Introduction to Cotton part 2.wmv

A continuation of my basic cotton spinning demo. I am not good at the short forward or backward draw and spin my cotton using a long draw, which I demonstrate. In this video I focus on some of the problems unique to dyed roving - and introduce you to some novel cotton things to spin. I touch on plying, giving information but not actually demonstrating it.
My Australian Terrier, Wally, was feeling neglected while I did the video. I had to edit out a couple places where he helped a little too much, In the end he gets to wave good-bye.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• spinning
• hand spinning
• cotton sliver
• cotton
• spinning cotton
• dyed cotton
• cotton balls
• balling cotton yarn
• long draw

[Spin2Weave]

You can spin cotton on a hand spindle but it should be a support spindle. A Takli is probably the best for spinning cotton, but any small light weight and fast spindle will work, even one you make yourself with wooden "toy" wheels (Ace Hardware has them around here), and dowel rod. Overall I've noticed that most cotton balls aren't as nice as they used to be, many are full of slubs - but those make nice textured yarn.

[Spin2Weave]

If the fiber is being pulled out of your hand, or the yarn is being pulled onto the bobbin then the tension is too tight Loose tension, treadle FAST, highest ratio your wheel has to increase twist and then draft back slowly and be sure there is plenty of twist before being drawn onto the bobbin. Thinner yarn and esp cotton need LOTS of twist. That's why you want a loose tension, to give twist plenty of time.

[Spin2Weave]

When you finish spinning cotton you're done. I usually boil colored cotton (green/brown - the Fox fibers ) to change and set the colors. Other cotton is finished. If you are going to use very fine cotton singles for warp in weaving you will probably need/want to size it. I used fine cotton/silk Pima that I hand carded and spun on my charka for weaving and didn't do anything to it after spinning, just wound it onto the bobbin and away I went. NO clue about fish tank stuff. ;-)

[RallyJudge]

Be sure the "cotton balls" are real cotton - many aren't. There is also a huge variation in the cotton balls from pretty nice to funky. Altho I've had fun spinning the cheapo ones - they clump and have lots of texture. ;-) The colored ones from Easter are the most fun in my opinion. You can also spin the "cotton balls" or stuff in top of pill bottles - usually acrylic or something but fun. Signed in as Rallyjudge now - but I'm also spin2weave. Ruthie

[Spin2Weave]

@jjhazzard just posted note under comments.

[jjhazzard]

I am having trouble spinning the cotton that I purchased.  I am wondering if I am setting the tension to tight? What do you recommend?

Thanks

[Beadgarden]

I started spinning in 1990 too!

[spankses]

i've got yellow, blue and white cotton balls to spin, and i have spun poly fish tank filter wool, its VERY shiny. do you have to set the twist like you do with wool or alpacca ect?

[AnnieNM06]

i'm think of getting regular white cotton balls and dyeing them as long as they're 100 percent cotton,

great video, thanks.