How to Spin Self Striping Yarn
How to Spin Self-Striping Yarn from a roving braids with color sections
Creating self-striping yarn from multicolored roving braids can be incredibly satisfying, though it can be tricky to maintain clear color separation if that is what you're going for with a self striping yarn. The vibrant beauty of a multicolored dyed braids can be lost if the colors muddle during spinning. This guide will explore techniques to control color presentation in spun yarns effectively.
Key Steps to Create Self-Striping Yarn
To achieve a self-striping effect with long color repeats in your yarn, a preferred technique involves pulling your spinning fiber braids into definite sections divided by color Fiber Selection
For our demonstration, we used a merino wool combed top from Paradise Fibers in the Bubblegum Surprise colorway. The principles discussed here apply to any combed top, offering versatility regardless of your fiber choice. When curating my fiber subscriptions I’m always mindful to rotate between spinning fiber braids that are marbled colors vs color blocked. This gives spinners a wide range or ways to play and experiment with spinning.
Spinning Techniques
Spinning from the Fold
To minimize color blending, you can spin from the fold. Pull a staple’s length, fold it over your finger, and spin off the tip. This technique maintains the sequence of colors as they appear in the combed top, creating a natural but sometimes random striping pattern.
Spinning the Yarn
Using your spinning wheel, spin the prepped fiber sections. For long, consistent stripes, a long draw method works well. This approach ensures more intentional control over the color distribution, producing vibrant, self-striping yarn. I like to do what’s called a semi long draw where you spin woolen but from roving prep not nessacaritly rologs. However you can turn the braids into rologs if you wish with a blending board.
Results and Takeaways
Through experimentation, the yarn created from sections or rolags showed clear, long color repeats without muddying, making it an excellent method for spinning self-striping yarn.
Conclusion
Spinning self-striping yarn from combed top involves mindful techniques to preserve vibrant color separation. Using methods like spinning from the fold or creating rolags via a blending board can help achieve beautiful, long color repeats, enhancing your spinning projects.
I thought these color blocked braid from a past months Braid club worked so well to spinning up a self striping yarn while doing a chain ply. You can of course use a full size regular braid ( instead of making rologs ) by just pulling the sections into color blocks and then spinning them in that color blocked order. I personally have made some really cool projects with self striping qualities these are especially good for beginner projects or if you are like me and like to knit while watching TV at night so not having to pay attention and change yarns for changing colors really appeals. I personally think this one would look cool mixed in with another solid color yarn in a natural white. The would also make super cute easy fingerless gloves. We have two patterns that this would work for a crochet and knit version of simple small fingerless gloves. You can grab these patterns free on our pattern page and you’ll be well on your way for cute tailgating parties or hayrides all fall!
I spun this yarn on my SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel by spinning each of these little mini braids one at a time. There was sort of a marbled soft blending in between sections which I though was really pretty. That’s one of the benefits of spinning your own is that if it was just dyed to be self striping you would get those cool soft blends. I spun my singles about sport weight and then chain plyed them and they turned out some where between bulky and chunky which I love to work with.
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Spinolution Echo: A Whirl of Creativity
The Spinolution Echo is not just a spinning wheel; it's an experience that blends innovation with nostalgia in a delightful dance of fiber and craftsmanship. If you’re ready to embrace the rhythmic lull of spinning and let your creativity soar, the Echo might just become your new favorite companion.
Crafted for spinners at all levels of expertise, this wheel boasts a uniquely designed double treadle system that glides smoothly with minimal effort. Say goodbye to the struggles of traditional spinning wheels!
One of the most fascinating features of the Echo is its versatility. With adjustable tension settings and a range of orifice sizes, you can spin everything from fine laceweight to chunky yarns with confidence and ease.
SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel – Lightweight, Versatile, and Affordable for Every Spinner
Discover the SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel – a compact, versatile wheel designed for beginners and experts alike. With adjustable ratios and smooth treadling, the Echo is perfect for spinning any fiber or yarn. Shop now at Feral Scene.
Check out my full review video here
SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel – Compact & Versatile Spinning Wheel for All Skill Levels
The SpinOlution Echo combines all the design features of the MACH III, but in a lightweight studio design that’s perfect for spinners on the go. Weighing just 14 pounds, the Echo is easy to carry to vending events and spinning classes, with a convenient handle at the back of the wheel for easy transport. With a price point similar to the Pollywog (especially when you include all the accessories), the Echo is an affordable, high-quality spinning wheelthat’s ideal for spinners looking for a single wheel to meet all their needs.
The Echo was created as an economical option for spinners who want a functional, lightweight wheel without compromising on performance. Simple enough for beginner spinners to learn on, yet engineered to satisfy advanced spinners as well.
Key features of the Echo include:
4-speed, 4 oz setup with a ratio of 1:17, perfect for spinning fine weight yarns.
8 oz setup – ideal for mid-range yarns.
16 oz setup – perfect for big yardage, bulky yarns, and art yarns, without sacrificing portability.
The standard Lazy Kate conveniently attaches to the back of the Echo for easy plying, and the Skein Winder fits both the 8 oz and 16 oz setups for efficient bobbin unwinding into skeins. With the by-passable hook orifice, you can spin any yarn weight and add embellishments without hassle.
Magnetic bobbins make switching bobbins a breeze for production spinning, and the stretchy drive band can be moved between different ratios (speeds) in seconds. The Echo’s ergonomic treadling action is smooth, silent, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for long spinning sessions.
Why Choose the SpinOlution Echo Spinning Wheel?
Compact & Lightweight: Easy to carry and perfect for travel
Versatile Setup Options: Spin everything from fine yarns to bulky art yarns
Affordable & High-Quality: A cost-effective spinning wheel for all levels
Ergonomic Treadling: Smooth, effortless spinning with minimal fatigue
Order your SpinOlution Echo today and enjoy a versatile spinning experience. For more details and to purchase, check out the SpinOlution Echo Accessories or watch my full review video here.
Please note: The product can differ slightly from shown photos, since we improve our products continuously.
Please be advised that shipping time is 4 - 6 weeks ( sometimes earlier) to allow for them to be custom made
Also due to Spinolution being they're own company any of my coupons and sales to not extend to the Spinolution products.
Layaway is available please email me and we'll set up something that will work for you
Engraving (as pictured)
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Upgrade your Echo with a laser engraved floral design, Or the Monarch with the Butterfly design
$125 - Wheel Base Only
$125 - One Drive Wheel Side
$250 - Both Drive Wheel Sides
$375 - Fully Engraved (as pictured) Engraving on the rest of the wheel not just the Drive wheel sections.
Features of the SpinOlution Echo
Spin Fine to Bulky
Open Hook Orifice
Magnetic Bobbins
Easy Uptake Tension Knob
Easy Drive Band Change
Quiet Operation
Ergonomic Design
Small Footprint
Stationary Floor Grips
Heavy Duty Construction
Warp Resistant Wood
Made in the USA
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 14 pounds
Height: 28.5" (orifice 25")
Width: 19.25"
Depth: 12"
SPEEDS & RATIOS
4 oz speeds: 3 (4)
4 oz ratios: 1:3.5, 1:5.5, 1:9 (1:17)
8 oz speeds: 4
8 oz ratios: 1:2.5, 1:4, 1:5, 1:8
16 oz speeds: 3
16 oz ratios: 1:4, 1:5, 1:8
The Echo offers modular flexibility with expandable flyer and package options.
Echo Wheel (Single Flyer Options):
Echo with 4 oz flyer – $745
Echo with 4A flyer + 3 bobbins – $945
Echo with 8 oz flyer + 3 bobbins – $995
Echo with 16 oz flyer + 3 bobbins – $1,095
Echo with 32 oz flyer + 3 bobbins – $1,195
Echo Package Options (Two Flyers):
Package (4 & 8 oz) – $1,699
Package (4 & 16 oz) – $1,769
Package (4A & 8 oz) – $1,869
Package (4A & 16 oz) – $1,939
Package (8 & 16 oz) – $1,989
Package (8 & 32 oz) – $2,049
Package (16 & 32 oz) – $2,149
Echo Wheel Base Only (no flyer):
Echo base only – $599
ENGRAVING(AS PICTURED)
Upgrade your Echo with a laser engraved wildflowers design.
$125 - Wheel Base Only
$125 - Per Drive Wheel Side
$375 - Fully Engraved (as pictured)
Package Deals
The Echo Package comes with the Echo Wheel Base + Two Flyer Sizes +Accessories. Choose from any of the following package combinations based on your spinning needs:
($1789) - Traditional Yarn Package (4 oz + 16 oz)
($1789) - Fine Yarn Package (4A + 8 oz)
($1789) - Bulky Yarn Package (8 oz + 16 oz)
($1824) - Art Yarn Package (16 oz + 32 oz)
$1789 - 4A + 16 oz Studio Package
Accessories
6 Total Bobbins (3 Small / 3 Large based on the package size you choose)
4 Orifice Bars (Hook & Tube for Both Flyer Sizes)
Lazy Kate
Skein Winder
Drive Band
ACCESSORIES INCLUDE:
6 Total Bobbins (3 small / 3 large based on the package size you choose). 4 Total Orifice Bars (1 Hook and 1 Tube for both flyer sizes). Lazy Kate, Skein Winder, Drive Band, Straps & Wheels.
