Spinning a Color-Changing "Fractal Style" Yarn with Wool Roving
How to Spin a Color-Changing "Fractal Style" Yarn
Sometimes I want to spin a color changing yarn but I don’t have a super color blocked braid. This post has a video where I show using a more “ Marbled” style braid in a way that you can get a soft color change yarn.
Creating handmade yarn can be a rewarding and creative experience. If you love working with yarn and want to add a unique touch to your projects, why not try spinning a color-changing "fractal style" yarn? In this blog post, we will explore the process of spinning such a yarn using wool roving. So, let's dive in!
Materials Needed:
Wool Roving: color blocked or more marbled
Spinning Wheel or Drop Spindle: Select a spinning tool that you are comfortable working with; a spinning wheel or drop spindle will work well.
Niddy Noddy: This tool will help you wind the yarn into a skein once it's finished.
Scissors: You'll need a good pair of scissors for cutting the roving and yarn.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Preparing the Wool Roving:
Divide the wool roving into equal sections, depending on the desired length of your color repeats. For example, if you'd like eight color repeats, divide the roving into eight parts.
Take each section and gently pull it apart lengthwise to create long strips of roving. Aim for consistent thickness throughout.
Arranging the Colors:
Lay out your roving sections in the desired color order, creating a pleasing color gradient or pattern.
Blend the color transitions by overlapping the ends of adjacent sections slightly. This will help the colors flow more smoothly during the spinning process.
Spinning the Yarn:
Start by attaching the first roving section to your spinning tool (spinning wheel or drop spindle). Begin spinning the roving into yarn, keeping a consistent thickness and twist.
As you approach the end of the first color section, carefully introduce the next roving strip. Overlap the ends slightly and continue spinning.
Repeat this process for each subsequent color section, making sure to maintain a smooth transition between colors.
Continue spinning until you have spun all the roving sections, creating a single continuous yarn.
Plying and Finishing:
To enhance the color-changing effect, you can choose to ply the yarn with a coordinating solid-colored yarn or with itself.
I normally just chain ply the yarn to keep the colors together.
Once you complete the plying, wind the yarn onto a niddy noddy, creating a skein.
Wash and set the yarn according to the specific instructions for the type of wool you used.
Spinning a color-changing "fractal style" yarn with wool roving is a delightful way to create a truly unique and visually captivating yarn for your knitting or crochet projects. By carefully selecting and blending colors, and using the right spinning techniques, you'll be able to achieve stunning results. So, gather your wool roving, spinning wheel, and get ready to
