are then going to be drafting next. Does that make sense?

[@gailbird100]

Yes, it does. I think I was spinning too fast and not letting the draft go fast enough. so far it is coming out better doing this. This spinning is harder than it looks, ha ha but I am better than my first one. I just take many suggestions and try to incorporate them all into what I need and remember them for future use. I will be watching more of your videos. Thanks for your help and video.

[@SenkoFarms]

Are you left or right handed? Thank you!

[@RachelSmith]

I'm right handed :)

[@myroslavajacklitsch6039]

So informative, Thank you!

[@RachelSmith]

You're welcome!

[@hopetoknit1]

Thank you so much for the wonderful info about drafting and connecting spun ends. I am foggy about the ratio between treadling and drafting, cannot spin a balanced yarn. Can you help with that?

[@eddavanleemputten9232]

I’ve had to think about this… I think both practicing martial arts for years and drawing a lot both help me with my drafting. Martial arts taught me to control my body movements. You’d think it teaches you to control the larger movements but it also taught me to control very fine movements and to ’settle’ my body in a position. Drawing and painting taught me hand and wrist control and helped me train my eyes. Somehow, I tend to settle in a ‘range’ of drafting that remains very, very consistent. When I start up a spin, I determine the staple length and rarely ever draft out more than half the staple length of the fibre. I do spin very, very fine and need the extra overlap to keep the singles from falling apart. Another neat little trick is to make good use of the light and contrast you have. At night I’ll often watch something on my tablet and will place it in such a way that I’m kind of drafting through the screen’s light. This way I always see how many fibres I’m picking up. Alternatively, I make sure I’ve got good light on my drafting triangle. And I always try to memorise how the fibre feels between my fingers as it’s drafting out and twisting into yarn. After a while, if you’re picking up too much of not enough, it feels wrong.

[@RachelSmith]

Those are some great tips! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@suzanneshurley1719]

This was very helpful. I can’t wait to try this join method. Thanks.

[@RachelSmith]

Thanks Suzanne!

[@jenniferprevost8316]

Rachel, does it matter what hand is drafting and what hand is controlling the yarn supply?

[@RachelSmith]

Great question! No, it's your own natural set up 🙂

[@michelevandorst585]

Thank you! Helps a lot!