Spin Off

Leftover balls of handspun yarn are the perfect medium for freeform weaving on a rigid-heddle loom. Photos by George Boe

Pretty in Pink Handspun Scarf

If you are a spinner who has balls of leftover yarn lying around, why not use them in your weaving? This little painterly scarf was inspired by a piece of vintage fabric Sally saw online.

Sally Papin

The author selected a shawl that forms a sweeping curl shape, which allows it to be worn in a variety of ways. All photos courtesy of Donielle Showvay

Your Finished Object: Rumpelstiltskin Shawl

Learn how one novice spinner overcame the challenges of drafting and spinning a combination of long silk fibers with shorter alpaca and camel fibers to create this beautiful striped shawl.

Donielle Showvay

Helix Scarf by Stephenie Gaustad. Photo by Joe Coca Photos by Joe Coca unless otherwise noted

A Little Gift: The Helix Scarf to Knit

Enjoy this free garter-stitch pattern with short-row ruffles—a quick knit using handspun yarn!

Spin Off Editorial Staff

To her surprise, the author discovered a few things she appreciates about working with Targhee. Photos by Deborah Held unless otherwise noted

Her Handspun Habit: Why Targhee Makes For Great Handspun, Handknitted Socks

I was sure I didn’t much like spinning Targhee, nor did I love knitting socks. That is, until I came across a pair of socks so sensational that they called into question whether I knew myself at all.

Deborah Held

Whether discovering new drafting or carding techniques, or delving into natural dyeing or visible mending, there’s no doubt that Spin Off readers love to learn new things! Photo by Matt Graves

Spin Off’s Top 10 Posts of the Year for 2023

We’ve rounded up a list of your favorite Spin Off posts of 2023—and what a varied list it is!

Spin Off Editorial Staff

Combining Columbia with a cabled-yarn construction yields a wonderfully round, supple yarn—perfect for knitting the plump cables in these Double-Cable Socks for Spinners by Kate Larson. Photo by George Boe

No More Excuses: Cast On a Pair of Handspun Socks

I’ve made dozens of pairs of handknitted socks, and I live by the motto, “Always have a pair on the needles.” But I have a confession: I’ve never knit a pair of handspun socks.

Elizabeth Prose

Left to right: The Fall Leaves Shawl and the Maple Leaf Shawl showcase autumn’s glorious colors. (Photo at left by Joe Coca; at right by Gina Geaudry)

Leafy Inspiration: Shawls to Share

Autumn is the perfect time to spin for a cozy shawl project to knit now or well into the winter season. These two beautiful fall-themed shawls will give you just the nudge you need.

Debbie Blair

Not sure what to do with all of your fun textured yarn? Esther has some ideas! Photos by George Boe

How to Knit with Art Yarn

Learn how to incorporate your handspun art yarns into your knitting with these expert tips—plus knit a darling purse!

Esther Rodgers

Esther believes that weaving is an amazing way to showcase art yarns. Photos by George Boe

3 Tips for Using Handspun Art Yarns as Warp

Creative handspinner Esther Rodgers is often asked how to use highly textured art yarns to showcase their best qualities. One of her favorite ways is weaving. Esther shares her tips for using art yarns as a warp. (Don’t think you can? Think again!)

Esther Rodgers

Anne Podlesak spun a Bluefaced Leicester/silk combo for her beautiful Handspun Lida Rose Socks. Photo by Joe Coca

Hows and Whys of Handspun Socks (plus an eBook full of patterns!)

What is the best sock yarn? Oh my, do spinners have opinions. Up your sock game with our new eBook collection.

Debbie Blair

Kate loves the stitch definition created with four-ply cabled yarns. Fiber: Ashford’s Merino/alpaca combed top. Photo by Kate Larson

Spin Off Submissions Summer 2024: Handspun Handknit

We’re celebrating the wide world of knitting in this summer’s Spin Off!

Kate Larson

Start your spinning in July and you’ll be able to finish several gifts just in time for the holidays! Photo by Matt Graves

5 Reasons to Start Making Handmade Gifts in July

We’ve all heard of Christmas in July, but it really is the the perfect time to start planning and working on those handmade gifts.

Anne Merrow