Skip to content

☰

Search
Library (opens in a new tab)
Account
Subscribe
Help (opens in a new tab)

What would you like to do?

Read the latest
See picks for you
Browse back issues
Find a pattern (opens in a new tab)
Take a workshop (opens in a new tab)

Explore Spin Off

Patterns & More
Learn
Resources
Events
Shop
For Subscribers

Library (opens in a new tab)
Patterns & More
Learn
Resources
Events
Shop
For Subscribers
More
- Newsletter (opens in a new tab)
- Help Center (opens in a new tab)

Loading the latest stories…

Need a hand?

Our customer service team can help with access, subscriptions, and the Library.

Help Center
1-888-480-5464
Email support

Newsletter

Get Spin Off in your inbox

New projects, techniques, and stories, delivered free. Unsubscribe anytime.

Company

More from Spin Off

Index
Corrections/Errata
Knitting & Crochet Abbreviations
Submissions and Editorial Calendar
Subscribe
Shop
Find a Retailer

Customer Support

Help/FAQ
1-888-480-5464
Email Customer Service

About

About Spin Off
About Long Thread Media
Farm & Fiber Knits
Little Looms
Handwoven
PieceWork
Podcast

Business

Media Kit / Advertise
Become a Retail Partner
Join Affiliate Program

© 2026 Long Thread Media

Privacy
Terms of Use
Fulfillment Policy

Loading search…

Search Spin Off

Apply

Type

Articles40
Videos
Authors
Library items

By author

Kate Larson7
Spin Off Editorial Staff4
Deb Gerish3
Anne Merrow2
Deborah Held2
Amy Clarke Moore2

Library item type

eBook6
Course3
Article/Tutorial1

Published

All time
Past year
Past 5 years

The archive

Search inside issues

Adds complete back issues from the Spin Off archive to your results.

Showing 33–52 of 52 results for “fiber prep”

ArticleSafety First! 4 Tips for Preparing Fiber for Spinning Without Hurting YourselfWhen we’re caught up in color blending with our combs and handcarders, we rarely stop to think how sharp our spinning tools really are—until we get poked. Ouch! In this excerpt from the Fall 2018 issue of Spin Off, contributor Mary Egbert shares these
ArticleSpinning Basics: MinicombsMinicombs are handheld tools with one or two rows of tines and are used for creating a worsted or semiworsted yarn.

Article

Wool Basics: What is Grease?

Have you ever stopped to wonder what is grease? Spinning terms can often lead to confusion, even for the seasoned handspinner.

ArticleWaste Not! No Fiber Left BehindSpinners accumulate a lot of fiber—not stash, but bits of surplus fiber from processing. Here are Heavenly’s tool-free tips for turning your leftovers into textured yarn.

ArticleTool Profile: DrumcarderA drumcarder is a fiber preparation tool used for aligning fiber, blending, and creating batts.

ArticleUse a Blending Board for Rolags and MoreWhether you prefer smooth and subtle or funky and chunky blends, the blending board can produce a variety of fiber preparations. Here’s Deborah Held with more.

Article4 Ways to Perfect Your Cotton PrepAre you challenged by cotton spinning? Improving your fiber preparation can make all the difference.

ArticleFree Resources for Carding and Combing FiberCarding is a process of brushing clean fibers over opposing sets of short wire teeth to open and separate the fibers into a uniform mass to open, separate, and straighten the fibers.

ArticleFor subscribersTry a New Silk Prep: Kim McKenna’s Tussie MussieStruggling with silk slivers? Add this easy technique to your spinner’s toolbox.

ArticleOdd Handspinning Terms: Carding & Combing EditionWe’re back with another batch of odd handspinning terms—some you’ll know and others may surprise you! Let’s explore carding and combing wool.

ArticleFor subscribersWillowing Wool: Building Community by Sharing the WorkRiley Kleve discovered that an old way of fiber preparation can also build new friendships.

ArticleSpin Off Submissions Fall 2025: Prep by HandPreparing fiber “by hand” often relies on our trusty tools. Combs, hackles, flickers, and beyond—tell us what’s in your toolbox.

ArticleFelting Fiber Free Guide: How to Prepare and Felt Fiber and YarnLearn everything you need to know about felting fiber in this exclusive, FREE eBook that includes expert tips on preparing and felting fiber and yarn.

ArticleFree Guide to Wool Combing and CardingThis free guide to wool combing and carding provides expert tips on using hand carders, wool combs and drum carders to prepare your fiber for spinning.

ArticleAnatomy of Carding Cloth: Dissecting the Past, Present, and FutureA foundation cloth covered in bent metal teeth seems such a simple technology, but we continue to find new ways to make use of it in our fiber-prep pursuits! Roy Clemes helps us take a closer look at carding cloth and how it is made.

ArticleGet to Know Your Spinning Fiber: SamplingSampling a new-to-you spinning fiber provides valuable information about what your finished handspun yarn will look like. Devin shares why this extra step is worth the effort.

ArticleThe Great Fleece MakeoverDon’t let a funky look fleece keep you from the secrets within! Emonieiesha shares how to find the fabulous fiber hiding inside.

ArticleHer Handspun Habit: What Is Your Handspun Yarn Telling You?We all know that a skein of handspun yarn is made up of more than just fiber. Other elements count, too: the preparation, the color, the tools and how they’re used, and the ever-important mood of the handspinner.

ArticleDiz and Blending Board! A Smooth Prep TutorialHave you ever dizzed fiber off a blending board? Check out Kim McKenna’s method for creating a smooth, blended prep.

ArticleFor subscribersThe Fractal Stripe: One Method for Controlling the Striping of Painted RovingOften, spinners are mystified about predicting what the colors of their fiber will do when spun. If you take the time to analyze how to prepare and spin the fiber, you can control the resulting yarn.

Page 2 of 2

1
2