Basic Spinning Terms

In the spinning and fiber arts world, you will hear lots of terms. When first starting out, it can feel like a crash course (it is!). Some terms may be unfamiliar at first. Rather than reinvent the wheel (see what we did there?) this is a very basic, yet comprehensive overview curated by Schact Spindle Company with some great beginner terms. There are more advanced terms you will come across as you continue your journey in the spinning world, but these will be the most common.

Enjoy the rabbit hole? So do we! Here's an even more extensive list of textile terms provided by the George Washington University Museum - The Textile Museum

Beginning Drop Spindling 

Beginning Spinning on a Wheel

Not all fiber is created equal. While we all have our preferences, and none is wrong, the quality and type of fiber will help predict spinning style and final product outcome. And while we believe every fiber has a purpose, there is also fiber out there that is not ideal for spinning and will effect not only your spinning experience, but also your final yarn. Many new spinners grab any fleece they can get their hands on, but knowing what you're looking at can greatly improve your experience!

Fibers - A Crash Course

Wool and Animal Fibers - Fleece buying can be intimidating as a new spinner. Washed options are readily available in the forms of batts, roving, and top. While there is exceptions to the "rules" in wool buying as in art and novelty yarns, this reference is a good starting point from a wool classer's perspective for buying raw unprocessed fiber. (A "wool classer" is a person trained in sorting wool and preserving wool clip quality standards). There are many different breeds of fiber animals, and as you continue, you will start to recognize the different qualities and variations between different fiber animals, and even the different breeds within those animal groups! While this covers wool, much of the same principles apply to other types of fiber clips. While sheep wool is often the "default" when talking spinning Alpacas and Angora Rabbits do have some specific details that deviate from wool, and should be considered. Goats (Angora, Cashmere), llamas and other camelids also provide fiber. If your adventurous enough, any fiber produced by an animal can be spun! (chiengora, anyone!?)

Plant Fibers - Not just limited to wool and animal fibers, baste, or plant fibers also exist! Flax, hemp, and cotton are all examples. There is also plant derived fibers that mimic silk, but cannot be produced outside of a lab. 

Fibers from Insects - Silk is a fiber produced by the silk worm, and is available in many forms from raw-unprocessed, hankies, top roving and can come in natural colors! The different types of silk can be explored as you advance!