Spinning by hand

We often don't often think about where our fabrics come from. But at their base, textiles are made up of fibers that are twisted together to form thread or yarn. These strands are then woven, knit, or crocheted into fabrics.

Earliest spinning was probably done by rolling animal or plant fiber down the thigh with the hand. Imagine how long it would take to make enough for a piece of clothing!

Next, drop spindles were invented: a stick, called the spindle, with a hook or notch, and (later) a weight, called a whorl. The spindle is spun and let to drop, drawing loose fibers down with twist into the fibers that are already yarn. As yarn is made, lengths are then wound onto the spindle.

Later, spinning wheels were invented which greatly increased the amount of yarn which could be spun. Today, most yarn is spun industrially, but there is a growing interest in handspinning yarn, both in more traditional and contemporary methods.

Two excellent books that represent these orientations are The Intentional Spinner by Judith MacKenzie McCuin and Intertwined by Lexi Boeger.