How to Ply Yarn

When fibers are spun the resulting yarn is called a "single." To make yarn suitable for knitting or crocheting, it is usually plied. This means that one or more singles are twisted together to make a thicker yarn. Yarn is plied using the same technique as spinning, either on a wheel or a spindle, but it must be spun in the opposite direction to the twist of the singles you are using. Singles are usually spun clockwise (z-twist) so these are instructions to ply yarn counter-clockwise (s-twist) using a drop spindle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Two or more balls of "single" yarn
• Drop spindle
• 12-20 inches of yarn

1. Attach the length of yarn (called a "leader") to the spindle. Double-knot it around the shaft of your spindle and slide the knot next to the whorl. Take it to the other side of the whorl, twist around the shaft a few times, bring it back to the other side and twist around the shaft a few more times, then pass the end through the hook.

2. Make a small loop in the end of the leader with a secure knot (not a slipknot).

3. In one hand, take the ends from two or more balls of single yarn and place them through the loop in the end of the leader. Fold the ends of the singles back along the length of yarn and hold them securely in your hand.

4. With the other hand, spin the spindle counter-clockwise so that the leader, ends and strands of single yarn twist together.

5. While the spindle spins, gradually allow the strands of yarn to pass through your fingers and twist together evenly.

6. Check the twist by holding the spindle still and relaxing the tension in the yarn a little. The plied yarn should lie flat without twisting up on itself, and without big gaps between the strands. If there are gaps you need to spin it more. If it curls up, release more of the yarn singles so the twist spreads out over a greater length.

7. When the yarn reaches the length of your arm and has an appropriate degree of twist, unhook the yarn and wrap the length around the shaft of the spindle against the whorl in a cone shape, then put the new end through the hook.

8. Continue spinning in this manner until one the balls of single yarn has run out.

9. Wind the plied yarn into hanks by wrapping it around your palm and elbow, then tying it loosely together.

10. Wash the yarn and set the twist by submerging the hank in hot soapy water. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes without agitation, then rinse in water the same temperature with a dash of vinegar. Rinse in clean water the same temperature. Do not agitate the yarn at any stage or it may felt.

11. Squeeze the hank in a towel, then hang it over the back of a chair to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If your yarn is not evenly plied or the tension is wrong, just untwist it and start again until you are happy with the results.