How Is Wool Turned Into Yarn?
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Cleaning
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The wool cut from a sheep's coat is called fleece. It is generally full of natural oils, dirt, manure, grass and other materials that must be cleaned out before the wool can be made into yarn. Washing the wool can be done several ways, however, using the washing machine is probably the most convenient.
Washing wool can be done by filling the washing machine with hot water, then adding a quarter cup of liquid detergent. Let the machine swish the detergent into the water, dissolving it. Stop the machine cycle and add the wool. Let it soak for approximately 45 minutes. Turn the machine to the end of the spin cycle so the water is removed from the washing machine tub and wool. Remove the wool. Repeat this procedure without the detergent to rinse. Finally, repeat the process, but add a half cup of white vinegar instead of detergent. Remove the wool and spread it onto a drying rack or towels for drying.
Carding
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Carding is a brushing of the wool. This can be done in large machines as a manufacturer might use. It can also be done by hand on a smaller scale. Hand carders are wooden paddles that look like large brushes. Place wool on the first carder and then brush it with the second one. This makes the wool lofty and airy. When the carding is complete, the wool will be much easier to spin.
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Roving
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The carded wool is formed into finger-sized strips called roving. The roving is wound onto large spools that will be attached to a spinning wheel.
Spinning
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If you are an avid spinner, you most likely use a spinning wheel to form the yarn from the wool. With a roving spool attached, the spinning wheel is threaded. Through the movement of the wheel and the spinner's hands, the wool is twisted into a yarn. Another way that yarn can be spun is with a tool called a drop spindle. This is an ancient form of spinning that is still done today. When the wool is attached to the spindle, it spins while the wool is held over it by the spinner, forming yarn. The yarn can be dyed or used in its natural color.
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Resources
- Photo Credit sunriselodgefiber at Flicker
