In this instalment we will talk about how knitting fibers are being spun. You would be surprised how many possibilities there are. To start with, all animal and all synthetic fibers require to be spun so they can become a yarn.
In preparation for the spinning process the fibers will be cleaned and combed to be as parallel as possible. The spindle on a spinning wheel or a spinning machine will do the same process, twisting the fibers in one direction and creating a yarn. The fibers can be twisted in two different directions: clockwise or counterclockwise. The industry calls this an S-twist or a Z-twist.
The result is a single Z-yarn or S-yarn. It can be twisted tight or loose. This graphic shows its structure:
To knit with a single yarn can be tricky. If the yarn is spun too tight it will make “piggy tails” and the knitted piece always wants to take on a diagonal shape. Sometimes this can be fixed by washing or blocking the piece.
SKEINO’s Paola Yarn is a single Z-yarn and it is perfectly twisted to be a great yarn with the most softness.
However most yarns in the industry are plied yarns, mainly 2-ply yarns. Two single S-yarns or Z-yarns are twisted together in the other direction to become a 2-ply S-yarn or 2-ply-Z-yarn.
The second twist always releases the “first yarn making twist” and this yarn will never piggy tail or give you any problems shaping a piece.
SKEINO’s Bianca, Gina, Sophia and Violeta yarns are 2-ply S-yarns and they are perfectly twisted to become a wonderful Lace, Sock, Fingering or DK yarn with the most softness.
Special yarns can be twisted several times. Usually they are twisted “back and forth” to create a cord-like or pearl-like look. These yarns are heavier in weight and knitting up worsted and thicker.
This “yarn tree” is the symbol of a multi twist yarn sample. Two single S-yarns are twisted into a 2-ply Z-yarn. Three of these yarns are twisted together into a 3-ply S-yarn.
SKEINO’s Francesca, Monica and Donna yarn are multi ply yarn’s and they are perfectly twisted to become a wonderful Worsted, Bulky and Super Bulky – Yarn with the most softness.
I hope you enjoyed this little explanation and that it was not too technical. For me as a designer this is what I work with every day and I love to do it. The way fibers are spun also determines by a great deal what we can do with them and that is what makes it so extremely important. As a designer you have to know your stuff in order to create pieces that are both beautiful and technically flawless.
Which is your favourite fiber to knit with? Do you prefer the singles, 2-plies or the special yarns? Let me know in the comment section!
…And as always: HAPPY KNITTING !!