How to Prepare Fleece for Spinning
Preparing fleece for spinning is a crucial step in the process of creating yarn. The quality of the spun yarn greatly depends on how well the fleece is prepared. This article will guide you through the essential steps to prepare fleece for spinning, ensuring that you achieve the best results.
1. Sorting and Cleaning the Fleece
The first step in preparing fleece for spinning is to sort and clean it. Begin by removing any foreign matter such as sticks, stones, and other debris. Next, examine the fleece for any vegetable matter, such as leaves or burrs, and remove them as well. This process is known as dehairing.
2. Skirting the Fleece
Skirting involves removing the ends of the fleece, which contain the most impurities. The ends of the fleece are typically darker and have more foreign matter. Skirting the fleece ensures that the yarn you produce will be cleaner and of higher quality.
3. Washing the Fleece
Washing the fleece is an essential step to remove any dirt, lanolin, and vegetable matter. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to wash the fleece. Gently agitate the water to help release the impurities. After washing, rinse the fleece thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
4. Drying the Fleece
Once the fleece is clean, it needs to be dried. You can hang the fleece to dry or use a hairdryer on a low setting. Ensure that the fleece is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
5. Carding the Fleece
Carding is the process of aligning the fibers of the fleece to create a uniform texture. Use a carder to gently pull the fibers apart and align them. This step is important for achieving consistent yarn texture and strength.
6. Combing the Fleece
After carding, the fleece may still have some shorter fibers. Combing is the process of removing these shorter fibers to create a more uniform texture. Use a comb to gently pull the fibers apart and remove any remaining vegetable matter.
7. Measuring and Plying the Fleece
Once the fleece is carded and combed, measure the desired amount of fiber for your project. If you’re spinning two-ply yarn, you’ll need to split the fiber in half and spin each half separately. Then, ply the two yarns together to create a stronger, more durable yarn.
Conclusion
Preparing fleece for spinning is a detailed process that requires patience and attention to detail. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating high-quality yarn. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out exactly as you’d hoped. With time and experience, you’ll become a skilled spinner and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own yarn.
