Introduction
Have you fallen in love with braids like so many of us, but wondered about the best ways to spin them? You can stop wondering and start feeling confident as you prep and spin your braids for your ideal yarn.
In this 5 Ways to Prep and Spin a Braid series, you'll learn five methods for spinning your handpainted braids to give you more control over color—whether you want bold stripes, blended colors, or anything between. Join us today to dive into one, two, or all five methods!
Get Instant Access to All 5 Lessons
What Do I Need to Get Started?
The best part about this series is that you only need one braid! By separating your braid into five similarly dyed chunks (watch the intro video below for details), you can get a ton of information about five different spinning styles and color outcomes.
To do all five lessons, you’ll need the following:
- 1 braid (approximately 4 oz.)
- Spinning wheel, e-spinner, or spindle
- 3 storage bobbins to hold singles
- Lazy kate or a way to hold bobbins for plying
- Handcards
Video Lessons
Shuffled Palette: Bonus Resources
- Re-watch the chain-plying video
- More ways to shuffle your palette
Fractal Ply: Bonus Resources
- Fractal spinning skill guide
- “The Fractal Stripe” article
- Fractals from blended tops article
- Course Exclusive Bonus: Wanderlust Hat knitting pattern
Marls: Bonus Resources
- More on How Color Blends in Your Yarn
- Course Exclusive Bonus: "Wearable Marls" article
Blended Plies: Bonus Resources
- Blending Experiments
- Course Exclusive Bonus: "Carding a True Netural" article
What's Next?
- Finish your samples and enter to win a prize or be featured in an upcoming issue of Spin Off. Learn more about entering.
What Spinners Are Saying
★★★★★ "I have wondered how to spin a braid to achieve different outcomes and this course clearly presents a variety of easily usable methods. The notes and references back to different articles is also very helpful." -Nolan B.
★★★★★ "I learned lots from this course and am in the hunt to do it again with another braid. Whether you are new or experienced you will find something useful. Highly recommend this!" -Anita B.
★★★★★ "This comparison is what I’ve been trying to find.... Now I have a rock solid starting point! Thank you. I’m taking a second braid and spinning it the same and weaving samples to compare." -Debra C.
★★★★★ "I absolutely LOVED this lesson by Kate Larson. She is the master of spinning. She is clear, concise, and clearly demonstrates all 5 of the techniques she is demonstrating. The lesson starts with just using the colors already on the braid, and as each technique unfolds, the fabric becomes more and more blended. These techniques will truly help you best maximize that beautiful braid that you bought. I am going to pull a braid from my stash right now and get started!! Very inspiring and instructional. " -Chelle C.
What Comes Next?
At the end of the video series, you’ll have five solid recipes to use for larger projects or adapt further as needed! Please send us photos anytime of your finished spins to spinoff@longthreadmedia.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine!
Plus! Complete all five samples, and you can enter here through June 30, 2026, for a chance to win a 1-year Spin Off All Access subscription and more.