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Fibre Preparation
Must-Have Tools for Fibre Preparation
Thread Collective offers a collection of carding and fibre preparation tools and equipment to help you prepare fibre for spinning. We offer a variety of wool carders for every fibre artist’s arsenal, one of the biggest collections of wool combs Australia has. From hand cards and drum carders to blending boards, we have a broad range of tools and equipment to get you started.
What is Carding?
Carding is the process of straightening out fibre in preparation for felting or spinning into yarn. Wool is typically used. The different wool carding tools include hand carders, drum carders, flick carders, e-carders, and blending boards.
These wool carding tools have different sizes and capacities, but one thing they have in common is the metal teeth that the fibres go through in the carding process. Once carding is finished, the fibre is then removed from the carder using a doffer, which is a long metal tool that separates the fibres.
Carding Terms You Need to Know
When you are new to the fibre arts, you are likely to come across new words. Here are a few that you need to know the meanings of.
- Batt
The term batt refers to fibre that has gone through a drum carder. It is usually in rectangular shape.
- Rolag
A rolag is a roll of fibre that has already been carded. This fibre is ready for spinning.
- Carding Cloth
A carding cloth refers to the base material to which the metal teeth of the carder are attached. It is usually made of rubber or leather.
Is there a way to buy replacement cloth for the drum carders?
Unfortunately, we do not sell replacement cloth for the drum carders. As it is specifically manufactured for drum carders, it's only sold as a part of the product. This is because the cloth is fitted onto the drum under special tensioning, making it an extremely durable drum carder.
- Teeth
In carding, teeth pertain to the metal bristle that is used to brush the fibres in order to straighten them out. The more teeth the carder has, the finer the carding will be.
Types of Carding Tools
1. Hand Carders
A hand carder also referred to as the carding brush, lets you prepare fibres in the traditional way. It is used in pairs.
2. Flick Carder
A flick carder is used to tease and separate fibres in preparation for spinning.
3. Drum Carder
A drum carder allows you to make large batts, easily prepare your fibres, and blend colours. It works by feeding fibre into the drum carder.
4. e-Carder
An electronic version of the drum carder, the e-Carder is equipped with gear-driven motors to speed up the carding process.
5. Blending Board
A blending board lets you easily blend fibres of different colours to create rolags for spinning.
6. Carding Combs
Carding combs are used to straighten small batches of fibre in order to prepare them for spinning. It is ideal for combing fine and delicate fibres.
Common Questions about Carding
1. What does the TPI in carders mean?
The carding cloth is measured by the TPI or the number of teeth per inch. Basically, TPI determines how densely the teeth are packed together in the wool carder. This is also referred to as PPSI or point per square inch. The higher the number, the more appropriate it is for carding finer and luxury fibres.
2. Do I need a drum carder instead of a hand carder?
If you are going to be working with large amounts of fibre, then a drum carder will make the process easier and quicker. A drum carder will allow you to easily and quickly create your own colour blends, produce rolags with gradient colours, or prepare large batts for felting.
It is important to note, however, that when using a drum carder, your fibre must first be washed and clean of any dirt and impurities.
3. Are hand carders sold individually or in a set of two?
Hand Carders are sold in pairs. This is because hand carders or carding bushes are also used in pairs when preparing fibres for spinning or blending coloured fibres in the traditional way.
Buy Carding and Fibre Preparation Tools Online
If you are looking for wool carders for sale in Australia, you’ve landed on the right page. Thread Collective offers a collection of carding and fibre preparation tools and equipment to help you prepare fibre for spinning. From hand carders and drum carders to blending boards, we have a broad range of tools and equipment to get you started. Choose from brands like Ashford, Louet, and Schacht for your fibre preparation needs.
If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to send us a message and we will be glad to assist you.
Read LessFrequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our products, orders, shipments, and payments.
For alpaca, merino, cashmere, cotton and other fine fibres such as silk, the recommended TPI (Teeth Per Inch) would fall into the "High TPI" category, which is in the range of 90-120. Processing fine fibres with a higher TPI helps produce ultra-smooth batts or rolags and minimizes the formation of "nepps" caused by breakages and tangles in these delicate fibres.
Please note that coarse alpaca can be carded using 72 TPI, but it would have to be done carefully and slower to avoid breakages.
Long answer:
When working with fine fibres like alpaca, merino, Corriedale, and Tussah silk, a carding cloth with a high TPI (Teeth Per Inch) ranging from 90-120 is recommended. These fibres, known for their softness and fineness, require a delicate touch during the carding process to maintain their integrity and produce high-quality end products.
The high TPI in this range ensures that the carding process is gentle, preventing breakages and minimizing the formation of "nepps," which are small knots or tangles in the fibres. This is crucial for maintaining the smoothness and consistency of the batts or rolags produced. The fine nature of alpaca, merino, cashmere, and Tussah silk fibres means that they are more susceptible to damage, and a higher TPI helps in handling them with care.
Working with a higher TPI carder allows for precise control and finesse in processing these delicate fibres. It enables the creation of ultra-smooth batts or rolags, which are essential for achieving a refined and luxurious finish in the final spun yarn or felted product. The reduction of "nepps" ensures a more even distribution of fibres, contributing to the overall quality of the processed material.
Please note that coarse alpaca can be carded using 72 TPI, but it would have to be done carefully and slower to avoid breakages.
In summary, choosing a carder with a high TPI for alpaca, merino, cashmere, and Tussah silk is a strategic decision that aligns with the characteristics of these fine fibres. It reflects a commitment to producing superior textile products by minimizing potential damage during the carding process and ensuring a smooth, consistent result.
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