How to Weave with Handspun Yarn

Handspun yarn has a magic all its own. Every skein carries the story of the maker's hands, the rhythm of the wheel, the choices in fibre and twist, the organic variation in thickness and colour. It's this personal, artisanal quality that makes weaving with handspun so rewarding. Yet, as many weavers discover, those same unique traits can present challenges: variable thickness, inconsistent twist, and delicate spots that need extra care.

This guide is here to help you turn those challenges into creative opportunities. We'll explore how to prepare your yarn, choose the right project, select the best tools, and apply weaving techniques that highlight the beauty of handspun. By the end, you'll feel confident and inspired to let your handspun shine in everything from functional textiles to art pieces.

At Thread Collective, we believe in celebrating slow, mindful making, and handspun yarn is the embodiment of that philosophy. Let's explore how you can bring it to life on your loom.

Why Use Handspun Yarn in Weaving?

Handspun yarn brings individuality and tactile richness to woven textiles. No two skeins are ever the same, making each project a one-of-a-kind expression of creativity.

The Beauty and Uniqueness of Handspun Fibres

From subtle shifts in colour to lively, thick-and-thin textures, handspun yarn captures the essence of the fibres used. It may carry the soft halo of alpaca, the springy resilience of Corriedale, or the silky sheen of blended fibres. These natural variations give woven pieces depth and personality that machine-spun yarns can't replicate.

Benefits of Incorporating Handspun into Projects

Handspun yarn can transform a simple weave into something rich and dimensional. Fibres like Malabrigo Nube roving or Corriedale Sliver Sampler Packs are ideal starting points for spinning yarns with character that's perfect for weaving. By weaving with yarn you've spun yourself, you connect more deeply to your craft and create truly personalised textiles.

Preparing Handspun Yarn for Weaving

Before your handspun makes its debut on the loom, it's worth taking time to assess and prepare it for the demands of weaving.

Assessing Yarn Strength and Durability

Perform a snap test to ensure your yarn holds under light tension. Yarns that are weaker or less tightly spun tend to work best as weft, where they experience less strain. Conversely, strong, tightly spun yarns are ideal for warp threads, which must withstand more tension during weaving. If your warp yarn feels too delicate, you can add more twist by running it back through your spinning wheel. For this purpose, we especially love the Schacht Flatiron Spinning Wheel, which offers fast spinning ratios, excellent for production spinning large quantities of yarn with plenty of twist, suited for weaving

Evaluating Thickness and Consistency

Handspun yarns often have charming irregularities. Thick-and-thin textures add visual interest but also influence how the fabric weaves. Consistent yarns can be used confidently as warp, while more uneven yarns often shine as weft. For those wishing to weave with art yarns or variable-sized yarns as warp, specialised tools like a Rigid Heddle Loom Vari Dent Weaving Reed can be employed to accommodate their unique characteristics.

Setting Twist for Stability

After spinning your yarn, wash and finish it to set the twist. This step relaxes the twist, reduces bias, and ensures stability on the loom.

Choosing the Right Weaving Project for Handspun Yarn

Matching the yarn to the project is key to showing off its best qualities.

Best Project Types for Variegated and Textured Yarns

Simple-structure projects like Simple structures such as plain-weave scarves, wraps, or wall hangings, allow the yarn’s texture and colour to take centre stage. Highly textured or multicoloured handspun can lose its impact when used in complex patterns. plain-weave scarves, wraps, or wall hangings let the yarn speak for itself. Highly textured or multicoloured handspun can lose impact in complex patterns.

Matching Handspun Characteristics to Project Goals

Soft singles work beautifully for drapey pieces like shawls, while firmer, plied yarns lend themselves well to functional items such as cushion covers or table runners.

Selecting Loom and Equipment

The right loom and accessories can make weaving with handspun smoother and more enjoyable.

Recommended Loom Types for Handspun Yarn

For beginners, a Schacht Cricket Rigid Heddle Loom is forgiving, portable, and perfect for exploratory weaving with handspun. If you're working with more consistent yarns and want to try pattern weaving, the Ashford Table Loom or Ashford 8 Shaft Floor Loom offer greater versatility.

Tools for Managing Uneven Yarn

When working with handspun, a high-quality shuttles like Louet Flat Stick Shuttles, the Schacht 15" End Feed Shuttle, or a Schacht Boat Shuttle help manage yarn flow. Your choice will depend on whether your yarn is traditional, textured or an art yarn.

On rigid heddle looms, the Ashford Vari Dent Reed allows you to adapt dent size to suit your yarn's variable thickness.

Techniques for Weaving with Handspun Yarn

Planning the Warp and Weft

Some weavers prefer using a smooth, strong commercial yarn for the warp to provide stability, reserving handspun yarn for the weft to showcase its unique beauty. This combination balances structure and artistry.

Handling Uneven or Thick-and-Thin Yarns

When working with variable yarn thickness, embrace its character. Position thicker sections strategically to add visual interest, and adapt your weaving technique to prevent overly dense or compacted areas.

Adjusting Beat and Tension for Stability

Use a light, consistent beat to maintain texture. Over-beating can flatten your yarn’s natural character, while uneven tension risks distorting the fabric’s final shape.

Combining Handspun with Commercial Yarns

When and How to Mix Different Yarn Types

Blending handspun with mill-spun yarns can give you the best of both worlds—structure from the commercial yarn and artistic flair from the handspun.

Balancing Texture and Pattern in Design

A plain warp of mill-spun yarn creates an ideal backdrop for a handspun weft, allowing colour and texture to stand out without visual competition.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Preventing Breakage and Managing Tension

Advance your warp frequently to minimise stress on delicate yarns, and handle warping gently to avoid over-tightening.

Fixing Uneven Edges and Selvedges

Using floating selvedges helps keep edges neat, while maintaining a consistent shuttle rhythm improves overall selvedge evenness.

Finishing and Care for Handspun Woven Pieces

Blocking and Washing Techniques

After weaving, wash gently in lukewarm water to relax fibres and even out the structure. The Unicorn Fibre Wash and Rinse Set is perfect for this stage—gentle yet effective on delicate handspun. If your handspun yarn is richly dyed or you’re concerned about dye bleeding, consider adding colour catchers to the wash.

Enhancing Drape and Texture

Light fulling or steaming can soften the fabric and bring out its natural drape.

Bring Your Handspun Yarn to Life in Your Weaving

Weaving with handspun yarn is a rewarding experience. With the right preparation—checking yarn strength, matching projects to yarn characteristics, choosing the right loom, and adjusting your weaving techniques—you can showcase every nuance of your handmade yarn. Each finished piece becomes more than just fabric; it's a tapestry of your skill, patience, and creative vision.

At Thread Collective, we’re thrilled to support you on your creative journey! We offer a fantastic range of sustainable spinning fibres, premium spinning wheels, versatile looms, and thoughtful finishing tools to help transform your handspun into something truly remarkable. Whether you’re spinning your very first skein or perfecting that final detail on a woven masterpiece, your craft deserves to be celebrated. Let’s make your handspun shine bright together!