How to Spin Hemp

Hemp fibers can make long-lasting and sturdy yarn and cloth.

Spinning is an ancient art that takes cloth fibers and binds them together into usable yarns. In the past, all clothing was made first by spinning the fibers together, then weaving the fibers into a cloth. You can spin your own hemp yarn using the same ancient method. For this project, you must have access to a spinning wheel to bind the fibers into usable yarn. The spinning process takes time at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a smooth and quick process.

Things You'll Need

• Hemp fibers
• Spinning wheel
• Yarn

Instructions

1. Pull the hemp fibers out of the hemp stalks. Set the fibers into a rectangular container. Pull out enough fibers to create a strip of hemp fibers about 12 inches long and 2 inches wide.

2. Cut a string of yarn to a length of 36 inches. Tie the end of the yarn around the bobbin at the top of the spinning wheel. Pull the other end of the yarn through the hooks next to the bobbin at the top of the spinning wheel. Thread the end of the yarn around the groove in the wheel and through the main orifice, located just below the hooks. You will attach the hemp fibers to this yarn to start the spinning process. Make sure the yarn starts to wrap around the top bobbin when you press the treads.

3. Pull out a few fibers from your 12-by-2-inch strip of hemp and place them onto the end of the yarn sticking out of the orifice. Do not pull hard enough to separate the fibers from the other fibers in the bundle. The fibers will naturally all stick together in one continuous line. Roll the fibers together between your fingers gently to fuse the fibers together and prevent the line from breaking.

4. Hold the hemp together with the yarn in one hand. Hold the other hemp fibers in your other hand. Gently apply pressure to the wheel to get the wheel spinning. This will gather the fibers and spin them together while wrapping them around the bobbin. Go slowly at first, so that you can thin the hemp fibers as you go along and avoid breaking the fibers.

5. Spin two separate strings using this method. Add a new leader yarn to the main bobbin. Switch the wheel to spin in a counterclockwise direction. Spin the two lengths of threads together like you did to create the initial strands. This will bind the two strands together, creating a stronger yarn.