Hand Carding Tools

The Ashford Classic Hand Carders measure 205mm (8") wide and 155mm (4 1/2") long for the paddle cloth. Including the handle and cloth, it's 250mm (9") long.

The Ashford Hand Carders are sold in pairs. This is because hand carders are also used in pairs when preparing fibres for spinning or blending coloured fibres in the traditional way.

If you are going to be working with large amounts of fibre, then a drum carder is more preferable. It 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 that when using a drum carder, your fibre must first be washed and clean of any dirt and impurities.

Hand carders are used to prepare and blend fibres for spinning or felting. They help separate and align fibres, remove debris, and create fluffy rolags that make drafting during spinning much easier and more consistent.

While not strictly necessary, hand carders give you control over your fibre preparation. They are essential if you’re processing raw fleece or want to create custom blends, making your spinning smoother and your yarn more uniform.

Yes. Hand carders are simple to use with a little practice. Beginners can start with basic carding techniques to prepare clean, manageable fibres, and build up to more advanced blending methods over time.

You can card a variety of fibres, including wool, alpaca, mohair, and even plant-based fibres like cotton. The type of carder you choose should suit the fibre — finer carding cloths are better for delicate fibres, while coarser ones suit robust wool.

Hand carders are manual tools used for smaller batches of fibre and offer precise control for blending and creating rolags. Drum carders handle larger quantities and are better suited for bulk processing, though they are a larger investment.

Yes. Hand carders vary in size, typically based on the width of the paddles and the density of the carding cloth. Smaller ones are ideal for fine work or small hands, while larger versions make quick work of bulk carding.

To keep hand carders in good condition, store them away from moisture and clean them regularly with a flicker brush or comb to remove fibre build-up. Avoid pressing too hard when carding to maintain the integrity of the carding cloth.

Absolutely. Hand carders are perfect for blending different colours of fibre to create custom shades. By layering and carding fibres together, you can achieve subtle gradients or bold mixes, ready for spinning.

Yes. Hand carders can be used to prepare fibres for felting by aligning them evenly and removing tangles or debris. This makes the felting process smoother and improves the overall finish of your felted items.

Orders are dispatched quickly from our Australian warehouse. Most customers receive their hand carders within 3–7 business days, so you can start preparing your fibres without delay.