Beginning Spinning Class Outline

Learn about the parts of a spinning wheel and the basics of spinning a yarn. Either bring your spinning wheel 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 Spinning Class and cost is at the Classes and Workshop tab; click here to go to that tab: Classes and Workshops

Topics

• Wheel nomenclature, parts, operation

• Fiber Preparation

• Practice pedaling

• Spin

• Ply

• Discuss balance

• Discuss finishing

Wheel nomenclature, parts, operation

• See handout

Fiber Preparation

• Woolen versus Worsted

• Preparation pointers

• Twist

• Drafting

• Z vs S twist/direction)

Spin (Most of the class time spent spinning)

• Tips

• Pre-drafting

• Check the staple length

• Set your tension/take-up

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

• Spin!

Ply

• Plying characteristics

• Ply direction and balance If you spun in the Z direction, be sure to ply in the S direction

• Ply

Finish (your yarn)

• Discuss major methods

• Uses of the yarn