Spin Off · Article
| Type | Article |
|---|---|
| From | Spin Off |
| Author | Rita Buchanan |
| Published | January 31, 2024 |
| Format |
Learn to make different styles of wrist distaffs, including a clever rib-knit cuff with a slot to keep fiber at a safe distance from the turning spindle.
This article is part of the Spin Off subscription. Sign in to check your access.
Spinners often find it challenging to hold the fiber while using a spindle. Distaffs allow the spinner to hold the fiber, keeping it organized and out of the way.
There are many types of distaffs, and author Rita Buchanan shows us how to make many different styles, including:
Bracelet-style wrist distaff, which is good for holding commercially prepared top or sliver of any fiber, wool top you've combed yourself, or sliver that you've prepared by pulling lengthwise on a drumcarded batt.
Twisted-skein distaff, crafted from a skein of yarn that's twisted into a rope that hangs from the wrist.
Two-skein twisted distaff, which combines a softer yarn as the loop that fits around the wrist and a coarser fiber for the tail that the roving will be wrapped around.
Supertwist skein distaff, which is a simple project that takes advantage of the elasticity of high-twist singles yarn, forming a small, lively skein that you can easily slide on and off your wrist.
Knitted-cuff wrist distaffs, which is similar to the cuff of a long-sleeved sweater but looser fitting. This type can be knitted in the round, knitted as a long, skinny strip, or knitted as a short, wide one.
Explore the origins of kumihimo and dive deep into the possibilities of these beautiful braids.
Pattern · Spin Off
The knitting machine has the advantage of speed, leaving more time for spinning!
Article · Spin Off
Learn three ways to wind a center-pull ball of yarn using the nøstepinne.
Article · Spin Off
Discover a new approach to fractal spinning with a different fiber prep.
Article · Spin Off
This unfussy but elegant shawl features simple geometry, easy knitting, and stunning results.
Pattern · Spin Off
Requiring only a small amount of yarn, this adorable miniature sweater can be knit up in no time.
Pattern · Spin Off
Spin a yarn with slow color changes and use it to your advantage to create the mellow coordinating pin-loom–woven squares and triangles that make up the front of this pillow.
Pattern · Spin Off
Learn how to combine handspun yarns and textural elements to create a one-of-a-kind scarf that demands to be touched.
Pattern · Spin Off
