How to Spin Angora Wool Yarn
Angora is a unique fiber to spin. It is extremely fluffy and because of this is seven times warmer than wool. This quality also makes it slippery and somewhat difficult to spin. It is also one of the only fibers that can be spun directly from the source. There is no need to warm or prepare the fibers for spinning. Read on to learn how to spin angora wool yarn.
Instructions
-
-
1
Use either a lightweight spindle or a spinning wheel that has a high speed and no tension. This will make the spinning of the angora much easier.
-
2
Prepare the angora fiber by making sure that the staples are parallel to each other. Staple refers to the single length of the fiber. Hand plucked angora is the best to spin with because it was pulled off the rabbit as it was shedding it's coat. Angora that is combed can have tangle and snarls in the fiber that can make it difficult to spin into an even single.
-
-
3
Attach the leader to the bobbin and thread it through the hook on the flyer and through the orifice. If your using a spindle, you can skip this step.
-
4
Predraft the first lock of angora that your going to spin and fold a small section of the predraft around the leader. For a spindle, predraft and catch the end of the predraft area with the hook of the spindle.
-
5
Begin treadling and spinning. Hold onto the angora and the leader until the angora is firmly held by the leader before letting go and beginning spinning. If you are using a spindle, twist the beginning of the angora to create a section of spun angora before you release the spindle and begin spinning.
-
6
Spin quickly to catch the angora fiber and spin from the fold. Draft with one hand but with the other, fold the lock of angora over your forefinger and hold the rest of the lock of angora in the palm of your hand. This will give you more control when you drafting since angora is a slippery fiber to spin.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To make angora easier to spin, and to stretch the amount of angora you use, card it together with other fibers. Wool works especially well with angora. It is best to card angora with hand carders rather than a drum carder. Because angora is so find you may also want to use a hand carder that has fine teeth like cotton carders.
