If you’ve ever worked with handspun yarn—or are thinking about it—you’ve probably wondered: Is there a plan for what this fluff will become? The truth? Sometimes yes, but often no.
For me, spinning yarn is more about the process than the product. The rhythmic hum of the spinning wheel, the tactile pleasure of the fiber slipping through my fingers, and the anticipation of how the colors will blend together are the reasons I spin. Sure, I love seeing the final product—whether it’s a cozy sweater or a woven scarf—but by the time the yarn is finished, I’m often already dreaming about the next fleece or hand-dyed fiber I’ll spin.
Still, the magic doesn’t stop at spinning. The real adventure begins when you start working with your handspun yarn. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way, which might help you as you embark on your own handspun projects.
1. Understanding Your Yarn’s Structure
When using commercial yarn, we often choose based on its thickness or weight, categorized as lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran, or bulky. With handspun yarn, determining the weight is a bit more hands-on.
I use a wraps per inch (WPI) tool—a simple ruler will do! Wrap the yarn around the ruler for one inch, count the wraps, and compare it to a WPI chart to find its weight.
The number of plies also affects the yarn’s thickness and structure. A two-ply yarn is versatile and works well for most projects, offering a balanced feel and good stitch definition. For sturdier projects, like socks or outerwear, a three-ply yarn provides more roundness and strength. Even the way you ply matters—traditional plies versus chain plies can change the drape, durability, and overall look of the finished project.
2. Swatching: Your Yarn’s Test Drive
Swatching might feel optional, but it’s incredibly informative, especially with handspun yarn.
A small swatch can reveal:
- Color changes: How do the hues transition from one to the next?
- Stitch definition: Will the yarn’s texture shine in cables or lacework?
- Drape: How does the fabric feel and move?
For knitters and crocheters, swatching helps you decide on patterns that highlight the yarn’s unique qualities. For weavers, a sampling step can help determine the fabric’s density (ends per inch) and ensure your yarn is suitable for the weave structure you have in mind.
3. Choosing Patterns or Weave Structures
When it comes to handspun yarn, the possibilities are endless. You can work with nearly any pattern—as long as you can match the required gauge.
Personally, I gravitate toward simple designs that let the yarn take center stage:
- Knitting: Garter stitch and stockinette stitch allow the natural variations in handspun yarn to shine.
- Crocheting: Simple, repetitive patterns enhance the yarn’s beauty without overwhelming it.
- Weaving: I’ve found that using handspun yarn as weft yarn in overshot patterns adds stunning texture and depth. For single-ply yarns, plain weave structures beautifully highlight the yarn’s natural striping, especially when it’s multicolored.
A great resource for selecting knitting or crochet patterns is Ravelry’s pattern browser. You can filter by yarn weight, yardage, and even specific attributes to find a project that fits your handspun perfectly.
The Journey of Handspun Yarn
Working with handspun yarn is more than just crafting—it’s an exploration of creativity and texture. Each skein holds a story, from the fiber it once was to the fabric it will become. And as much as I love the finished products, it’s the journey—the hours spent spinning, swatching, and creating—that brings me the most joy.
So, if you’ve been hesitant to use your handspun yarn, don’t wait! Embrace the process, experiment with patterns, and discover the magic hidden within each handmade skein.
Happy spinning—and even happier creating!
What’s your favorite way to use handspun yarn? Share your experience in the comments below!
