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: a versatile studio wheel
The Echo is a practical choice when you want a treadle wheel that is manageable to move and adaptable as your spinning interests grow. Interchangeable flyer heads let you choose capacity for fine singles, everyday yarns, plying or textured projects. Magnetic bobbins, an adjustable uptake knob and a bypassable hook orifice keep the setup straightforward.
Compare Echo vs Monarch · Compare Firefly vs Echo
Buy with dealer support. Wheel purchases include personal setup guidance from authorized dealer Erin James, complimentary beginner spinning course enrollment and an emailed coupon for a free braid. Request 4- or 6-week layaway; production begins after the final payment. Confirm your setup, shipping and current delivery estimate with Erin.
Current wheel configurations
4 oz + 3 bobbins: $745
4A accelerated + 3 bobbins: $945
8 oz + 3 bobbins: $995
16 oz + 3 bobbins: $1,095
32 oz + 3 bobbins: $1,195
The existing $599 base-only option excludes the flyer and bobbins; ask Erin to confirm base-only availability.
Studio packages
Each package includes two flyer sizes, six bobbins, a lazy kate, a skein winder, and hook and tube orifices.
4 + 8 oz: $1,699
4 + 16 oz: $1,769
4A + 8 oz: $1,869
4A + 16 oz: $1,939
8 + 16 oz: $1,989
8 + 32 oz: $2,049
16 + 32 oz: $2,149
Specifications and ratios
Weight: 14 lb. Height: 28.5 in; orifice: 25 in. Width: 19.25 in; depth: 12 in.
4 oz: 6 speeds, 3.5:1–19:1
4A: 18 speeds, 2.5:1–58:1
8 oz: 6 speeds, 2.7:1–18:1
16 oz: 6 speeds, 2:1–13:1
32 oz: 6 speeds, 2:1–9:1
Ratios describe current production wheels. Earlier whorl generations may differ.
Optional engraving
Base: $99; one wheel side: $99; both sides: $199; fully engraved: $249. Choose wheel-specific engraving.
Ordering from Feral Scene
Choose the exact configuration in the options menu. Base-only options exclude the flyer and bobbins. Optional engraving is sold separately; product photographs may show engraving or accessories not included in your selected setup. Standard Feral Scene coupons do not apply to SpinOlution.
USA shipping is $25 on wheel orders under $1,800. Qualifying wheel orders over $1,800 ship free to the lower 48 states. Contact Erin for other destinations and orders totaling exactly $1,800. Confirm the current production queue before ordering; delivery dates depend on the setup and destination.
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Current specifications and configuration pricing checked against SpinOlution’s Echo page, October 18, 2026. Made in the USA from Baltic birch; cosmetic wood variations and design updates may differ from older photos.
