How to Spin 20 Single-Ply Yarn Textures

New to spinning? Watch a preview of the 20 single ply spinning yarn methods and educational format I offer in my SINGLE masterclass video series to preview what you will be learning in this classroom and if it's of interest to you.

The following artisans, farms, and online shops generously donated fibers for me to use in my How to Spin Yarn SINGLE masterclass series. This resource would not be available without their generosity! Please consider supporting their small business by visiting their website. 

Links to educators and resources if you prefer to take a technically directed path on your spinning journey.

In this video I will show you how to prepare any fiber for spinning into a single-ply yarn without a drum carder, picker, hand cards, blending board, or other fiber prep equipment tools. 

In this video you will learn how to spin yarn from various breeds of wool locks without using a core thread or other yarn stabilizer. Often called "lockspun" or "tailspun" in the creative spinning community - this video will "unlock" the mysteries of spinning a single ply yarn from curly longwool locks that will not fall apart.

In this video you will learn how to cut roving and top (scandalous!) to spin an eyelashy texture that I learned from Lizette Hopkins of SpinGlitz at Yarnival. This yarn is whimsically fuzzy and fun for weaving and display. A delicate art yarn for enjoyment or display, this method is not intended to be used for spinning yarns to wear.

In this video you will learn how to incorporate chained "braids" in your single ply yarn as you spin to create a fun "thick and thin" textures that is fun for freeform weaving or freeform crochet. This method is uncommon in the spinning community and can add stability to slippery fibers or short staple lengths.

In this video you will learn how to spin a secure "thick and thin" style yarn from a smorgasbord of fiber types and preparations. I will help you learn how to determine the staple length and amount of twist you need to keep your thick and thin single from falling apart when pulled or plied. If you are interested in plying "coil" yarns with thick and thin bumbles, this is where to start!

In this video we will be spinning "puffs" of texture into yarn from various fibers and textures. This is an alternative method for spinning on the extreme spectrum of  "thick and thin" yarns (think extra thin with extra extra thick texture bobbles rather than the gentle thick and thin slub from the previous method). I recommend plying this yarn with thread to secure the textures.

This video is another alternative thick and thin texture method where you will learn how to add "knots" to your yarn to secure loose fibers or add dimensional texture to your single ply yarn. This is a great way to create rosettes or floral inspired buds, pops of color, pops of sparkle, or drapey wisteria leafy lusciousness in your yarn and is especially beautiful when plied with thread.

Also known as "auto wrapping" in the spinning community, this method is a fun way to easily embellish threads around your yarn while you spin. In this video I will show you how to work around your orifice if it catches the threads (a closed orifice works best but I prefer spinning my yarns on an open orifice) and how to incorporate several threads in different ways in one yarn!

Similar to the "wrapped" technique, in this video method I will show you how to incorporate one handspun yarn single into another handspun yarn single to create texture on top and within your yarn while you spin. We will experiment with creating thick and thin textures from thread, similar to "beehives" and "granny stacks" but without plying.

Here we go breaking more rules! In this video I will teach you how to take what many technical spinners consider a "mistake" to spin a beautiful stretchy texture without plying. In all my methods I focus on spinning yarns with integrity (they won't fall apart) but technical "mistakes" like this one I celebrate with creative interpretation!

SINGLE method #2 (unlocked) is a prerequisite of this method. This is a more challenging texture to spin as a single. Commonly known as "tail spinning" in the art yarn community, in this video you will learn how to spin locks with curly "tails" that drape from the twist to create a shaggy curly texture. A few of my colleagues have strong opinions about spinning this texture correctly and this is one way to create this challenging texture.

In this video you will learn how to create "blocks" of texture using fabric. Similar to the idea of color blocking in fashion design, this method will show you both how to spin fabric into a single ply yarn and how to creating self-striping textures in yarns for weaving and fiber art.

Known as "coreless corespinning" in the art yarn community, this method is what I  recommend for spinning mixed media into yarns. A fun way to create bulky, fluffy woolen yarns, this method is also a helpful prerequisite for the entire corespun series in my corespinning classroom.

One of three ways I teach how to spin yarn with twisted fringe! This method is for creating twists in a single ply yarn. I also have a video methods for plying and corespinning twisty textures. Spinning twists is a great way to create a faux-tailspun texture for weaving and knitting boot toppers. Add back to back twists into your single to make an art yarn boa that you can wear right off your bobbin!

This intermediate technique was a challenge for me! Learn how to split the twist of your single into two twists and then wrap one twist over another. This is an alternative method to spinning a thick and thin style yarn and creates a seashell like shape or rosette in your single.