Finishing Handspun Yarn: The Essential Techniques

Handspinning yarn is a rewarding and creative process, allowing spinners to produce unique, personalised fibres. Finishing handspun yarn is an essential step once the spinning is complete to achieve its final texture, appearance, and durability.

This guide will take you through the two most common finishing techniques, wet finishing and steam setting, to ensure your handspun yarn is perfect for your intended project.

Why Finish Handspun Yarn?

Finishing handspun yarn is an essential step in the spinning process, transforming raw, freshly spun yarn into a well-rounded, ready-to-use product. Here’s a closer look at why finishing is so crucial:

1. Set the Twist: Finishing helps to balance the twist in the yarn, which is crucial for its stability. Without proper finishing, the yarn can kink or unravel, affecting its performance in your projects. Setting the twist ensures that the yarn maintains its shape and behaves consistently.
2. Relax the Fibres: The finishing process allows the fibres to relax and expand, which is referred to as ‘blooming.’ This makes the yarn softer, fuller, and more comfortable to handle. It also helps the yarn achieve its final texture, whether you want it to be smooth, fluffy, or textured.
3. Clean the Yarn: Washing the yarn removes any residual oils, dyes, or debris left over from the spinning process. This not only cleans the yarn but also prepares it for dyeing or immediate use, ensuring that it doesn’t transfer unwanted residues to your finished project.
4. Enhance Durability: Proper finishing strengthens the yarn and enhances its durability. This is important because it helps the yarn withstand regular wear and washing, ensuring that your finished items remain in good condition over time.

Finishing handspun yarn is a vital process that addresses several important aspects, from balancing the twist to enhancing the yarn’s texture and durability. By investing time in proper finishing, you ensure that your handspun yarn is not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting.

Preparing Your Yarn

Before finishing your handspun yarn, you need to prepare it properly. This involves skeining, measuring, and weighing. Here’s a simpler breakdown of each step:

Skeining the Yarn

1. Use a Niddy-Noddy or Swift:

• Niddy-Noddy: A tool with two bars and vertical posts used to wind yarn into a skein. Wrap your yarn around it to create a looped bundle.
• Swift: A tool that holds the yarn while you wind it. It can be adjusted for different skein lengths and rotates to make winding easier.
• Skein Winder: A tool designed to wind yarns into skeins with ease, helping you avoid tangled yarns and having an unorganised yarn stash.

2. Create the Skein:

• Wind the Yarn: Wrap the yarn evenly around the niddy-noddy, skein winder, or swift, keeping the tension even to avoid tangles.
• Secure the Skein: Tie the skein in three to four places with scrap yarn in a figure of 8 to prevent it from tangling during finishing. Make sure the ties are not too tight so that water can move between strands and wool can bloom without restriction.
• Remove the Skein: Only remove the skein from the winder or niddy noddy when you have secured it with ties.

Measuring and Weighing

1. Measure Yardage:

• Before and After: It is wise to measure yardage before and after your chosen finishing process to understand how much that particular yarn/fibre shrinks/grows in finishing.
• Tools: Use a yarn balance, measuring tape or a yarn yardage counter. If using a measuring tape, simply take your skein and count how many strands you have. Then lay the skein flat without stretching it or having it too slack and measure that length (length of half of your skein of yarn). Multiply the number of strands by 2 and then multiply that number with the length measurement to get your approximate yardage.
• Record the Length: Write down the total yardage of your skein. This will help you determine how much yarn you have for your project.

2. Weigh the Skein:

• Use a Scale: Weigh your skein with a kitchen or postal scale to find out its weight.
• Note the Weight: Record the weight in grams or ounces. This helps you estimate how much yarn you have and is useful for planning your project.

3. Assess Yarn Properties:

• Check Consistency: Consistent yardage and weight, of traditionally spun yarns, indicate well-spun yarn.
• Record specifics: Take note of wraps per inch (yarn weight), twists per inch, spinning project specifics such as ratio spun at, fibre source etc. This helps make it easier to repeat your yarn.

Preparing your yarn by skeining, measuring, and weighing ensures it’s ready for the finishing process and helps you manage your yarn better for your projects.

Washing or Steaming and Setting the Twist

After skeining your yarn, the next crucial step is setting the twist which is usually done either by the process of steaming or wet finishing. These processes help stabilise the yarn, enhance its texture, and prepare it for use in your projects. Here’s how to properly set the twist in your handspun yarn:

Soaking

1. Fill a Basin: Use a generous amount of lukewarm water and add a gentle wool wash or mild soap. You want the yarn to have space to move around as it relaxes its twist.
2. Submerge the Yarn: Place your skein in the water, ensuring it is fully saturated. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes. This process helps relax the fibres and removes any residues.
3. Rinse: Gently rinse the yarn in clean, lukewarm water until all soap is removed.

Shocking

This step is not essential but is especially good for yarns that may benefit from a slight fulling/felting, such as single yarns or high-energy yarns.

1. Hot and Cold Baths: Prepare two basins, one with hot water and the other with cold water. Move the yarn between the two baths several times. This process shocks the fibres, helping them to bloom and set the twist.
2. Final Rinse: End with a rinse in cold water.

Steaming

This is an alternate option to soaking. It is particularly good for very delicate yarns or art yarns whose embellishments may become misshapen in a soaking process.

1. The easiest way to steam yarn is by hanging it on a coat hanger or hook and applying steam with a handheld steamer. Be sure to exercise caution when using steam. Move the steamer around to ensure the entire skein is evenly steamed. When you notice the yarn relax and stop shifting and changing, it is typically done. If you don't have a handheld steamer you may wish to use a kettle or hang your skein above a saucepan of boiling water.

Thwacking

This step is a personal preference. You may wish to avoid it for yarns you'd like to keep sleek or attempt it for those you may wish to make a little more "woolly."

1. Remove Excess Water: Squeeze out the water without wringing the yarn.
2. Snap and Thwack: Hold the skein by one end and snap it sharply. Then, thwack the skein against a hard surface. This helps open up the fibres and can add loft and bounce to the yarn.

By carefully washing and setting the twist, you ensure that your yarn will be smooth, evenly twisted, and ready for any project you have in mind. This step finalises your yarn's preparation, making it perfect for use and enhancing its overall quality.

Drying the Yarn

Once your yarn has been washed and the twist has been set, the next step is drying. Proper drying is essential to maintain the yarn’s shape, texture, and overall quality. Here’s how to effectively dry your handspun yarn:

Hanging

1. Hang the Skein: Hang your skein on a clothes hanger or drying rack in a well-ventilated area.
2. Weighting (Optional): Beware that this will hide the twist/energy of your yarn and that energy will come back when exposed to moisture. It is handy to "block" your yarn in this way if you've deliberately spun energetic singles and want to make them more manageable to work with. Simply add a small weight to the bottom of the skein while it dries. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much weight can stretch the yarn.

Blocking

1. Lay Flat: For delicate yarns and certain art yarns, lay the skein flat on a towel to dry. Roll it in the towel and press to remove excess water before laying it out.
2. Shape the Yarn: Gently shape the skein to ensure it dries evenly and maintains its structure.

Proper drying helps preserve the yarn’s qualities and prepares it for its intended use. By following these drying techniques, you ensure that your handspun yarn is in optimal condition and ready to be transformed into beautiful and functional creations.

Evaluating the Finished Yarn

After finishing your handspun yarn, it's important to evaluate its quality and characteristics to ensure it meets your expectations. This final assessment helps you understand how the yarn will perform in your projects and allows you to make any necessary adjustments before use. Here’s how to effectively evaluate your finished yarn:

Checking Balance

1. Twist Test:

• Examine the Twist: Hold a section of the yarn and let it hang freely. A well-balanced yarn should hang straight with no minimal twisting. This indicates that the twist has been properly set and the yarn is stable.

2. Gauge and Texture:

• Create a Swatch: Knit or crochet a small swatch to see how the yarn behaves and feels. This will give you insight into the yarn’s texture, drape, and overall performance in your chosen project.

Assessing Quality

1. Check Consistency:

• Inspect for Uniformity: Look for consistent thickness and texture throughout the skein. Evenness in the yarn is a sign of good spinning technique and finishing.

2. Evaluate Softness and Elasticity:

• Feel the Yarn: Assess the yarn's softness and elasticity. These qualities will affect how the yarn feels against the skin and how it performs in your finished piece.

By thoroughly evaluating your finished yarn, you ensure that it is ready for use and meets the standards required for your projects. This final check guarantees that your yarn will provide the best possible results, making your handspun creations both beautiful and functional.

Remeasure and Weigh

1. Re-Assess: After you have finished, follow the steps outlined earlier to remeasure and assess your yarn. Note down any differences.
2. Plan Your Projects: Knowing the yardage and weight helps you choose patterns and designs that match the amount of yarn you have.

Storing Finished Yarn

Proper storage of your finished yarn is essential to keep it in the best condition and ready for use. How you store your yarn can impact its longevity and quality, ensuring it remains free from damage or deterioration. Here’s how to store your handspun yarn effectively:

Skeins

1. Store in a Cool, Dry Place:

• Keep your skeins in a breathable bag or box to protect them from moisture and pests. A cool, dry environment is ideal for preserving the yarn’s quality.
• Store your yarn away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and weaken the fibres over time.
• Label your yarns so that you know their specific details, including information such as fibre content, WPI, dye/natural, and yardage.

2. Preventing Moisture and Pests:

• Ensure the storage area is free from humidity to prevent mould or mildew growth.
• Store yarn in a container that prevents access by insects or rodents, which could damage the fibres.
• Utilise natural or chemical deterrents to keep pests at bay.

Cakes and Balls

1. Rewind for Use:

• If you plan to use the yarn soon, you can wind it into cakes or balls. This helps prevent tangling and makes it easier to work with. Yarn is best stored in skein form if not being used immediately.
• Even if wound into cakes or balls, keep the yarn in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight.

2. Maintain Yarn Integrity:

• Ensure that the yarn is not compressed or under pressure in storage, as this can affect its texture and appearance.

Proper storage of your finished yarn helps maintain its quality and prepares it for future use. By keeping it in a suitable environment and protecting it from potential damage, you ensure that your handspun yarn remains in excellent condition and ready for your next creative project.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Handspun Yarn

Even with careful preparation and finishing, handspun yarn can sometimes present challenges. Understanding common issues and knowing how to address them ensures your yarn remains in top condition and performs well in your projects.

Over-twisted Yarn

1. If you haven't yet set the twist: You've made a skein and the yarn is full of pigtails and seems too tightly twisted. Put the yarn on a swift or wind into a ball to put back through your spinning wheel in the opposite direction to take some twist out.
2. Already soaked the yarn? Re-soak and dry: Soak the skein again and let it dry without weight or with a very lightweight to help relax the twist.
3. Steam blocking: Hold the yarn over steam from an iron or kettle and gently stretch it to relax the twist.

Under-twisted Yarn

1. Re-spin: If the yarn is severely under-twisted, you can run it back through the spinning wheel or spindle to add more twist.
2. Ply Tighter: Consider plying the yarn with more twist if it’s a plied yarn.

Uneven Yarn

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Uneven yarn is often a result of inconsistent spinning. Practice will help improve consistency.
2. Embrace the Unique Texture: Handspun yarns have a character that commercial yarns lack. Embrace the uniqueness of your creation.

Addressing common issues with handspun yarn helps ensure that your final product is of high quality and ready for use. By understanding how to troubleshoot problems, you can correct any imperfections and fully enjoy the benefits of your handspun creations.

Enhance Your Handspinning Journey

Finishing handspun yarn is a vital step that transforms your spun fibre into a beautiful, ready-to-use product. Through careful washing, setting the twist, drying, and evaluating, you ensure that your yarn is not only functional but also meets your expectations for texture, consistency, and quality. This final preparation makes your yarn suitable for any project, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique qualities that handspun yarn brings to your creations.

Embrace the process and the distinctive charm of your handspun yarn, and if you’re eager to expand your skills, explore our other free guides to learn more about spinning techniques and fibre preparation!