How To Fix Over-Spun Yarn

There's a particular frustration that comes from skeining off a bobbin only to find your yarn tightly twisted, wiry, and more like rope than the soft, flowing strand you envisioned. Over-spun yarn can make even the most vibrant fibre feel stiff and unyielding. Whether you're new to the wheel or a seasoned artisan perfecting your technique, the issue of over-twist is one many spinners encounter at some point.

Over-spun yarn doesn't just impact the way your skein looks; it can change the way your fabric behaves. From unwanted curl to snapping fibres, the effects ripple through every stage of your project. Thankfully, over-spinning is something you can fix and prevent with the proper knowledge, a little practice, and an appreciation for the tactile rhythm of spinning. In this guide, we'll explore the common causes of over-spin, how to correct it when it happens, and how to spin with greater balance in future sessions. Along the way, we'll point to some trusted tools from Thread Collective that support your journey to smooth, supple, and perfectly balanced yarn.

Understanding Over-Spun Yarn

To correct and avoid over-spun yarn, you first need to understand how twist influences your spinning. Twist is the foundation of yarn structure, too little and the yarn falls apart, too much and it becomes tight and unforgiving. Achieving the right balance ensures strength without sacrificing softness or drape.

What is Over-Spun Yarn?

Over-spun yarn occurs when excess twist is added during spinning. You might recognise it by its tight coils, wiry stiffness, or the way it kinks and curls when tension is released. It might snap when pulled, feel more like twine than yarn, and resist being worked into fabric.

While most over-spin is accidental, there are creative contexts where it's used intentionally, such as in crepe yarns or textured art yarns. The key is intention and control, not guesswork.

Common Signs of Over-Spinning

• Snarling or kinking when the yarn is relaxed
• A hard, rope-like texture
• Yarn that snaps easily when pulled
• Curling or spiralling in singles
• Difficulty during plying, with strands fighting each other
• Fabric that skews or curls post-finishing

These signs aren't just cosmetic—they can impact the structural integrity of your final yarn and its usability in knitting, crochet, or weaving.

Causes of Over-Spinning

Many factors contribute to over-spin, often working together. By troubleshooting your wheel settings, technique, and pace, you can reduce twist and create more balanced yarn.

Spinning Wheel Tension Issues

A common culprit is wheel tension. When the take-up tension is too low, yarn sits too long in the twist zone before being pulled onto the bobbin, absorbing more twist than intended.

Spinning wheel tension tips:

• Increase the tension slightly if the yarn is over-twisting.
• Use a wheel with easily adjustable tension, such as the Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel, which is great for maintaining control.
• Keep an eye on tension throughout your spinning session; as the bobbin fills, you may need to increase tension to maintain consistent take-up.

High Spinning Speeds

Faster ratios or excessive treadling can introduce more twist per inch than needed. While tempting to spin quickly, especially with eager energy, fast spinning often results in tight, overspun yarn unless matched with an equally fast drafting technique.

Try slowing your rhythm or switching to a slower ratio by choosing a different groove on your whorl (or switching whorls completely). The Ashford Kiwi 3 and the Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel offer variable speeds for precise control. Remember that the bigger grooves will lower the ratio, helping you slow your wheel, while the smaller ones will increase the ratio and therefore your speed.

Inconsistent Drafting Technique

Uneven drafting causes an irregular twist in your yarn. When your fibre supply fluctuates or your hands hesitate, some areas end up over-twisted while others are under-twisted. While this can be a creative choice for thick-and-thin yarns, it’s usually undesirable for smooth, even yarns. Over time, uneven drafting leads to inconsistent texture and tension.

The solution? Practice smooth, continuous drafting. Using well prepared roving, such as that by Ashford, and spinning regularly helps build muscle memory and improves evenness.

How Over-Spinning Affects Your Yarn

Beyond making the spinning process frustrating, over-spin compromises the function and appearance of the finished yarn and fabric.

Breakage and Rope-Like Texture

Excessive twist places pressure on fibres, especially delicate ones like alpaca or silk blends, leading to breakage. The result is a dense yarn with little elasticity or movement, more suitable for tying knots than wearing comfortably.

Skewed Fabric and Its Impact

Over-spun singles are prone to bias. When knitted or woven, this yarn causes fabric to twist, curve, or lose its intended structure. Scarves may spiral, and garments may drape unevenly. Even in weaving, over-spin can make the process of a shuttle through or beating the weft difficult or alter how yarn behaves under tension.

When Over Twist is Intentional

Some advanced techniques, like crepe yarns or energised singles, embrace over-twist creatively. These require knowledge of twist control and balance. If you're experimenting with this, ensure you're doing it with intention and not by accident.

Techniques to Correct Over-Spun Yarn

All is not lost if your yarn is already over-twisted. Several techniques can tame the twist and restore balance.

Re-Spinning in the Opposite Direction

One of the most effective ways to fix over-spun yarn is to run it back through your spinning wheel in the opposite direction. This untwists the yarn just enough to bring it back to balance.

Steps:

1. Mount your bobbin of over spun singles (or plied yarn) on a lazy kate. If you’ve already skeined your yarn off you can use a bobbin winder to wind it onto a bobbin or utilise a securely mounted yarn swift. Install an empty bobbin on your spinning wheel.
2. Feed it through your wheel, spinning in reverse.
3. Keep tension light and monitor the twist closely. You’ll likely need to move quickly so as not to remove too much twist.

Wheels like the Traditional Spinning Wheel by Ashford offer smooth, controlled spinning in both directions, ideal for this technique.

Using a Lazy Kate for Controlled Plying

Plying is another opportunity to tame over-spin, although it won't undo excessive twist completely. A tensioned Lazy Kate can help manage the energetic singles as you ply, preventing kinks and snarls. The Ashford Tensioned Lazy Kate is a favourite for managing lively singles with grace and ease. Try placing your Lazy Kate as far away from your wheel as possible to allow twist to distribute itself evenly along the yarn as you ply.

Preventing Over-Spinning in the Future

A mindful, informed approach can help you avoid overspin from the start. These habits will make your spinning more enjoyable and your yarn more balanced.

Monitoring Twist While Spinning

Don't wait until the bobbin's full to check your yarn. Perform a ply-back test regularly: let a length of single twist back on itself to simulate how it will behave when plied. If it looks and feels tight and kinky, you need to work to reduce the twist you’re adding.

Choosing the Right Wheel Ratios

Wheel ratios affect how much twist is added per treadle. Higher ratios add more twist, so use them cautiously to avoid over-twisting your yarn. A versatile wheel like the Schacht Matchless gives you the freedom to fine-tune your settings as your skills evolve.

Practising Mindful Spinning

Spinning isn't a race. Slow down and focus on building consistency in your drafting and treadling. Some spinners even dedicate "no-project" sessions purely for technique practice, an ideal time to relax into the flow of fibre and wheel.

Tools and Resources for Balanced Spinning

The right tools make spinning smoother and more enjoyable. These accessories can help you maintain yarn consistency and manage twist effectively.

Essential Spinning Accessories

• Lazy Kates for tangle-free plying
• Whorls for adjusting twist ratios
• Yarn Gauge to check your spin is consistent.

Thread Collective stocks all these tools, offering a curated selection of high-quality spinning supplies to suit all levels.

Recommended Spinning Wheels and Adjustments

Consider wheels like:

• Ashford Kiwi 3 Spinning Wheel – beginner-friendly with adjustable tension
• Traditional Spinning Wheel by Ashford – ideal for versatile and precise spinning
• Schacht Matchless Spinning Wheel – a professional-grade wheel with broad spinning ratios

These wheels support your spinning journey, whether you're creating your first skein or refining complex techniques.

Achieve Balance in Every Spin

Spinning yarn is an act of intention, rhythm, and skill. When twist becomes excessive, it can frustrate even the most experienced spinner, but with the right tools and awareness, you can restore balance and produce yarn that's both beautiful and functional. By understanding how over-spinning happens and learning how to correct it, you open the door to more satisfying, harmonious creations.

At Thread Collective, we believe in spinning as both art and meditation, where the joy lies in every draft and treadle. With a thoughtfully curated range of spinning wheels, whorls, and accessories, we're here to support your journey toward better, more balanced yarn. Explore our collection and equip yourself with the tools that bring both control and creativity to your craft.