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Hand spun yarn is a traditional fiber made from wool. On your journey to self-sufficiency, knowing how to make your own textiles is a killer skill.
But even if you’re not interested in spinning it yourself, there are plenty of good reasons to look for it when shopping for yarn.
As more and more people look for new ways to include sustainability in their lives, one of the main obstacles is the mass production of goods. Compared to machine-spun wool, which can be produced in large quantities, hand-spun yarn requires time and attention.
Keep reading to find out why hand-spun yarn is better for you and the environment.
Contents
What is hand spun yarn?
Hand spinning has been around for centuries and probably started in the Islamic world in the 10th century. It quickly spread throughout Asia and then into the western world from there.
In the Middle Ages, hand-spun wool was a valuable commodity traded in Europe and parts of Asia. When the Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century, this traditional spinning method was replaced by machine-spun textiles.
Machine spinning saved people a lot of time, especially women, and made clothing more affordable for everyone. But there are too many good things, and now people are concerned about the amount of waste created by cheap disposable clothes.
Additionally, so-called fast fashion sometimes involves a workforce that works in horrible conditions and for low pay.
Lately there has been an increased interest in hand spinning as people want to reclaim this lost art form and create their own clothes, objects and other projects. Homesteaders want to create textiles that will last for generations and not be thrown away after a few uses.
Differences between machine spinning and hand spinning
Machine-spun yarn is much faster to produce, but it also creates more uniform patterns, making it ideal for creating tons of similar bulk items.
On the other hand, each skein of hand spun yarn has a unique texture and appearance. Handmade products inherently carry their maker’s mark in small and different ways. No two skeins of hand spun yarn are the same.
Hand-spun yarn takes a lot of time, but the final look is full of little details that make it special.
Beyond the unique details left by the artisan, wool has varying textures and colors and will look different depending on the amount of dye absorbed.
Commercial wool has usually been bleached and rendered to look alike. Variants are rare.
Advantages of hand spun wool
In my opinion, one of the reasons why hand spun wool is better than machine spun wool is that you get a more authentic texture from the wool. It looks and feels like the natural material it is.
Machine-spun wool somewhat loses its unique look. If you want to make a woolen blanket or sweater that looks handmade or special, it’s best to use hand-spun wool.
Also, someone who has been spinning yarn for a while knows how to handle different fibers and bring out their qualities. It’s something a machine can’t do.
There are of course some downsides to choosing hand spun yarn.
You can’t jump straight into spinning fiber and expect it to be perfect. Like any hobby, you need to take the time to learn your craft. You can find plenty of videos online or take a beginner’s course to learn the basics.
Or check out our beginner’s guide to turning wool into yarn.
Then there is the start-up cost.
To start spinning yarn by hand, you will need a spinning wheel and spindles, at the bare minimum. Try different spinning wheels before you buy to see what works best for you.
Prepare for the difficulty of pedaling. Many beginners find it difficult to maneuver the pedals and the wheel. After a little practice, you will be able to master the technique.
So here are six great reasons to use hand spun yarn.
1. You are in control
Sometimes when you buy yarn in a store or online, you don’t know what it will feel like when you have it in your hands while knitting or crocheting. You can’t be sure it will work for your project until you start.
Then it can take hours to really get a feel for the yarn and how it works.
Spinning your own yarn is the best way to get to know your yarn. Before you even begin your project, you already know the texture, colors, firmness (or lack thereof), and shape of your yarn.
Also, you are responsible for how loose, tight, thick or thin your thread is.
2. Color customization
Not only can you control the fibers while spinning, but you can then dye the yarn to match your dream color scheme!
One of the best things about making hand spun yarn is having a collection of bright or muted colors in your craft room. You can choose exactly what you want to make and in what quantity.
For example, if you want a simple, neutral white color, you can keep a stash of natural yarn. Alternatively, you can use dip-dye and tie-dye techniques to create whimsical designs for sweaters or socks.
The color options are endless with hand spun yarn, so let your dyeing run wild!
3. Ethically sourced materials
There’s something magical about using animal wool from Happy Animals in your spinning wheel. If you don’t own sheep, you can usually find local farms that supply wool to artisans. Industrial wool is often produced from animals kept in cramped and miserable conditions.
But farmed wool usually comes from happy, well-cared-for animals, whether you raise them yourself or find a trusted farmer nearby.
Plus, unlike machine-spun wool, you can find amazing options at local farms that supply unique fibers from their animals.
You can use sheep, but many people like alpaca fiber or mohair from Angora goats. You can try all the different fibers until you find your favorite.
4. Support small businesses
Buy hand spun yarn to support your local economy and invest in small businesses. Even if you don’t decide to make handspun yarn yourself, you can find artists who create amazing handspun yarn.
Of course, hand-spun yarn costs more than acrylic, so be prepared to pay more for those fibers. This is the cost of withdrawing from the industrial economy. If you have the budget to buy this natural yarn, it’s much better for the environment and the local economy.
Or do it yourself!
You can also buy hand-spun yarn from around the world, which opens up new opportunities for vendors and artisans to sell their wares.
Alternatively, you can request skeins of hand spun yarn for your birthday or other special occasion if that’s out of your budget, so you can try making them with this beautiful yarn!
5. Connect with like-minded people
More people are making yarn by hand because it’s accessible to learn and you can connect with a community of like-minded people. The online space offers hundreds of tutorials and lessons for learning a new trade.
But you can usually find a tight-knit community of individuals exploring the craft who are happy to share their knowledge.
You can find like-minded yarn enthusiasts in your area or join an online community to make new friends in the hand spinning community.
If you live on a rural farm away from a city, consider starting a craft business and selling your yarn to other creatives. Or you can create projects and start selling them on platforms like Etsy.
Hand-spun yarn opens up many new opportunities!
6. A new wave of creative designers
Like minimalism and slow life movements, hand-spun yarn helps people reconnect with their traditions. Making time for old-school hobbies that take us away from technology is vital for our mental health and well-being.
Plus, the repetitive motion and hand-rotating activity is great for calming your nerves and dealing with mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
When you create a garment or other decorative household item using hand-spun yarn, you experience a sense of purpose that you don’t get from a machine-made product.
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