How to Avoid Common Plying Mistakes (and How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

Plying is the final step in spinning that transforms your singles into strong, balanced, and usable yarn. It’s a bit like pairing up dance partners. They move together smoothly when done well, but you might end up with a tangled mess when things go wrong. Even experienced spinners can encounter common plying issues like uneven tension, over- or under-twisting, and tangled singles. The good news? Practically every mistake can be repaired with a bit of know-how.

Why Plying Matters in Handspun Yarn

Understanding twist direction and tension is key to achieving the perfect balance in your final skein. A balanced yarn won’t twist back on itself, which helps prevent fabric bias when knitted, woven, or crocheted into garments. Plying plays a crucial role in this balance by distributing the twist more evenly, resulting in a more uniform yarn. Additionally, plying adds loft to the yarn—plied yarns are lighter and have more loft than singles. If you're aiming for art or textured yarns, such as boucle or spiral plied yarns, plying is an essential step that requires careful attention.

If you’ve ever noticed your yarn curling back on itself, feeling rigid, overly twisted, or weak, it’s likely due to plying issues. Getting the plying process right ensures that your yarn is not only visually appealing but also durable and functional.

Essential Tools for Successful Plying

The right tools can make all the difference in achieving smooth, even plied yarn. Here are some must-haves for plying success:

Bobbins and Bobbin Storage

Keeping your singles neat and organized is essential for a smooth spinning experience. Large-capacity bobbins, such as the Ashford Jumbo Bobbins, make it easier to ply longer lengths of yarn without the need to frequently stop and change bobbins. To accommodate these larger bobbins, you may need to use additional flyers, which are available for many popular spinning wheels, including those by Schacht and Ashford. Be sure to select bobbins that are fully compatible with your spinning wheel to ensure both efficient yarn storage and smooth plying.

Lazy Kates and Their Setup

A lazy kate is essential for securely holding your bobbins and ensuring that the singles feed off smoothly. If your singles are unravelling too quickly or tangling, a tensioned lazy kate can help regulate the speed and provide better control. Reliable options include the Ashford Tensioned Lazy Kate and the Schacht Lazy Kate. Be sure to check the dimensions of your bobbins to ensure a proper fit with your chosen lazy kate.

While many modern spinning wheels feature built-in lazy kates—great for storage and perfect for those who travel or work in tight spaces—they may not be as optimal as an off-wheel lazy kate. The added distance between the wheel and the lazy kate allows the twist to regulate more evenly over a longer length, resulting in a more consistent and balanced final ply.

Spinning Wheels and Drop Spindles

Your choice of plying tool, whether a wheel or a spindle, affects your control and consistency. Spinning wheels like the Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel, Schacht Sidekick Spinning Wheel, or the new Louët Jenn e-Spinner provide smooth and efficient plying. For those with large quantities of plying you might like to opt for an Ashford Jumbo e-spinner which can enable you to ply a sweater quantity onto one bobbin. If you prefer spinning with spindles, the Ashford Top Whorl Spindle and Schacht Drop Spindles are wonderful options to ply onto.

Mistake 1: Uneven Tension During Plying

The Problem

Uneven tension results in lumpy, inconsistent yarn. This issue often arises when the singles don’t feed evenly from the bobbins, when the angle at which you hold the singles varies, or if your treadling speed is inconsistent.

How to Fix It

• Use a tensioned lazy kate to control the rate at which the singles unwind, ensuring an even feed.
• Maintain a steady treadling rhythm to keep the twist consistent.
• Regularly check that the singles are feeding evenly and adjust the positioning of your bobbins if necessary.
• Pay close attention to the angle at which the singles meet and strive to maintain this angle throughout the plying process.

Mistake 2: Over-Twisted or Under-Twisted Yarn

The Problem

Excessive twist makes the yarn stiff and coiled, while insufficient twist leads to weak, unstable yarn that can break easily.

How to Fix It

• Perform a ply-back test: Let a short length of yarn relax and observe if it’s balanced or curling. This will help you assess if the twist is just right.
• Adjust your treadling speed: Slow down for less twist, and speed up for more twist.
• Experiment with your wheel’s drive ratio to fine-tune the amount of twist. To increase twist, try using a smaller whorl to raise the ratio. Conversely, switch to a larger whorl if you need to reduce the twist and achieve a more balanced yarn.

Mistake 3: Singles Tangling or Breaking

The Problem

Tangling or breaking singles during plying can be both frustrating and disruptive. This often occurs when singles are over-spun, when tension isn't properly managed, or when insufficient twist was added during the spinning process.

How to Fix It

• If you're intentionally creating a high-twist yarn, use a tensioned lazy kate to keep the singles feeding at a controlled pace.
• Keep the singles slightly separated while plying to prevent them from twisting around each other prematurely.
• If a single breaks, overlap the broken ends slightly and add extra twist to securely join them together.

If you find the twist to be unintentionally too much or too little, step back from plying and adjust as follows:

• For a high-twist single, run it back through the wheel in the opposite direction to reduce the twist.
• For a low-twist yarn, add more twist by running it back through the wheel in the same direction it was spun.

In both cases, perform ply-back tests to ensure the twist is now balanced and meets your desired outcome.

Mistake 4: Poor Yarn Balance After Plying

The Problem

A balanced yarn should hang loosely without twisting back on itself. If your finished skein twists when hung, it may be over-plied or under-plied.

How to Fix It

• Test the balance by hanging a freshly plied skein in a loop. If it twists, it's a sign you need to adjust your plying technique.
• To correct over-plying, run the yarn through the wheel in the opposite direction with minimal tension to release some of the excess twist.
• For under-plied yarn, add more twist by running it back through the wheel in the same direction as your original plying.

Finally, set your yarn by soaking it in warm water, gently snapping it to release any tension, and then hanging it to dry with light tension to ensure it maintains its balance.

Pro Tips for Better Plying Results

For successful yarn plying, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Ply a small test skein first: This allows you to see how the final yarn will behave before committing to the entire batch, ensuring you're on the right track.
• Keep notes on your settings: Record your treadling speed, wheel ratio, and fibre type. This will help you pause and restart plying with the same settings, ensuring consistency in your yarn and making it easier to recreate the same yarn in the future.
• Relax your singles before plying: Let your singles sit for a day or two to release excess energy. This helps make plying smoother and more manageable.
• Trust your hands and eyes: Pay attention to how the twist feels and watch how the plies interact. Over time, you'll develop an instinct for when the yarn is just right.

Final Thoughts on Mastering the Art of Plying

Plying is a skill that improves with practice. Even the most seasoned spinners occasionally end up with over-twisted or under-plied yarn, but each skein is a lesson in understanding fibre, twist, and balance. Embrace the learning process, enjoy the journey, and remember that even a so-called “mistake” can lead to unexpected creative possibilities.

Explore the tools at Thread Collective to support your spinning adventures, and keep spinning with confidence!