How to ply yarn

 

How to “ply” yarn:

Why would you want to?

1.   3 different shades of the same color plied together

            will produce a yarn with subtle depth.

      2.   Yarn is weak and breaks easily.

      3.   Pattern calls for worsted weight (10 ply)

            and all you have is 2 ply.

      4.  You want to blend fibers.

Tools:

DPNs in wood or bamboo

(DPN = Double pointed needle)

Whittling knife

Yarn

Optional: a wooden bead or wheel on one

     end of each DPN.

Instructions:

Carve a notch in the end of a DPN.

Attach yarn to DPN with a half hitch knot.

Spin the DPN so the yarn winds tighter – much tighter – til it curls up on itself.

Holding yarn so it doesn’t curl up on itself, undo the hitch knot and wind the yarn around the spindle – (DPN).

With two or more full spindles in clamps so they will turn only when you pull on them, tie the ends together on another spindle.

Wind the spindle the opposite direction to spin the plies together – or let them relax and spin themselves, a little at a time.