How to Card Wool for Blankets
Before we can spin yarn suitable for weaving into blankets, we must card the wool. This process straightens and separates the cloud of tangled wool fibers, making them easier to spin. Most home spinners use hand cards --- two wooden paddles with wire teeth. They look a bit like a dog or horse grooming brush. Use coarse cards for coarse fibers, and fine cards to straighten light or delicate fibers. The result is a fluffy mass of wool, ready to spin into yarn for your blanket, scarf, or other project.
Instructions
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1
Place a card on your lap, with the teeth facing up and the handle pointing away from you.
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2
Charge the card. Take a small piece of wool and lay it evenly across the teeth of the whole card. The teeth should barely show through.
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3
Begin carding. Grip the handle of the first card firmly with one hand. Hold the second card directly over the first, so that the handle is pointing in the opposite direction. Gently brush the top card across the teeth of the bottom one. Do this 5 to 10 times, or until the wool has been distributed evenly between your wool cards. Use long strokes to prevent tangling.
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4
Pick up both cards by their handles. Line the bottom edge of one card with the handle edge of the other. The teeth should be together. Comb the cards together, transferring the fibers from one side to the other. You now have one loaded card and one empty card.
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5
Repeat Steps 3 and 4, until the fiber is light and fluffy. Use your fingers to scoop the wool from the full card, and roll it. The fibers should cling to themselves easily, forming a loose cylinder. This is called a rolag, and will keep the fiber neat until it is spun.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash fleece with care to preserve the lanolin.
Protect your clothes with a sturdy cloth while carding.
You can also comb your wool with a dog comb or similar tool.
Don't overwork your wool --- it could tangle.
Choose a soft, non-scratchy wool for blankets.
