Beginning Drop Spindle Class Outline

Learn about the parts of a drop spindle and the basics of spinning a yarn. Either bring your own drop spindle or use one of ours. Roving will be included as part of the class price. At class end you will have a yarn you can then use.

Following is a brief outline of the topics covered in the class. A full handout with more in-depth notes will be provided at the start of the class. An overview of the Beginning Drop Spindle Class and cost is at the Classes and Workshop tab; click here to go to that tab: Classes and Workshops

Topics

-        Drop Spindle nomenclature, parts, operation

-        Fiber Preparation, drafting, twist discussion

-        Demo

-        Spin

-        Ply

-        Discuss finishing

Drop Spindle nomenclature, parts, operation

-        Discussion

Fiber Preparation

-        Woolen versus Worsted

-        Preparation pointers

-        Twist

-        Drafting

-        Z vs S twist/direction)

Demo

-        Demonstrate how to spin with the drop spindle

Spin (Most of the class time spent spinning)

-        Tips

-        Pre-drafting; check the staple length

-        Park and draft method

-        Spin and add twist without (or with only minimal) drafting

-        Spin!

Ply

-        Plying characteristics

-        Making a center pull ball

-        Ply

Finish (your yarn)

-        Discuss major methods