Matching Your Combs to Your Fiber

Last fall, author, spinner, and teacher Heavenly Bresser filmed a great combing course that she developed to help you build your wool combing skills. We can’t wait to share that course with you—it’s coming soon—but in the meantime, enjoy this great article about why you should make sure to match your combs to your fiber.

—Spin Off editors

Handspinners use wool combs for specific tasks that no other fiber processing tool can perform. When the goal is perfectly aligned fibers, wool combs have no equal. Although many tools are available for fiber preparation, combs are the best choice for producing a smooth, consistent top. The effectiveness of combing, however, depends on more than the tool alone.

Successful fiber processing relies on both proper technique and appropriate fiber selection. Understanding how to pair fibers with a set of hand combs is essential for learning how to use the tool safely and effectively. Sharp tines combined with unsuitable fibers can lead to wasted fiber, frustration, damaged tools, and even injury, making thoughtful fiber choice critical. Selecting suitable fibers ensures safer combing and higher quality results. Before choosing fiber, it is important to consider the combs themselves. No single comb is appropriate for all fiber types.