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Is cotton difficult to spin? Well, that depends. If you were learning to spin back in the late '70's when I was, then yes. That's when all the spinning books were telling us that cotton wasn't easy to spin. Some of those books are still instilling doubts about spinning cotton. Don't you believe it!
But that was then and this is now. Spinning wheels now have much better ratios that allow you to spin cotton with more twist (the secret to successful cotton spinning) with less effort. When I first learned to spin cotton I was lucky if I could find a farmer willing to pull a few handfulls off his bale. Now there are so many different fiber preparations (see Cotton Primer to right) that there is a cotton prepared just right for your spinning level or experience. Back then all I had was white short staple cotton that made spinning tedious. Over the years I've been able to source quality longer staple cotton fibers not only in white but shades of naturally grown browns and greens. Is cotton spinning easy? You bet 'ya! With better wheels and a greater variety of fiber preparations and longer staple fibers, cotton spinning is just like anything else: Keep your mind open to the possibilities and give it a try! We guaranteed your success! How's that? Give me a call (1-800-322-7888) or email me to answer any of your cotton spinning questions. Surely my 33 year love affair with spinning cotton will rub off on yours!
Not a spinner but still interested in making your own cotton yarns? Our All About Cotton Spinning kit is the perfect introduction to spinning cotton, even if you've never spun before. It has everything you need to get your hands on the tools (supported Tahkli spindle), the how-to's (illustrated, step-by-step instructions) and cotton fibers (6 ounces of a variety of cottons to give it a try). Our Deluxe Edition includes a DVD showing you how to spin cotton with the Tahkli spindle.
Click Here to watch how I spin cotton on my tahkli.
It's a great way to make your own cotton yarns for knitting, weaving or crochet. Imagine wearing your own handspun, handknit 100% cotton socks! Now that's something to aim for!
Have fun spinning cotton!
Irene & Jodi
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Cotton Spinning Tips
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We'd love to have you join our discussion on I SPIN COTTON , our Ravelry group. Ask us a question, post your latest handspun yarns and/or projects or just sit back and enjoy the commentary.
We love cotton and know that you do too! This is a great way to learn more. | | |
At Cotton Clouds, we strive to make your shopping experience hassle-free by providing you with quick links from yarns, to patterns to kits and great color choices to fit almost every taste and style.
If you can't find something you are looking for, be sure to give us a call at 1-800-322-7888 or email me with your question or request. | |
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From Seed to Sliver
We Make Cotton Spinning Easy!
- We'll show you how to choose the cotton fiber preparation that's right for you!
- Spin right from the boll; off the seed or from ginned cotton; make your own punis or try hand-made ones from India; for a more refined yarn use commercially combed or carded sliver.
- We offer the largest selection of white Acala, creamy Pima, Supima and Easy-to-Spin cotton, naturally colored browns, greens, and two-tone colors.
- Our All About Cotton Spinning kit gives you everything you need to start spinning: supported Tahkli spindle, variety of cotton fibers and step-by-step illustrated instructions.
- Click Here to watch me spin cotton on my Tahkli supported spindle
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Cotton Primer
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus gossipium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal.
Click on any image for more information. Click Here for complete fiber listing.
Cotton Boll
The purest form of cotton spinning fibers, untouched by ginning machines that tend to tear the fiber, thus making them a shorter staple. Spin off the boll.
Ginned Cotton
Cotton with the seed removed. Can be spun with or without hand carding. We select the very best grade Pima and Acala cotton right from our local gin.
Supima Sliver
Supima is a registered trademarked cotton, assuring the longest staple Pima cotton. We offer either combed or carded sliver that is a dream to spin.
Easy-to-Spin Sliver
Especially grown and processed with the handspinner in mind to keep the natural crimp in the fibers, making this an easier cotton to spin.
Naturally Colored Cotton Sliver
Ancient cotton grew in shades of brown and green until agribusiness bred out the color for uniformity in dyeing. Specially developed for a longer staple and richer shades of brown, green and mulitcolor.
Hand-Dyed Supima Sliver
Chasing Rainbow Dyeworks, known for their rich, sophisticated colors hand dyes our quality Supima carded sliver in a rainbow of colors.
Handmade in India from a quality cottonthat spins easily on any spindle or wheel although they are designed for the Indian Charkha spinning wheel. Saves time and expense of using hand carders.
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