How to Draft Fiber Using a Spinning Wheel
Drafting is the process of pulling a small amount of fiber from a material using a spinning wheel. The density of the twisted fiber is dependent on how much of it is drafted, and the resulting twisted fiber can be used in any number of craft projects. The basic process of drafting fiber with a spinning wheel can be learned by anyone who is willing to devote some time and practice.
Instructions
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Pull the leader thread a few inches off the spinning wheel. Place an end of the fiber material alongside the leader. Grip the fiber and leader with the hand closest to the wheel. Grip the end of the fiber with the other hand.
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Sit down in front of the spinning wheel. Grip the end of the fiber material coming off the spinning wheel with your left hand if you are right-handed or with your right hand if you are a left-handed. Grip the material with your free hand about 4 inches in front of your other hand.
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3
Pump the spinning wheel’s pedal at a steady and slow pace. Pull forward on the fiber with a twisting motion with the hand closest to the wheel to force the strands to stretch outward. Pinch the strands as they rub up against your fingers to compress them.
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4
Loosen the grip on the strands with the hand closest to the wheel and pull them back away from the spinning wheel with the other hand. Reach forward and grip the material again with the hand closest to the wheel and repeat the procedure to continue to draft the fiber.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep small children and pets away from the spinning wheel when it is being used as a safety precaution.
