Join us on a deep dive into the world of plied yarns! Often overlooked in the spinning process, too many spinners settle into a “blah” two-ply routine without ever examining the exciting possibilities just beyond their fingertips. In class, we’ll spin and ply a variety of yarn structures, including chain plying, cable yarns, boucle and crepe yarns, and two- and three-ply variations. We’ll also explore how the fiber has a radical impact on the finished look of plied yarns. Students will leave with a library of sample yarns ready to inspire their spinning for years to come. Spinning wheels will be available to borrow during class (please email info@northhouse.org to borrow), but students are welcome to bring their own.

Students should be able to independently spin yarn prior to class; spinners who are brand new to handspinning will struggle to keep up. This class is designed to teach intermediate techniques to students who have some experience with making yarn. It doesn’t have to be extensive or recent experience, and we’ll certainly recap the fundamentals together in class. Students who are a bit rusty, intrepid spindle spinners who would like to try out spinning on a wheel, and students who use an e-spinner are all an excellent fit for this class. If you have any questions, please reach out to instructor Riley Kleve via email (rkleve@northhouse.org).

This course is open to students ages 14+. Youth ages 12+ are welcome to register with an adult. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full-paying adult; call to register.

Required Tools

• No required tools.

Optional Tools

• Spinning wheel, spindle, or e-spinner you use at home, with at least four bobbins.
  • You might also find it helpful to bring any spinning tools you enjoy using at home, including a lap cloth, non-skid pad, a basket to contain your fiber as you work, and a niddy noddy.
• Spinning footwear of your choice: slippers, socks, or shoes with a soft sole are most common. Hard-soled shoes and sandals tend to be more difficult to spin in.
• Stool or chair you prefer to use while spinning
• Notebook and writing tool of your choice