Sometimes after someone has been spinning for a while, they drift to spinning very fine yarns and are flummoxed as to how to create a thicker yarn. First, there is nothing wrong with continuing to spin fine if a fine yarn is what makes your heart sing. You can stick to those fine singles and just increase the number of plies in your yarn to get a thicker yarn. However, if you do want to be able to spin a thicker or thinner yarn as you choose, here are a few tips to help you control the grist of your yarn. Try one tip at a time and see which tip, or combination of tips, helps you to achieve those thicker singles.
It is easier to spin a fine yarn if you:
- Spin at a higher ratio (smaller whorl).
- Spin from a thin strip of fibre that has been pre-drafted quite well; giving you a fibre prep that is light and airy.
- Spin further from your wheel’s orifice.
- Decrease the tension on your brake band.
- Look at your pinching fingers. For a fine yarn, you should pinch at the apex of your drafting triangle.
To achieve a thicker yarn:
- Spin at a lower ratio (bigger whorl).
- Spin from a thicker strip of fibre that has not been attenuated (pre-drafted) or that has only been lightly pre-drafted.
- Spin closer to your wheel’s orifice.
- Increase the tension on your brake band.
- Your pinching fingers should come a little deeper into your drafting triangle.
Cheers!