Mastering 2-Ply Yarn: A Step-by-Step Drop Spindle Guide-Part 2 From Braid to Belt Project
Mastering 2-Ply Yarn: A Step-by-Step Drop Spindle Guide
Part 2 From Braid to Belt Project
This is the second installment in our Braid to Belt series from Jessica Jane Patterson from Spinning Shadows. Make sure you check out the first installment here first.
In the first segment you learned all about planning out the colors in your braid , pre-drafting, separating fiber and attaching the fiber to your spindle.
You would want to first divide the braid long ways as she shows in the first video becase you are going to be spinning two identical single ply yarns
After attaching the wool and getting started with spinning you’d want to continue spinning from color to color ( if you choose to do color blocked) in an even fashion untill you reach the end.
The goal is to end up with the braid split in two peices and spun into two matching single plys of yarn. She then wraps the two single ply yarns around empty toliet paper rolls to hold the fiber and keep it out of trouble while plying. I have also just wound the singles into old school balls of yarn either method works.
You are then going to tie the two ends together and start two plying the yarn on your spindle. You will tei the two matching color ends together and then tie the tied ends to the hook of your spindle and start spinning in a counter clockwise direction. You spin the singles in a clock wise direction so you want to ply the yarn in a counter clockwise direction to even out your twist.
Here’s a quick video showing basic two ply on a drop spindle
Hey there, Yarn Bestie! Ready to level up in your spinning saga? Let’s yarn about how to create 2-ply masterpieces that will have the knitting circle talking for weeks. Here are some quick tips
1. Zen and the Art of Spindle Maintenance: Before you start, make sure your drop spindle is smoother than your best pick-up line. Any nicks or rough spots? Sand them down! There’s no room for drama in our spinning story.
2. The Singles: Start with spinning some fabulous singles, . Keep it consistent as you can.
3. Twist and Shout (Mostly Twist): When you've got singles that'll make a spinster jealous, it’s time to ply. Remember – if your singles are spun clockwise, then you'll need to go counterclockwise to ply. It’s like a yarn dance party, and you need to switch up those moves.
4. Plying : When you’re ready to ply, hold your singles together and let them twist naturally with the spin form the spindle.
5. Flaunt It!: Now it's time to show off that glorious yarn creation perfect for the woven belt project we are working on here.
Remember, creating the perfect 2-ply yarn is a journey, not a sprint. It’s okay if there are some hiccups along the way – call them ‘character twists’. Embrace the process, laugh off the tangles, and keep that spindle spinning. ✨
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