PLY article index

The popularity of milk protein fiber has waxed and waned since its development in the 1930s. In this article, learn about its characteristics and how it spins both alone and in blends.

Could soy fiber substitute for silk? This article experiments with its qualities in blending and spinning.

Learn about the processing and sustainability features of processed bast fibers.

Bamboo for handspinners is commonly found as either bast or viscose/regenerated bamboo. How do they differ and is one an overall better choice?

How do banana and pineapple fibers hold up in prep and spinning, both alone and blended with other fiber types?

Ramie, a brilliant white bast fiber with good luster and strength, was known to the Romans and Egyptians and continues to be used by spinners today. Learn about its processing and fiber behaviors here, including some tips for successfully spinning.

Blending fibers is one of the most intriguing parts of handspinning. How can you incorporate lab-made fibers into your blending practice?

The term “synthetic” refers to fibers which are synthesized chemically, not reconstituted from existing polymers or extracted from formed fibers. Here is an overview of acrylic, nylon, polyester, and Ingeo corn fiber.

For this fiber study, we are exploring a nylon creation called “faux cashmere,” a versatile lab-made fiber.

Ecospun polyester is a fiber made from recycled plastic bottles. How does it behave in blending and spinning with natural fibers?

An exploration of Ingeo corn fiber, a chemically produced fiber.

Regenerative agriculture focuses on regenerating, not simply maintaining, soils and ecosystems. How do sheep play into that mission?

Can a spinner sign their work the way other artists do? Sure—if you’re up for some Morse code…

There is a comfort and peace in letting a fiber tell you what it wants to be or spinning loosely without a project in mind. Let this article introduce you to intuitive spinning and how you can accomplish it.

Wool testing laboratories are crucial to the global wool trade, allowing the industry to standardize, quantify, and render tangible a chaotic jumble of billions of fibers. Let’s take a closer look at what goes on in the world of wool testing.

You’ve been presented with a stash of mystery fibers: how do you figure out what you’re working with? Use some of these tests!

A deep dive on the fiber properties that contribute to perceived “softness.

Article describes the process of a spinning project that tests the lamb fleeces of two sheep breeds, Finnsheep and Tunis (not known for their next-to-skin wear), to discover their suitability for neck and shoulder knitwear.

Article defines the “prickle factor” and how we interpret it when considering which fibers we might want to wear next to our skin. The author then goes on to explaining the various considerations in fiber prep and spinning that can affect that prickle factor.

Article describes the yarn, using alpaca fiber, spun for the cowl pattern included in this issue.

Knitting pattern for a cowl, a snug-fitting collar in a decorative rib which will also keep your shoulders toasty. Uses three natural alpaca colors for colorwork design. Pattern includes charts.

Article describes ways to spin a fine fiber into a bulky yarn by spinning multiple plies to use the natural inclination of the fiber to be spun into singles with smaller diameters. The author provides tips for how to create a lofty yarn in this manner and uses several breeds as examples: superfine Merino, Polwarth, and Cormo.

Article describes spinning Rambouillet fiber into a multi-ply bulky yarn to make the cowl pattern also included in this issue.

Knitting pattern for a cowl that goes down over the shoulders using a bulky yarn. The pattern highlights the texture of the yarn and is worked at a looser gauge. Pattern includes suggestions for how to modify the pattern based on the yarn you’ve created: a version without colorwork, a version that is all colorwork, and modifications for different yardage. Pattern includes written instructions.