Hobbyspinning

Hobbyspinning is the practice of turning prepared fibers into yarn by hand using simple devices or no machinery at all. It is pursued as a leisure activity and artistic craft by individuals and groups, often at home, in guilds, or at fiber fairs.

Materials and preparation vary by fiber. Common fibers include wool, alpaca, silk, cotton, linen, and blends. Preparing the fiber through carding or combing aligns fibers and removes debris; flax and other plant fibers may require more extensive processing. The resulting prep, together with the spinning technique, influences the texture and strength of the final yarn.

Tools and techniques span from simple to more complex. A drop spindle or a spinning wheel are the main devices used to add twist to the fiber and form yarn. Drafting is the process of feeding fiber to the spinning point. The twist created in a single strand may later be balanced by ply-ing with additional singles. Yarn can be categorized as worsted (dense and smooth) or woolen (soft and airy), among other classifications, depending on preparation and spinning style.

Process and outcomes. A typical workflow includes fiber preparation, drafting, spinning to create singles, winding onto a bobbin, then plying to form a balanced yarn. The yarn is skeined or wound into balls and often washed and set to stabilize the twist and balance.

Community and culture. Hobbyspinning communities include local clubs, online forums, workshops, and shows. Spinners may use their yarn for knitting, weaving, or textile art, and often exchange tips on fiber sources, color, and technique.